Who Needs a Television Set?

The view from here is just fine

A summer view of the bay, my backyard. Photo credit: Catherine Dunn-Gilbert

I don’t really need a television set. I have a window on the sea. I can look out a porthole, climb up to the wheelhouse, or out onto the deck of the boat and see the world. My world, my waterworld. It changes daily. The weather, the season, the boats who come and go. Living on a boat has its advantages, especially here on the west coast of Canada. To be clear, we live in a small space. Only a few dozen books at any time. Not as many clothes or shoes as most people would like to have in their closet. Room for overnight visitors in our living room but not comfortable enough that they would want to stay for long. (We consider that a plus).

My home. Photo credit: Catherine Dunn-Gilbert

In the summer the view begins with the sunrise and ends so many hours later with incredible sunsets. And in-between, the bay surges with activity. Powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards go by. Indigenous canoes and paddlers swiftly cross the water, colourful and loud with their chants.

Choosing to live on a boat is a lifestyle choice. There is of course freedom which means we can untie and leave the dock. For us, there was also the financial incentive of lower costs than…