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Emily, “there’s a naked guy next to us, you gotta check this out!” As she came up on deck all she saw was the splash as he dove into the frigid San Francisco Bay water. Shrinkage was the first thing that came to mind. As I got to know this Canadian and his family, I learned his many life stories and experienced a few myself. Once I found him working in his tight engine room bare naked. I suggested he move before turning over the engine as his manhood was in close proximity to the moving belts. Many miles down the coast in Bahia Santa Maria

 I found myself with time on my hands during a 3-day blow and the song seemed to write itself. The “Naked Canadian” was the easiest song I ever wrote, its all true. Both the real Naked Canadian and the song have become cult classics in the Baja cruising community.

“Chasing a Dream” is different, it’s a story but not about a person, what is it about?
Its about what we are doing as cruisers – we’re the ultimate dreamers.
 
Tell me about “Two More Cervezas”, despite its title it has nothing to do with drinking does it?
No. It is about what I was feeling. I had built my boat, quit my job and sailed off to Mexico. The U.S. had just been bombed by terrorist and everywhere there are cameras in the air looking at us. Our privacy was being invaded. People were willingly giving up their personal rights, the very basis of our country. “Two More Cervezas” is simply the hook, the song is about personal freedom. 

All the songs on “The Ocean is a Woman” CD have a full band except for one.“Life of a Seaman” is just me, my guitar and harmonica. I walked up to the microphone and did it in one take. It was the last song we recorded. 

You have a slideshow on your CD, that’s unique from other nautical oriented music CDs, how did you come up with that idea?
Yes, that was a great idea, visionary in fact. I had to convince my partner as they are her photos. After many ferocious arguments I finally won. It’s a collection of photos of our voyage from San Francisco to Baja accompanied by descriptions and song lyrics. 
 

You have a nude woman on the cover of your CD, tell me about it.

Emily and I had an anchorage with a beach to ourselves. All cruisers know that’s an opportunity to get naked. So we did. Emily went in the water for a cool down and like any red-blooded man I dove for the camera and proceeded to snap shots. I was only taking the photos for my personal enjoyment. I didn’t take it with the CD in mind. Later, when we made the CD, it was the natural choice for the cover. 
 
Nudity seems to be a theme in your CD. You have another unique photo on the inside of your CD package, a nude man.
Ya, that would be the Naked Canadian doing his impression of the Titanic pose.
 
Cruising is a life many people only dream of, what do like most about the lifestyle? 
The self-sufficiency of the lifestyle. The traveling and adventure. The camaraderie with other cruisers. Also it’s good for writing songs and playing music. 

After 2 years of cruising Baja, what is you favorite thing about Baja?
The contrast of the ocean and the desert, the water sports, fishing and diving, and I love the Mexican people.
 
Do you have plans for another CD?
Yes, I am currently writing and recording preliminary tracks.
 
Why Travis of Mystery Tramp? It’s unusual, why not use you last name?
Because as a cruiser you are known by your boat name. I would like to clarify, I am not the Mystery Tramp, the boat is Mystery Tramp. I am Travis of the sailing vessel Mystery Tramp and so Travis of Mystery Tramp. 

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For more information about Travis of Mystery Tramp and his CD, “The Ocean is a Woman” visit www.mysterytramp.com. “The Ocean is a Woman” CD is available at mysterytramp.com, CDstreet.com, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com where there is currently a discount if you buy 2 or more. It is also available at Downwind Marine in San Diego. 
 
Our thanks to: Emily Hansen is an artist, photographer, writer and cruiser.  She is also founder of Mystery Tramp Records (www.mysterytramp.com; mail@mysterytramp.com).