chasing bubbles

[Scott T-Bird]

I watched the documentary and while I was fascinated, I couldn't help but feel that the story couldn't be for real. So, I did a little reading on the back story and cruising blogs and it appears that this story is for real and Alex Rust truly was loved by all that knew him, no matter how briefly. This guy had personality and curiosity that was off the charts. I also felt sad for him in that he reminds me of the Neil Young song "Hurricane". I think he was like Teflon in that there was always so much heat around him but nothing sticks. There were obviously those who desired a deeper relationship with him but it wasn't possible with so much stimulus. The story is sad to me because I think he was lost but truly searching. I think he was searching with an insatiable desire for stimulus when he should have been seeking more tranquility. I think he knew that he was still missing something he once had with his father or missing what his father might have taught him. For some reason I connected with that story line because it parallels my own experience. I don't have a problem with the risk taking and placing others in potential jeopardy. They were all willing participants. Most were probably drawn to the heat. But I feel bad for those who truly lost a friend and a personality that they truly admired.

 

[LuzSD]

Scott, we see him exactly the same. well put, thank you.
Hurricane one of my favs!

 

[rgranger]

That was awesome! Thanks Freehillbillile

 

[jwing]

I've known a few people like Alex Rust and they were all deeply unhappy, even though their outward personality was highly charismatic. I find that being around people like that is fatiguing, mostly because the people with whom they surround themselves follow them so unthinkingly into situations that responsible people avoid.

In the big picture, I believe, there is a balance of fun/responsible behavior that maximizes enjoyment of life. That point is different for everyone, but I've never known a person who flamed brightly to have found the magical ratio. They are afraid of downtime, when the personal demons need to be held at bay.

 

[SFS]

That is so well said, jwing, and sadly so true for some (the demons I mean).

 

[LuzSD]

I also have known many like you describe Jwing, but i don't agree about Alex. He was one special special guy, and so much different from the average manic charismatic guy that we all know at some point. Putting him into any kind or ordinary box is not possible and I hope most can just appreciate what a unique and full person he was. Would I have gravitated towards him, no... not at all. But I am so happy he lived so freely. As Scott said, those who lost when his light went out have my sympathy.

 

[CloudDiver]

Not to be a kill joy, but why do so many lost souls even after adventures of a lifetime, wind up in some third world country looking for the meaning of life? The adventure was obviously funded by his residual cash that he felt guilty about earning after he left the grid. Yet he still could not find comfort in his own skin?
Happiness is found within. The diversions we partake in supplement the joy, not create it.
Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Eric

Eric,
That's a loaded question, and the answer is different for every soul because our experiences and perspective are as unique as our fingerprint. I don't claim to be any kind of Guru or Zen master of wisdom, but I can say that early on in life I came to the conclusion that all I ever really wanted was out of life was to know 'the truth'...
Lesson learned, be careful what you wish for. I've learned a great deal about the world and life in general (certainly not everything... yet, lol). What I have learned, honestly, is very depressing. I cancelled my Netflix account because I would watch too many documentaries and it was sucking the soul out of me.
I also learned 'a thing or two' about humanity from experiencing war... something I gotta live with (and so do many others).

You are right about happiness, one must discover it within. Over the last five years I've really examined and gotten over materialistic needs... I don't want to be owned by my 'stuff', and I'm certainly not interested in impressing the neighbors.
To me, life is about relationships and experiences. That's my 'way' these days.

 

[Gene Neill]

Eric,
I don't claim to be any kind of Guru or Zen master of wisdom, but I can say that early on in life I came to the conclusion that all I ever really wanted was out of life was to know 'the truth'...
Lesson learned, be careful what you wish for. I've learned a great deal about the world and life in general (certainly not everything... yet, lol). What I have learned, honestly, is very depressing. I cancelled my Netflix account because I would watch too many documentaries and it was sucking the soul out of me.
I also learned 'a thing or two' about humanity from experiencing war... something I gotta live with (and so do many others).

You are right about happiness, one must discover it within. Over the last five years I've really examined and gotten over materialistic needs... I don't want to be owned by my 'stuff', and I'm certainly not interested in impressing the neighbors.
To me, life is about relationships and experiences. That's my 'way' these days.

The wisest of all men once said that wisdom was meaningless, and that "with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."

He certainly would have known.

 

[CloudDiver]

So I finally sat down long enough last night to watch the entire documentary... Wow.
Many things have been said here and I'm sure across other forums about the lack of experience and risks, butI will reserve any of that save this... He was a lot better than those kids who made 'Hold Fast'! (he did buy and sail the cheap used Hunter 27 for some experience BEFORE buying the big boat and sailing around the world, I'll give him that much).
Otherwise, yes it was a very well made documentary and inspiring, I couldn't help but like the guy and I'd love to have gotten the chance to know him. Like Lurker said near the beginning of this thread, he "lived more in those years of cruising than 100 people will in a lifetime". I do envy him is some but I also hope that I'm more prepared and knowledgeable before I set out on a similar journey. I'd recommend this film to anyone, sailor or not.

 

[jssailem]

I do envy him is some but I also hope that I'm more prepared and knowledgeable before I set out on a similar journey.

Cloud diver. What's to envy. Didn't I recently see you talking being a grad student with a friend squeezing your arm. Sounds like you have a lot of good things happening.

 

[Ken Cross]

The one that really got me was no PFD's on board. I understand seeking adventure and even risk taking, but at least have the minimum legal equipment.

Ken

 

[LuzSD]

The one that really got me was no PFD's on board. I understand seeking adventure and even risk taking, but at least have the minimum legal equipment.

Ken

Yes I agree.. that was weird ... it stuck with me too.

 

[sailnewbie]

Living on the edge....had he done everything safe there'd be no story! I've watched it twice while drinking coffee in the mourning, luv it.

 

[CloudDiver]

Cloud diver. What's to envy. Didn't I recently see you talking being a grad student with a friend squeezing your arm. Sounds like you have a lot of good things happening.

I envy that he was able to live his dream while he was a young man... I envy his energy and his way of connecting with people, especially all the tribes he came across. That's the way I'd like to adventure, meeting the locals and learning the local ways not just stopping into the tourist destinations. I do have many good things going for me, but at the same time I wish I could head out now instead of having to wait until retirement age. I'm not angry at all that I have to put the work in and get my financial ducks in a row over the next 12 years, but I do wish I was so lucky to be able to do it earlier rather than later.

 

[sailnewbie]

That is his beauty, he could have sit back and done nothing for the rest of his life and not needed anything but instead he said F it lets play. Live it while you can!