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feediving and a sense of wonder in the sea

A Sense of Wonder – The Sea, Sailing & Saying Goodbye

There are very few experiences that can top a good day of being on and in the sea.  It’s the stuff novels and movies are made of.  Scenes I never dreamed would be my reality.

Sail into any port here in French Polynesia and I dare you not to pinch yourself.  I have said it before and it’s worth repeating: the landscapes alone are worth crossing an ocean to see.

 

sailing up to moorea french Polynesia

 

So, you can imagine that dropping the hook in such a striking place, and then slipping into the ocean is like entering another world.  It sparks a sense of wonder that is highly addictive.

It’s our last few days with mom on board and I think it’s safe to say, she is hooked.

Also, consider this your fair warning, we can’t be held responsible for any wanderlust sparked after hitting the play button.  Because these are the dreamy days that keep us going when we’re up to our elbows in boat work or parked in front of our laptops for 12 hours straight.

 

 

I don’t know what that was like for you, but every time I watch I am a bundle of sentimental feelings.  It tugs on my heartstrings and creates a longing to replicate the experience with every family member I have…and then some.

I want to bottle up the day she arrived, when the first whale breached, to being eaten by mosquitoes in a Jurassic world, all the way to the last sherbet colored sunset.  I want to bottle it up and pass it around like it’s free moonshine at Burning Man.

 

Sherbet Colored tropical sunset in tahiti

 

Because days like these are food for the soul.  These are the moments and the memories that make the hard work, sacrifices and dollars spent, worth it.

So, tomorrow when we are elbow deep in editing, cracked fiberglass, rusty bolts, delaminating windows, leaky hatches, moldy ceilings and a dead refrigerator.  We’ll have these moments playing on repeat, reminding us what we’re working towards.

 

family sailing and SUP adventures in the south pacific

 

family sailing adventures in the south pacific

 

nikki wynn freediving adventures in the south pacific

 

jason wynn freediving adventures in the south pacific

 

mom freediving adventures in the south pacific

What about Nikki’s Family?

That is the question we’ve received ever since Mary arrived.  So, for those who don’t know…here is the short story:

I haven’t seen my mother since I was three.  I don’t know much about her other than she struggled with drugs and was a magnet for trouble.

My father was a wild child as well, but I had a rock-solid grandmother who raised me and is responsible for the person I am today. Her name was Loydas and she passed away many years ago (but is with me every day).  I have a sister, Brooke, who is ten years younger than I am.  She is working hard to grow her photography business and is a single mom.  So, escaping to visit us is not really in her budget (time-wise or monetarily).  Thank goodness for facetime and whatsapp!

I am close with my extended family but haven’t been able to convince any of them to visit us yet (you know how it goes, short on time and money). We did join my aunt and uncle for this fun adventure though: gonewiththewynns.com/halloween-hackin

Other FAMILY ADVENTURES

Jason’s family is an adventurous bunch and we’ve created a lot of memories together over the years.  Here are some worth checking out:

 

Thank You!

Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you.  If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support.  Thank you for being a part of the journey.

 

RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO

Sailing Specific Gear

 

Internet On A Sailboat

 

Camera Gear

Freediving / Snorkeling Gear

Music for vids

  • Source: http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw
  • Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Oliver Michael / Ziv Moran / Phototaxis / Muted

 

SAILING REPORT

To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: gonewiththewynns.com/map

sailing and adventure map of moorea french polynesia

  • Dates: August 9 – 11, 2018
  • Nautical Miles Sailed:  14  Moorea to Tahiti
  • Anchorage: Marina Taina,Tahiti, French Polynesia

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (52)

  • Mark of SJC

    You all are amazing ~ thanks for sharing.

    I couldn’t help but think about Nikki’s voice over about rainy days ~ how it makes a boat seem small. I was wondering if the boat felt smaller than an RV on a rainy day?

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  • Rick Ferguson

    Moorea looks lovely. I will be there in April. Do you know if you guys will still be in FP by then or will you be moving on?

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  • Don Houdek

    I want to thank you both!!!! I have an Exercycle set up in my HomeOffice and a big screen TV above my desk. Each “ODD” hour of the day, (9AM through 7PM) I get your next sailing video up on the TV and I ride until I burn up 100 calories. The last 147 days of 2018 I rode for 612 miles, burned 36,000 calories for an average daily 450 burned calories. Now we are in 2019 and so far, I have burned 14,700 calories and rode for 250 miles. I would have more miles, except I had caught the flu. Do I need to ride this often, I am 6’2″ and weigh 196 pounds, in good shape but want to stay this way. I have gone through all you sailing videos at least once and have bookmarked my favorite ones which I watch again.

    Thank you, and I look forward to each Sunday morning’s, or whenever I get the notification, for your next video.
    Don

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  • Pamela at Sagebrush and Beyond

    I followed you when you were RVing. Thanks you and Jason at have a nature’s head composting toilet and solar in our RV. You lost me when you decided to switch to sailing. Last fall I watched one of your sailing videos and fell in love with You and Jason all over again. I binge watched your videos until I caught up now I can hardly wait for Sundays to roll around!
    Nikki I to was mostly raised by my grandmother for the same reasons as you. I think it makes us stronger. Thank you for sharing your lives with us! Looking forward to your next video!

