JOURNEY’S END: Time to Come Home

Posted by Keith on August 26, 2007 at 3:40 am  

Pattaya, Thailand
(Near Bangkok)

Time to Come Home

First and foremost, I want to assure everyone who has followed our journey that I am fine, and that my family is fine. There is no emergency bringing me home. No crises.

However, having crossed the vast Pacific Ocean, the Sulu Sea, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand; having visited Hawaii and seven countries since our April 1 departure from San Diego; having made many new friends along the way; and having enjoyed and shared with thousands of listeners and readers the adventure of a lifetime, I’ve decided to conclude our trip over the next couple of weeks and to return home.

Why is The Global Adventure’s journey coming to an end?

It’s simple: I miss my family. Despite their incredible continued support of this adventure, and despite the countless hours I have spent arguing with myself to the contrary, I can’t shake the feeling that I am missing a much more important adventure at home.

If we go any further west from here we would most likely need to complete our circumnavigation in order to return the ship to where it could eventually be sold. This would probably require an additional 18-month commitment due to seasonal weather considerations around the globe.

While every member of my family would support me if I continued the trip, I am electing to do my future world travels by plane, with them, and to capture that 18 months at home.

To bring the trip to a prompt and successful conclusion, my friend Dan Streech, President of Nordhavn, has recommended that we return to the Nordavn production facility in Xiamen China so that The Global Adventure can be spruced up and resold from there. For the record, not much sprucing up will be necessary. The Global Adventure is as Bristol as the day she left San Diego. In fact, she looks awesome.

Therefore, we will backtrack across the South China Sea; then head north well clear of the coast of Vietnam, and return The Global Adventure to where she was born, at the shipyards of Xiamen.

We hope to leave here — Pattaya, Thailand — in a few days to begin the 1800-mile trip to Xiamen – our last great adventure aboard The Global Adventure. The trip should take 10-12 days.

But it’s typhoon season here; and if our weather-routing service alerts us, we’ll duck into Vietnam, or into Hong Kong, or wherever, to avoid the excitement of 70-knot winds and 30-foot seas.

Captain Wolfgang Petrasko and Engineer Brian Wallace will be making the trip with me. Alida Christiansen, our fourth crew member, has already headed home.

I’ve Asked KFYI to End the Radio Show

After more than 18 years on Arizona radio – more than 16 years with KFYI, and two years with KTAR — I’ve asked KFYI to end our show after the September 2 broadcast. They may carry the show for an extra week or two. Or perhaps they’ll end the show immediately. That’s up to them. KFYI has been great to work with. I’ll miss them!

I love doing the show! But it’s time to turn the page – and to be home on Sunday mornings for a change!

Sincere Thanks

Some great people helped make this trip possible:

Gordon James of Gordon C. James Public Relations is not only a good friend, but a great PR representative. My thanks to him and to all of the great people he works with.

Tammi Gauthier is my administrative assistant back in Phoenix. Without her help life would have been infinitely more difficult for both Lynn and me.

Dan Streech and all the folks at Nordhavn have been beyond spectacular. If I started again tomorrow, it would be on a Nordhavn.

Smokey Rivers, Dan Garcia, Jason Wilmot, Doug Burkhizer, and Bryce Carmichael, to mention just a few of the great people at KFYI, have been tremendous to work with.

Chris Crump at Comrex, Steve Buckingham and Steve Griffin at KVH Industries, the folks at Medlink, the folks at Commanders Weather, and a long, long list of other professionals all made the trip possible – and safe. We are in their debt.

The Global Adventure’s Captain, Wolfgang Petrasko, is a serious seaman and a good friend. He has taken us safely half way across the globe; and I know he’ll make our final 1800 mile passage to Xiamen a success as well.

Engineer Brian Wallace was a late addition to the crew, starting in Majuro; and we could not have done it without him. He too is a fine seaman, and I’m very pleased and grateful to be traveling with him.

Rip Knot, Kate Chapman and Alida Christiansen also contributed as crew; and their help is much appreciated.

At each port of call we made new friends and were extended countless courtesies. To everyone who made each stop an immensely positive experience – thank you.

Each week I receive many positive emails from listeners and website visitors. I can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement. Many times I begin my day by reading your emails. They – and those who write them – make a huge difference. Many of you have written to say I was living your dream. I hope I have not disappointed you.

