FOCUS - OCTOBER 2018 3 ...................... Please turn to page 4 “You only live once. So don’t be complacent or erect barriers.” Mike and Andrea Bayer’s philoso- phy is simple, and one we all draw on from time to time. But for many, “liv- ing life large” may represent sampling an unfamiliar item on a favourite restaurant’s menu or travelling a dif- ferent route to a familiar destination. The Bayers, on the other hand, share a truly adventuresome spirit, seemingly without limitation. When pursuing their dreams, the couple – as well as their two children, Arya, who’s six, and Isla, four – are all-in. This October, the family will gather on the Caribbean island of Grenada. “That’ll be our starting point for a year of sailing,” Mike explains. “Eventually, we’ll head north to Florida in time to escape the ‘hur- ricane zone,’ when our insurance requires us to be out of Caribbean waters.” The idea has been percolating for some time, Andrea says. “Mike’s been chipping away with that one for 10 years,” she laughs. “The difference-maker was buying our own boat: psychologically, after a day of touring, I’ll feel like I’m coming home. That gave me a whole different perspective.” Serious preparations began 18 months ago. “We sold our cottage and bought a 46-foot catamaran,” Mike explains. “It’s large enough to offer some privacy, as well as host friends and family who’ve planned to meet us at various ports of call.” Family trip in the station wagon? Not for the Bayers! L-R: Isla, Mike, Andrea and Arya. ....... from Lake Scugog to sailing the ocean blue! MOOSE ON THE LOOSE . . . . . . . .