Vagabonding Field Report: getting ready to sail the seas on the Oliver Hazard Perry

Currently, I am in Newport Rhode Island getting ready to sail on the Oliver Hazard Perry for the next five months. The ship is in the final stages of getting ready to sail. It is a massive 280 foot long tall ship named the Oliver Hazard Perry.

Cost Per Day

Newport can be expensive if you are eating seafood every meal or shopping at the luxury stories that are in this area. However, right now I am spending next to nothing.

On average I am spending $20 a day.

Describe a typical day:

Currently, I am in Newport Rhode Island getting ready to sail on the Oliver Hazard Perry for the next five months. The ship is in the final stages of getting ready to sail. A typical day for me is wandering around Newport, meandering inside the small shops, enjoying the smell of the ocean from the Harbor and walking admiring the small town feel and charm of Newport.

Describe an interesting conversation you had with a local:

A few days ago at a bus station, I struck up a conversation with a girl. She asked why I had a backpack on and where I was heading. I told her about my travels, and it turned out she was a traveler as well. We had both been to many of the same cities, sights, and even hostels around Europe and Asia.

For the next hour, we talked about foods all over the world, scuba diving, rock climbing, and cities that we loved. It goes to show just how small the world is and how people from complete different backgrounds share the same love of traveling.

What do you like about where you are? Dislike?

I really like the ocean and the small town feel of Newport. The whole city seems small and quaint, yet, because of the water it feels very open and alive. I love the small shops, the delicious seafood, and the friendly atmosphere. It is one of those towns where everyone feels and acts as if they have been friends for years.

Describe a challenge you faced:

Right now, a challenge has been balancing travel with family. My grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago. While I made it home before she passed a day after the funeral, I left again. While my family was urging me to get back on the road, I cannot help but feel a little guilty for taking off so soon during this time of grieving.

What new lesson did you learn?

I have realized more and more this last month that life is an adventure, and time does not stop. I gained a better understating that following my dreams to the fullest this moment is the most important thing I can do.

Where next? 

Next I will be sailing and working as a deck hand on the Oliver Hazard Perry. It will be an extreme, and exciting adventure.

Stephen Schreck run a travel blog, and is an adventure junkie. You can follow his story and tales on Facebook, Pinterest and Google +.