World sailor, recently widowed, familiar with alternative technology, looking for land and animal time. Long or short term. Presently "Van-abonds".

About this sitter

My dear husband passed away on July 29,2023, after 9 weeks in hospice care. So now I am a solo sitter. However my story remains. We are sailors who have, since 1987, traveled the world's seas on our 24 foot engine less sailboat and our present sailboat a 41 foot ketch rig, Beau Soleil. We are hoping to sell her soon to someone wishing to go on adventures on the sea.
My interests are gardening, animals and repairs. I like hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, exploring new places and riding bicycles. And taking good care of your home and animals while you are away.

Why they want to house sit

My life is going through changes. I am able to move about the country in my van and care for pets and homes in new places. Being house/animal sitters will give us a base to work out my next adventure. And give us an opportunity to experience different parts of the country. Who knows I may end up being your neighbor.

Their experience

Yes. Last year my husband and I had six sitter jobs in the Northeast of the states. One job we took care of four cats. The next one dog and three cats. The next home had two active dogs and two laid back cats. The fourth home had a big cat and a sweet older dog. Number 5 was a narrow home with three BIG dogs. Lastly, we minded a dog who was hard of hearing.
We have been a house sitter for a home in Roatan, Honduras. 2008-09
We house sat and minded a greyhound on Water Island, United States Virgin Islands in 2007.
30 Years ago, we took care of Mike's parents home while they traveled. A dog and garden needed care. At this time, we had a home handyman business in San Diego.
There is always something to fix if living on a boat. We try to repair our own issues, be it woodwork, fiberglass, painting, plumbing, electrical or mechanical.
We had the pleasure of a female Jack Russell, Ilia, for 15 years on the boat.
All this is old hat.
Presently I am living with 3 dogs, a poodle, a golden lab and a great Dane. There is a mother-son team of cats too.

What can they bring to the assignment

Versatility, patience, gardening skills, food preparation, carpentry skills, painting skills, concrete laying, clear communication, love of animals be they cats, dogs, goats, horses, hamsters, or others. Familiarity with organic gardening and permaculture.
Boat life for us has been off grid. I am familiar with composting toilets, living with solar power, and conserving water.