Having an audience with which to share his adventure made it all much more meaningful. It was always a pleasure to know that our shows, the photos and videos, and the articles were appreciated. Thank you all for listening and for visiting the website!

What the Future Holds

I’ll be sure to post at least one final dispatch when we arrive safely in Xiamen, and I do look forward to what will probably be our final, September 2nd, radio show.

After securing the ship in Xiamen, I’ll return to Phoenix. I hope to be home within about three weeks.

What’s next? Time with the family! In addition, I certainly want to do some investing based on what I’ve learned on this trip! Many other opportunities also present themselves. But I think I’ll wait until I unpack before I make any major decisions!

It’s the Journey…

Sitting here, looking over the Gulf of Siam (Gulf of Thailand) on a clear, hot humid day, I can honestly say I would not trade away a single moment of this journey.

But having come this far – half way around the globe – I’m reminded that it’s the journey, not the destination, after all, that matters most.

There are journeys occurring back home right now as well: The journeys of my two youngest sons, Sam and Mac, ages 14 and 11; of my adult children, Keith Paul, Chris and Laura; of my grandchildren, Marie, Nora and Anthony; and of my daughter-in-law, Kiley.

And then there’s Lynn. She’s waited five months now without complaint; and she was fully prepared to wait as long as it took for her husband to return.

We have a journey of our own to continue.

–Keith


Comments

44 Comments so far

  1. Josh on August 26, 2007 7:39 am

    Bummer Keith, I’ve really enjoyed your show both before and after you sold your firm. I’ve appreciated your insights and was hoping to continue to learn from your experiences.

    Would you consider keeping some sort of web presence for us to track your investing thoughts and to be able to contact you?

    -Josh (in Gilbert)

    Not at this time, Josh. But you never know. For now, however, it’s time to turn the page…

    Keith

  2. E. J. Waters on August 26, 2007 9:05 am

    Keith:

    Well done!!!

    Ed

  3. E. J. Waters on August 26, 2007 9:07 am

    Have a safe trip home.

  4. Bob Johnson on August 26, 2007 10:37 am

    Sorry to see it all end Keith.

    It’s been exiting.

    Good Luck..

    Bob J. in Tempe

  5. Alice Ray on August 26, 2007 12:13 pm

    Keith, I have looked forward to your Sunday morning show for years and have really enjoyed your reflections on the various countries you have visited. Thank you! Good luck, and God bless!

    Alice Ray (also from Ohio, Parma Sr. High, class of ’57.)

  6. Joe Louis on August 26, 2007 12:54 pm

    Thanks for the journey.
    Joe

  7. Don Ebey on August 27, 2007 12:49 pm

    Does this mean I can’t take a ride on your boat?

  8. Aldrich C Famisaran on August 27, 2007 4:17 pm

    Kieth, I followed your journey since I arrived here in Guam and you came close to our part of the world. I will miss your adventures. Blessings in your future plans and your new journey with the family.

    Aldrich, future nordhavn owner.

  9. John F. on August 27, 2007 9:02 pm

    Keith,

    It has been great keeping up with your Global Adventure, thanks for letting “us” tag along. However, it is your story – so turn the page and enjoy the rest of the book. You have lived a dream and are fortunate to have done so. May God bless you as you continue your journey.

    John

  10. Mike Barclay on August 27, 2007 9:24 pm

    Keith,

    I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know your son Chris during your journey and have enjoyed learning from your show.

    What a journey you’ve had.
    Safe Travels!

    Mike Barclay
    (Chandler, AZ)

  11. norma on August 28, 2007 12:26 am

    Keith,
    I’ve enjoyed your programs for years and especially this great adventure of yours. It’s been great and I’ll miss you.
    Norma

  12. Marian Panzer on August 28, 2007 1:49 am

    Keith – you have enriched the lives of many people while on this
    journey. Be safe and God Bless – you and the whole family.
    M Panzer – E Mesa

  13. Herb on August 28, 2007 5:10 am

    Keith,

    We are all so proud of you here in San Diego. We will certainly miss the site, the show, and the updates.

    Congratulations on a very succesful journey!

    Herb, Mary, Hope and Spencer Morgan
    PS The Diamondbacks are slipping and the Padres will take over the NL West by the end of next week!