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  • Capt. Dick

    I have loved your videos from RVing days to now. We sail the NC Outer Banks (Graveyard Of the Atlantic). Consider this a tough love comment as many people are commenting about your safety. One day a crew member threw my favorite pillow over board and said this is a man overboard drill. If you haven’t done this you should try and single handling get the pillow before it sinks. I put netting around my lifelines and always wear a life jacket when going topside.

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  • Roger B

    Those long long fins, the photo that shows your feet together, blended your fins into one image that created your image as a mermaid. Great photo.

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  • Rich Dellinger

    Honest question for Nikki… does nothing ever get you down? You seem absolutely unflappable. Your positive attitude and cheery outlook even when getting battered by a storm are just amazing and inspiring.

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  • Ken Washington

    I will have to admit I’m a big baby at times! I wanted to cry for you when mama had to leave! You guys and just the best! I can tell mama and all of your family are good people and are proud of you! Thanks for sharing your life with me and your followers! You are truly are living the “Good Life”! Be Safe!

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  • Kay T

    Hey guys ! Another great vidieo. It’s looking a bit familiar. I wish we had been able to do some sailing. But I know that’s the way it goes. Maybe next time. Loved watching you guys enjoy each other’s company. So fortunate to be able to show her some of the beauty that Tahiti has to offer. Both above and below the waters surface.

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  • Roger Steen

    Jason — the shot of Nikki underwater, arms outstretched (at the top of this post) is my favorite of all the photographs I’ve seen on your blog. Excellent and artful!

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  • David Burnett - 'Sharing Life'

    You write well Nikki – very well. Full of emotion and empathy for the subject, your environment, and the people you interact with. Your warmth and openness – the personal perspective that is made available to us all, is appreciated. We see you two as very genuine, and human, and just bringing us along on your adventures, rather than trying to impress and titillate with what many seem to consider ‘what the market is looking for’. We like that, as it seems many others do. We hope that more discover you guys – and decide to support your work through Patreon, as you certainly deserve it.

    You made mention of delaminating windows – I hope the last one you worked on is holding now, and that the other is going to hang in there long enough for me to give you a hand with as I promised (just don’t come to Australia or New Zealand May-July – we will be in the Med :).

    As to your comment on struggling with grammar – it certainly doesn’t show, and the fact that you mention it is a strong indication of your awareness, and therefore resolve to ensure your grammar is indeed always correct. Especially in these times, that is very commendable, and a great example to many.

    Keep on keeping on you two – you are setting a fine example, and inspiring many.

    David & Karen – SV Te Anau

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  • Alan Solomon

    Excellent video as always.
    Those are huge flippers you are using. Almost half your size. Quick and agile.

    Jason, maybe the reason it is not as sad to see Mom go home this time, is because you are in an incredible place and you know you have Nikki with you. Two big reasons to smile. I think it may have been more difficult for your Mother. I enjoy your videos.

    Thanks, Safe travels,

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  • Judy Lester Goodson

    This was a great video
    . Your mom is such a good sport, Jason.
    Loved the whales!

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  • Luke

    Love following your adventure! Keep doing your thing!

    PS: Your videos beautiful, thoughtful, and very professionally done!

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  • Deborah Kerr

    Beautiful work – beautiful paradise – beautiful family !! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    reply
  • Lynda

    Another ahhhh-mazing Nikki & Jason video…thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Question for Mary, I absolutely LOVE the tank top you wore when sitting with Jason for Nikki’s ‘interview’. I’m off on a Caribbean holiday soon, please share!

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      • Lynda

        Thanks, Nikki!

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  • Peter King

    A really lovely story Nikki and it’s a privilege to follow you both on your escapades. It’s the hardships that makes a great sailor and these are reinterpreted by all the beauty that you encounter. God bless you both and those who sail with you. Thanks for taking me on this wonderful ride.

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  • Don

    We watch all of your tapes and enjoy them very much. We watched you buy your first RV on the TV this week. You two sure were young then.

    reply
  • Pam McClure

    Oh my but those Rays were wonderful. Glad you had a wonderful visit. Ah yes wanderlust. I’ve got it. I’ve had it. Hard to reconcile when I’m lazy lol. My traveling is quite different nowadays and very infrequent. I do like change it seems. Wish I were younger sometimes with choices to be made and a life to be lived. Thank you for showing your part.

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  • Gayle Cooper

    Although I was well-cared-for, I had an amazing grandma, too, who saved me from my mother’s massive indifference. If I had a boat, I would name it after her. “The Mildred.” Well … only if it were a tugboat, because that what she was! Her middle name, Lillie. So I’m thinking I’d live aboard and name my boat “The Lillie Pad.” You encourage me to dream! Thx!

    reply
  • Martine

    Great video as always. Definitely tugs at the heart strings.

    I second Kristin’s post. Would love to know where you got rashie?? Have never seen one like that.

    Can’t wait to see next video.

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      • Martine

        Thanks 🙂

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  • Michael Magill

    HI Jason, Hi Nikki , another amazing video we get every week. I was so sad to hear Nikki tht you have no parents and that your Grandmother raised you, Well didn’t she do one unbelievable job in that. I was also surprised that ono of your extended family have taken the opportunity tov join you on your adventures. It can’t be that expensive to visit, a Plane ticket and a few groceries when u land. With all the low rates of interest and cheap fares in Airlines, can’t be that bad. There loss to be sure. If I was offered not much would hold me back. the pictures I enjoy the most is you seemingly floating in water just there motionless, and your drone pictures you send back. Jasonand you make all your videos seem effortless and its not, it takes hours of editing and its timie consuminmg, but I thank you so much for keeping us in the loop. Safe Skies , clean weather and low waves to you both…

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    • Curious Minion

      Well, don’t forget that it’s also about time and that hurdle’s much bigger. If you have kids it can be difficult to schedule and pull off a vacation. And if you only get 2 weeks a year for vacation it can be tough to get in family visits as well as scheduling getaways with your own S.O. and kids.

      reply
  • Konstantinos

    You are both fantastic. Just discovered your channel a couple of days ago and your life story is so inspiring. Wish you the best …loads of love from a fellow wannabe nomad 🙂

    reply
  • Laura

    Another fabulous chapter in the Wynn’s story. Thank you for sharing.

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  • mary vancompernolle

    It was nice having coffee with you this morning! Although I feel sure your coffee was much better than mine. In my mind, I was there taking in the warm air reliving the time we had together all over again.

    Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful journey.

    Be safe! Love you and miss you so very much!

    reply
    • Curious Minion

      Hi Mary! This video was so nice and reminded me of when I met you and got to spend time with you & Aunt Cindy in Alaska. Good memories! You raised an amazing kid and he picked an amazing life partner. Hugs!

      reply
  • Theresa K

    I can relate to growing up in a not so wholesome family. Mine is as bad as yours sounds. My way of handling it was to make a “brand new family” when I got older, a thought that started the day my father was arrested again, on my 11th birthday. I have 6 daughters. And 10 grandchildren so far. And today, I travel the country in our 40’ MH as full timers, with my man of 14 yrs, Rick.
    Love following you, have since you were RVers. (Just saw you two on ‘Goimg RV’). I guess cuz I can relate, I never thought to wonder about your family. I often share your videos to my daughters. Have you a cookbook out of all your recipes ? Would love to have it!
    Look forward to all your videos!

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  • Kristin Hanes

    Hey what are those awesome clothes you are wearing when you’re diving? I like to keep the sun off my skin as much as possible. Thanks!

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    • Curious Minion

      Hey Kristin. You can google Swim Shirts or SPF clothing and a bunch of options will pop up for you. I think Nikki often wears regular leggings just for a little extra warmth, but dive skins are another option. They provide more warmth and are sunproof.

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      • Kristin Hanes

        Thank you! I’m happy to see you guys using and advocating sun protection that isn’t sunscreen 🙂

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  • Scott

    I salute your courage not only as you explore the world but also as you explore the equally challenging geography of self, relationships, and family. And I thank you for your courage and dedication in revealing all those voyages to us. I recently came upon this quote by George Bernard Shaw. (The actor Jeff Goldblum shares it often as a raison d’etre.)

    “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

    I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

    I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

    Thank you for shining your light on us.

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    • mary vancompernolle

      That is so strange that you mentioned this quote. One of my friends shared this with my yesterday. 🙂

      reply
  • Dom

    “I want to bottle up the day she arrived, when the first whale breached, to being eaten by mosquitoes in a Jurassic world, all the way to the last sherbet colored sunset. I want to bottle it up and pass it around like it’s free moonshine at Burning Man.”

    With the “magic” of your videos and YouTube, we all get to share in this adventure – over and over – as many times as we want to hit replay. Thank you, Jason and Nikki.

    reply
  • Cathy and Mark —Scottsdale AZ

    Hello Nikki and Jason, My husband and I enjoy your videos so much. We love your adventures and your openness in sharing your joys and challenges. This is the first time I’ve made a contribution. Though small…we hope it will add up with other contributions. Thank you for bringing your adventures to life for us in such a professional and creative way! We hope others give too!

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      • Cathy and Mark

        So happy to be a part of your journey!

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  • Danny Lee White

    Fun and exciting its not the destination its the Journey.
    I kept sll the Boat Jornals when We traveled about in The Dan Juan Islands.
    Now afyer selling the house and Bost We travel about in our RV .
    We are now in Pensacola.
    Thank you for your share of travels.

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  • Jim Ege

    Thank you for sharing your lives and adventures. As the Michigan winter continues I look forward to Sundays with anticipation to watch your newest installment. I sip my Berres Bros. Wisconsin coffee and enjoy each moment while the snow and cold fade away for a few minutes. Your insights and candor are amazing.
    I have shared your adventures with my friends some now follow you too.

    reply

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