Richmond, California – Michael Herz and Kate Josephs have chosen an unusual address for their daily lives. Their home sits on the water at Point San Pablo Harbor, where a single boat functions as both residence and workspace. The couple made the move after a shared experience prompted them to rethink their routines and settle directly on San Francisco Bay.
The Shift to Life on the Water
Herz and Josephs reached their decision following a psychedelic mushroom trip that encouraged a fresh look at their priorities. They left behind conventional housing and relocated to the East Bay harbor. The change placed them in the middle of the environment they wanted to explore more closely. The harbor setting offers constant access to the bay without the separation of land-based living. Daily rhythms now revolve around tides, weather, and the movement of vessels around them. This arrangement replaced earlier patterns that kept them farther from the water they aimed to understand.
Daily Routines Aboard the Vessel
The boat provides compact quarters that require careful organization of space and supplies. Cooking, sleeping, and working all occur within the same limited footprint. Residents adapt by keeping possessions minimal and relying on harbor facilities for support services. Weather plays a direct role in their schedule. Calm days allow easier movement on deck, while stronger winds or rain keep activity focused inside. The couple has learned to read conditions quickly and adjust plans accordingly. Neighbors in the harbor share similar experiences, creating a small community of people who have also chosen this form of living.
Turning the Deck Into a Workspace
The same vessel doubles as the base for their creative projects focused on bay history and conditions. Recording equipment and notes stay organized within the cabin, allowing work to continue regardless of location on the water. The setting supplies immediate material through direct observation of tides, wildlife, and passing boats. Proximity to the subject matter removes the need for separate travel to gather details. Sounds of the harbor and changing light throughout the day become part of the background for their efforts. This integration of home and work reduces the usual separation between personal life and professional output.
Key elements of their setup
- Full-time residence on a docked boat
- Workspace integrated into living quarters
- Direct access to San Francisco Bay conditions
- Adaptation to harbor weather and tides
Why This Arrangement Appeals
The choice reflects a broader interest in simpler, more immediate connections to coastal environments. Many visitors to the region notice the cluster of boats at Point San Pablo Harbor and wonder about the people who stay year-round. Herz and Josephs represent one example of how such living can support focused work without traditional office or home boundaries. Their experience shows that unconventional housing can align personal goals with practical daily needs. The harbor continues to attract others drawn to similar trade-offs between space, cost, and access to the water. For those considering travel along the California coast, the sight of these floating homes offers a reminder that living arrangements near the bay can take many forms.