  14. jim anderson on August 28, 2007 6:27 am

    Keith
    I was sorry to hear that your show is closing and you are cancleing your journey It sounds like you had a lot of things that were going against you ( safety, area un-rests, coruption dealing with fourgin government’s)

    I am sure that it took an enmorus ammonut of time, money and emitional energy to put this trip together- I admire you for taking on the project. You are a true Insperation to all baby boomers who are trying to live out there dream.

    I always enjoyed your show, I listened almost every Sunday, you always gave good insight to the investing public

    Good luck to you, and god-speed on your trip back to Phoenix.
    JIM ANDERSON

  15. Marc Clark on August 28, 2007 7:31 am

    Keith,
    My daughter and grandson have truly enjoyed your show as we drove to church each Sunday morning.
    It would be a blessing to see you in church each Sunday morning when you return from your voyage.
    God Bless you,
    Marc

  16. gregg spieler on August 28, 2007 7:32 am

    I found your comments as you traveled most interesting and I would like to do as you have done. I wish you and yours well and hope you are able to keep some communication with us.
    God bless & keep you.
    Gregg

  17. Jim and CJ Geil on August 28, 2007 8:07 am

    So sorry. It was wonderful to have a friend and a informed person be our guide. As I am getting older and older, I am finding that what you have realized is true. Their is nothing better than family and enjoying them. You are fortunate to have the time and opportunity to enjoy them as you will. Good Luck and Fair weather. Hope to hear from, and of you, soon.

    Jim & CJ

  18. Joan Johnson on August 28, 2007 9:13 am

    Radio just won’t be the same without you but I have a feeling that you will surface somewhere — it might not be for awhile but someone like you never really disappears — thank God! It’s been a great experience “traveling” with you and I am glad you made the decision to return home — it was the right one. Also, many thanks for all your valuable insights.

    One last comment: How about another try at politics?

  19. Marcita Ryon on August 28, 2007 11:33 am

    You will be greatly missed as I drive to and from church – have listened every Sunday over the years. I was for years a registered rep, BS in finance ASU and profited from your experience. And now we’ve loved traveling with you, both on KFYI and the net. Like others, I hope you continue a web and maybe talk radio presence- possibly more into political issues. We understood why you couldn’t go forward as a candidate when Lynn’s health was involved. But maybe now? Our country needs honest Republicans who have your knowledge! But you’re excused for a while as you resettle- don’t make it long.

  20. Richard Taylor on August 28, 2007 11:53 am

    I’m sad. I loved your adventure, but a man got to do what a man got to do. Good luck. I’ll vote for you if you run for any office. Can you say Gov DeGreen.

  21. Jim Helhowski on August 28, 2007 11:58 am

    You’ve been very helpful to me and, I’m sure many others. Sure will miss you on Sundays. Enjoy your time with the family. Good luck on any venture your decide on.

  22. Jack Horvath on August 28, 2007 12:01 pm

    Very sorry to see the trip end. My wife and I were with you every mile and enjoyed hearing your impressions of each stop. Will be sorry to see your radio show end. Safe trip home, we feel like we were with you the whole trip.

    Jack H.

  23. Jack howard on August 28, 2007 2:08 pm

    Keith,
    Sorry to see you leave the air. We have always enjoyed your show and your insights. Best of luck in the future

  24. Matthew Peirce on August 28, 2007 2:46 pm

    Keith, my father, a geologist, once told me that we are here for only a very short time. Don’t take things so seriously that you can’t enjoy the experience or experiment as he said. I’ve enjoyed listening to you all these years and your recent excursion. Thank you. The very best of wishes to you and your family.

    Matt

  25. Addison Pace on August 28, 2007 3:39 pm

    Keith,

    I applaude your decision to end the voyage at this time. There was still was a LOT of water to cover and you were already on the edge of some pretty tough oceans. Likewise, family does make a great incentive, and as you grow older you reflect on this fact. You would have missed a lot had you continued.

    You did everything right. Thanks for the ability to “arm chair” your progress westward, hitting some ports and countries that hold some great(and not so great) memories for me.

    Will miss your Sunday chats.

    Addison Pace
    Litchfield Park

  26. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:03 am

    Thanks Keith,
    I was listening to your radio broadcast from Sabu (sp?) and I was happy to hear that you do not like to invest in countries where the little folk are not treated very well.

