I always get philosophical after a cruise.

I logged 2062 miles, passed under 32 lift bridges, and transited 70 locks, all singlehanded. I had a great time and wanted to keep going until it wasn't fun any more. One day I will indulge that desire. But it wasn't an option this time.

I have only been home a few days but I am already noticing the effects of returning to my "normal" life. When cruising, the world is a fundamentally simple place. Only three things really matter:

(1) Is the boat functional? It's certainly nice if everything is working like it should. But on an older boat like mine, hours and miles and motion tend to take their toll and, despite routine maintenance, it is not uncommon for some things to fail. But as long as the hull and deck remain sound, the propulsion system works, and essential safety systems are intact, the loss of anything else is just an inconvenience. If it can't be fixed, it is possible to come up with an adequate substitute or do without.

(2) What's the weather going to be? In our shore based lives, we pay passing attention to the weather but it is rarely the central focus of our day. Most of the time, we do what we planned, regardless. Except for meteorologists and those threatened by an extreme meterological event, weather is relegated to the status of small talk.

When cruising, however, the weather is elevated to the status of big talk. If you have a choice, it is often the determining factor in whether you stay or go. If you go, many of the day's essential decisions -- such as when to leave, where to go, course to take, equipment to use, attire to wear, meals to prepare, and precautionary measures -- are based upon current and anticipated weather conditions.

(3) Are you healthy and competent enough and do you have the food, water, and other supplies you need to make it to your next destination? When cruising, you are living for the moment. Dealing with the "now" absorbs so much of your attention that you tend to block out the past, ignore the future, and forget about what is going on in the rest of the world. Freed from these distractions intruding upon your consciousness, you are able to experience the present to the fullest. On a good day, you feel both relaxed and ecstatic and find yourself thinking "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

But once the cruise ends, it becomes necessary to gear up to the pace and complexity of daily shore based living. The multitude of concerns and obligations that were left behind resurface and demand attention. You have to catch-up on new matters that have accumulated in your absence. And your thoughts once again encompass the months and years ahead.

Of course, whether simple is better is a personal view. Complex is often cheaper, faster, safer, and more comfortable. But simple can be more enjoyable and rewarding.