Afternoon Tea aboard Halcyon Sea

This morning aboard Halcyon Sea was a flurry of purposeful activity, a nautical version of spring cleaning before welcoming esteemed guests. With the anticipation of afternoon tea brewing, we embarked on a mission to bring a new level of order to our floating abode. It's amazing how quickly a boat, even one as well-organized as ours (we like to think!), can accumulate those last lingering boxes and items needing their permanent place.

Today's target: the under-bed storage in the forepeak. Now, accessing this prime real estate is no simple task. It requires a full-scale strategic retreat, involving the complete stripping of our bed. Mattresses were wrestled aside, bedding folded and temporarily relocated, all within the cozy confines of our sleeping quarters. Imagine a delicate dance of duvets and pillows in a space just large enough to turn around, not easy for the average size person but almost impossible for Nick and his 6’ 6” stature – a true testament to our evolving spatial awareness!

With the bed dismantled and the under-bed area exposed, the final stowage operation commenced. Each box maneuvered into its designated spot, inch by precious inch. It’s a satisfying feeling when everything finally slots into place, maximizing every nook and cranny of our seaworthy home.

Having created a temporary laundry mountain during the bed-stripping process, Tracey seized the opportunity to tackle that essential chore. A walk to the marina's laundry facilities ensued, the rhythmic tumble of the washing machine a temporary soundtrack to the otherwise peaceful marina. It's in these moments, dealing with the practicalities of life afloat, that the effortless convenience of land-based living occasionally flickers in our thoughts – but the trade-off for this adventure is undeniably worth it!

With the boat tidied, the laundry completed, and a growing sense of anticipation, we turned our attention to the pièce de résistance: the afternoon tea spread. Scones and cake arranged enticingly on plates, and the essential accompaniments of jam and clotted cream were lovingly presented. Biscuits of various shapes and sizes joined the ensemble, creating a tempting tableau ready to welcome our guests.

Soon, the gentle chatter of familiar voices filled the air as Val and her lovely friends arrived aboard Halcyon Sea. The next few hours were a delightful interlude of catching up, sharing stories, and excitedly discussing our upcoming passages. The tea flowed freely, punctuated by the occasional clinking of glasses as we indulged in a little celebratory wine – after all, good company and good conversation are always worth toasting!

As the afternoon drew to a close and we saw our last guests safely back onto dry land, a feeling of warmth and contentment settled over the boat. But the evening's socialising wasn't over yet! We awaited the arrival of Nick's brother, Andy, who had kindly arranged dinner back at his house.

Stepping back onto solid ground for a home-cooked meal was a welcome treat. We savoured the delicious food and the simple pleasure of spending time with family, enjoying the familiar comforts of life on land – a spacious dining table, effortless access to amenities, and the easy flow of conversation without the gentle rock of the boat.

Returning to Halcyon Sea later that evening, our hearts were full. