Bucket Showers

It's Florida's hot season, so, this piece about beating the heat caught my attention. But, it seems to me that this isn't just a good tip for staying cool. It's a good idea for being on a boat and having limited access to running water. I've been hiding inside from the heat today, but, if I need to head to the marina to work on the boat, a hoseful of water over the head may be the way to go.

Primitive Hand-Washing Machine

A lot of people recommend the WonderWash for doing laundry on-board.

I have not tried it myself as yet, but, reviews seem to indicate that it's a good option as long as you remember a few things:

• Don't overload it.
• Use it in an area you don't mind getting wet.
• Refresh it every so often with a bit of vinegar.
• Don't use too much detergent.

I'm a fan of trying the cheapest and most low-tech option first, then scaling up. This Instructable for a primitive hand-washing machine showed up today. Worth reading for the wry humor, at least, as the instructions are pretty basic. Plus, I like their idea of having a second bucket with holes drilled in the bottom to use for a spin cycle. If this truly does get clothes clean, it also has the advantage of saving space. The canister can be used for other purposes in between washes.

I might give this a try with a few items of clothing to see just how well it works.

More Working Travel Options

While I can work online from anywhere, I also love the idea of having local work and volunteer opportunities. These seem like great ways to meet people while traveling and get an insiders' look at your destination.

I have come across a few websites that hooks up hosts and travelers willing to work. Some are for pay, others are volunteer opportunities:




Help Exchange

I'll just paste the site's description here, since it sums it up so well:

HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.

WWOOF 

Opportunities to work on organic farms all over the world. I've been wanting to do this for years.

WorkAway

This is another with a blend of paid and volunteer opportunities. Hosts include everyone from B&Bs looking for workers to individuals seeking pet sitters.

Cooking on a Boat

I stumbled across a great blog about cooking in a galley. She even has a book available for those who are going to be without internet.

The Health Dangers of Living in Small Spaces

The New York Times recently posted an article about some micro-sized apartments proposed to go in New York City. While a lot of what is discussed is only relevant to apartment living or living in a highly populous city, some of the concerns and advice could apply to people sharing the confines of a liveaboard boat, as well. In particular:

• Modular spaces where you constantly need to convert the room get tiring.
• Lack of privacy causes stress.
• We are happier when we have places that telegraph something about our identities.

The third concern is pretty well taken care of by the boat itself. Who am I? I'm someone who lives on their boat. But, when looking for a full-time liveaboard boat, it'd be good to keep in mind that the more work you need to do each day to make the space work -- say, collapsing the table to make your bed -- the more likely you are to tire of your new living arrangement.

This island sounds like the most charming place on the planet.

Home Canned Tuna

Home canned food sounds like it will be a valuable commodity to have during full-time sailing. A few people on the sailing boards have mentioned having to process large amounts of tuna. There is a great recipe and post about tuna on Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Kitchen. Her beautiful jars look delicious!