Boat Bliss, Seaside Strolls and Scones!

Day 7: Boat Bliss, Seaside Strolls, and Scones Ahoy in Eastbourne!

After a night where the wind and rain put on a rather dramatic performance, we awoke to a calmer, if still slightly damp, Eastbourne. Undeterred, Pepper and Tracey braved the lingering elements for a good, long morning walk along the seafront. It was a peaceful start to the day, with only a few early birds about, including the industrious contractors busy at work in the Outer Harbour. They were tackling the task of replacing the navigational buoys, temporarily removed during the recent dredging – essential work keeping the maritime pathways safe!

A charming little vignette unfolded as we passed a group of fellow dog walkers, their morning constitutional complete, enjoying a final chat before heading their separate ways. Our little Pepper, ever the social butterfly (or rather, doggy socialite!), was in her element, though she looked hilariously petite next to the patient Labradors and stately Alsatians awaiting their owners' farewells.

Back on board, with breakfast enjoyed and the early morning chill starting to dissipate, the sun finally broke through the clouds. This was the green light Nick needed! Out came the cleaning arsenal, and the long-neglected back of the boat received a well-deserved scrub. There's a particular satisfaction in seeing that white gel coat gleam again. Following the scrub-down, a touch of Teak Wonder worked its magic on the deck step. By the time it had dried, the stern of Halcyon Sea looked rejuvenated, a testament to a bit of elbow grease and nautical know-how – a job very well done!

Meanwhile, Tracey embarked on a more terrestrial mission: the quest for the elusive launderette. The results? £5.40 for a wash and £1 for every seven minutes of drying time. Ah, the joys of boat life! It was another gentle reminder of the everyday conveniences we once took for granted on land. Still, needs must, and clean laundry is a happy crew!

One of the undeniable perks of Eastbourne Marina is its fantastic location. A plethora of restaurants are within easy reach, and a mere ten-minute walk leads to a retail park boasting familiar names like Asda, Next, Boots, and Mountain Warehouse. This makes it an incredibly convenient stopover, especially for the crucial task of "victualling" – restocking the boat's supplies.

With a specific mission in mind, Tracey ventured to Asda, her basket soon overflowing with the essential ingredients for the Afternoon Tea we were hosting for Val and her friends tomorrow. Scones, jam, cream, an assortment of biscuits, and our own daily necessities all found their way into the trolley. The return journey, laden with these delightful provisions, was a bit of a trek, prompting a silent vow to perhaps be a tad more strategic with future shopping trips. Another lesson learned and filed away in the ever-growing "Life on a Boat" manual!

Dinner tonight was a delicious and resourceful affair: leftover chilli con carne transformed into a comforting pot roast, generously topped with grated cheddar and parmesan cheese. A culinary triumph born of practicality!

With the blog completed and uploaded it was finally time for bed. Today felt like a significant step in truly settling into life onboard. The rhythm of boat jobs, interspersed with seaside strolls and the anticipation of sharing good company (and delicious scones!) tomorrow, created a sense of comfortable contentment. We're finding our sea legs, both literally and figuratively, and loving every step of this incredible journey.Leia mais