Today was one of those days where the sun hits hard and the wind seems to take a holiday. We set out early from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, for what we hoped would be an adventurous 4.5-hour sail to Vieques. But with no wind in sight, we were left with no choice but to motor the entire trip. The hum of the engine became our background music, but the scenery more than made up for it.

The ocean was alive with color. Shades of blue and green swirled beneath us, each one more mesmerizing than the last. Even after a year of living aboard, these moments still take my breath away. There’s a certain peace you find out here, even when the day isn’t going quite as planned.

We’d never been to Vieques before, so we were extra cautious as we navigated our way in. No surprises today, just a steady pace and sharp eyes on the charts. When we finally anchored, a feeling of excitement hit me. It’s funny how even after a year, that thrill of arriving somewhere new never fades.

After securing the boat, we headed to shore, eager to explore. The beach was quiet, serene, almost untouched. As we walked along the waterline, I stumbled upon the most beautiful shells I’ve ever seen. Each one felt like a tiny treasure, a reminder that even the simplest days can bring unexpected joys.

Living on a boat can feel isolating at times. You wonder if you’re really contributing, or if your experiences matter. But today, I realized something—I may not be changing the world, but I’m living a life full of moments worth sharing. Maybe that’s enough. Maybe that’s something.

So here I am, sharing my day with you. And if you’re curious about what it’s really like out here—whether it’s calm seas or wild storms—you can check out my husband’s YouTube channel, @DD214veteran, where we document our sailing life. We might not have all the answers, but we’re figuring it out one day, one wave at a time.

Sea U Next Time