    Here in the US, I think the little folk are spoiled rotten if you don’t mind my saying so.

    So split the difference and go for the gold. Mexico mining interests are always looking for funding and the Canadian Juniors are heavy into Mexico now for gold and silver exploration. Maybe you ship can stop in Mexico sometime and generate some interest in metal exploration in Mexico?

    Good to hear from you.

    Regards,
    Becca Miller

  27. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:07 am

    Hi Keith,

    It will be a sad day when you are no longer on the the air, thanks for the good times.

    John Dutton

  28. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:08 am

    Hi Keith, It is good to hear from you, BUT, I SURE DON’T LIKE IT THAT YOU WILL NOT BE DOING YOUR RADIO SHOW ANYMORE. WE REALLY ENJOYED THAT. IS THERE SOME WAY YOU CAN DO IT FROM HOME? THAT WAY YOU WOULD STILL BE WITH YOUR FAMILY, AND WE COULD HEAR YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON MONEY. COULD YOU DO IT ON ANOTHER DAY? OR SEND IN YOUR SHOW LIKE YOU DID FROM THE SHIP?

    YOU HAVE HAD A REAL LONG TRIP, PERHAPS WHEN YOU GET HOME, AND UNWIND YOU WILL FIND YOU STILL WANT TO DO YOUR RADIO SHOW…. I SURE HOPE SO

    THANKS FOR KEEPING US UP ON YOUR GLOBAL ADVENTURE. WE PRAY YOU WILL NOW DO A MORE HOME TYPE ADVENTURE, AND SEND US YOUR SHOW FROM PHOENIX…….

    YOUR NEW FOUND FRIENDS.. ROGER AND JANET HUTTON

  29. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:08 am

    Keith,

    Thank you for sharing your “Global Adventure” with your radio audience. You’ve done something that most cannot do. Be proud of your accomplishments.

    I can completely understand your desire to be with your family. I can only tolerate a 3-4 day absence from my wife and kids,(Ages 4 & 5).

    I’ve enjoyed listening to your radio show for most of those 18 years.
    I’ve learned a great deal from it.

    Have a safe journey home.

    Sincerely, Jon Bowman

  30. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:10 am

    Dear Keith:

    It would be difficult to put into words the excitement you have brought into my life, travelling with you on Sundays, and going to your Web Site throughout the week. Thanks a million times over!

    I pray that your health is still in top condition as well as
    that of your wife and your entire family.

    Of course I am disappointed that you will not be on KFYI in the future and trust you will be someplace in the valley and still very visible to your radio family.

    Thanks again for for so generously sharing.

    Marian Panzer

  31. Keith on August 29, 2007 12:11 am

    Thanks, Keith, for sharing your adventure with us. From reading your posts, and listening to your weekly broadcasts, I feel like I have had a member of my family reporting on his adventure.

    I am sorry to see it come to an end, but I understand. I think I would have bailed out when I got to Hawaii….probably wouldn’t even sailed the ship back to San Diego. But I admire you for what you have done.

    Phil

  32. Chris DeGreen on August 29, 2007 11:06 am

    Dad,

    Through your travels, Ive learned that every goal in life is an endeavor that we are constantly departing towards & arriving from.

    You seem to find adventure wherever you go.

    Send my best wishes to the LauraLynn and her crew.

    Love you,
    -Chris

  33. Gene on August 29, 2007 1:38 pm

    Keith,personally, I’am glad to see you terminate this trip for your sake.I have known you through the media from the beginning and find you to be one of the few personalities I know to be a “real”person.Come back,rest up and let us all start anew with your cogent views and charming and entertaining personality. Gene

  34. Kathy & Joe on August 29, 2007 2:15 pm

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventure with all of us. We especially like your closing words “we have a journey of our own to continue”. May God bless you, Lynn and your family.
    Kathy & Joe

  35. Barry Whipple on August 29, 2007 7:35 pm

    From an old friend…

    Keith, you may remember my wife Debbie and I from our friendship during Carl Horn’s classes, and Lynn and Debbie’s friendship. We enjoyed a day at Catalina together on your boat a few years back…

    I have been following your adventure and enjoying your Sunday radio program so much. In fact, envious may be the word that best describes my feelings for what you’ve been doing!
    Your honesty, candid commentary, photo’s, and video’s were outstanding. Although I will miss your program, I completely understand the desire to ‘sleep at home and fully engage in home life.’ As a career pilot with Southwest, I never knew what I was missing living on the road, until I retired last year.

    Would like to reconnect when you are back and settled in AZ!

    Take care friend, my best regards.

    Barry Whipple

  36. Keith on August 31, 2007 8:06 pm

    Hey, Keith.

    I did so enjoy your trip and learning about the countries you visited. I’ve enjoyed your radio broaccasts for many years. Even attended several of you investment talks at your office on Shea.

    However, your dreams were just too vast and the audience too limited. I will miss you.

    Come visit me some time; I would love it. I am on oxygen 24 hours a day. and your trip was my chance to see the world.

    Bill Welch

  37. Keith on August 31, 2007 8:07 pm

    Hey, Keith.

    I did so enjoy your trip and learning about the countries you visited. I’ve enjoyed your radio broadcasts for many years. Even attended several of you investment talks at your office on Shea.

    However, your dreams were just too vast and the audience too limited. I will miss you.

    Come visit me some time; I would love it. I am on oxygen 24 hours a day. and your trip was my chance to see the world.

    Bill Welch

  38. Keith on August 31, 2007 8:08 pm

    Dear Keith,

    I am somewhat saddened that your journey is coming to an end both on the high seas and on the air at KFYI. You’ve been our Sunday morning education and entertainment for many years. Your journey has been a great adventure for us and your listeners as well.

    Randy and I wish you the best in your future endeavors (perhaps another political run?). In the meantime, enjoy your family and live every moment as though there is no tomorrow.

    We will miss you.
    Leny Schreurs-Henry

  39. Judy Pavsek-Green on September 2, 2007 10:49 am

    Who knew people still do adventures like this. You are to be commended not only for this trip but all your years of investment advise and help.
    Heres hoping the next phase of your life is as much fun and interesting.
    Judy

  40. marsha on September 2, 2007 3:39 pm

    Outstanding radio show, I have been on your
    adventure and enjoyed your trip and all your
    advise for investments, always passing the
    information on to family and friends.

    Thank you for helping to make our life in
    SURPRISE AZ wonderful.
    Enjoy coming home to our wonderful state and
    your loving family and friends.
    Marsha

  41. Kassi Berg on September 2, 2007 9:56 pm

    Keith,

    No pressure at all, but we are expecting big things for the next chapter.

    All of our love from the entire Oceania TV and Roll ’em Crew,

    Kassi, Jeff, Mike, Jill, Spis, and Kaud

  42. Alby Wilson on September 2, 2007 10:43 pm

    Sad that the adventure is over it has been great following your trip and seeing the photos of all the fabulous places you have visited.
    Please pass on my regards to Brian Wallace (my cousin) from Alby and family in Australia
    Well done all.

  43. Jim Stahlman on September 3, 2007 1:03 pm

    Keith:

    I have to agree with Mr. Marc Clarks note of 08/28/2007, 7:31 A.M. He sums it up fairly well. I believe that had you thought this thru from a different angle, where you could have achieved your goal, had your family with you say on a “round the world Cruise Ship” with comfortable spacious surroundings and accommodations, you could have really enjoyed yourself, your family and, let someone else worry about the details. Probably would have even saved a lot of money also. I believe you could have achieved all your goals in this manor . I’m sure you could have even arranged your broadcasts from the Cruise Ship also. How you did what you did to me was for a wealthy single person with a lot of time and no personal ties or commitments anywhere. This could have been an adventure and education of a lifetime with relative ease that you and your family could have all enjoyed and profited from immensely.
    Best of luck. I have enjoyed and learned from your programs for over 4 years now. You will be missed by all.

    Jim Stahlman

  44. Ann Stone on September 5, 2007 2:01 pm

    Hope you enjoyed your journey as much as it sounds like you have. I have to be honest and say that I did not listen every Sunday, but the few times I was able to listen I found it very interesting. I definitely learned not to loose my passport in China, which had to be one of the biggest headaches you encountered, but the way you explained it and how the Chinese personnel work at the Passport office really had me in tears, laughing tears that is. Knowing you well, I could only imagine your frustration.

    I wish you well in all of your future endeavors and please give my best to Lynn and your family. Hopefully we will run into each other sometime in the future.

    Get home safe and best of Luck,

    Ann


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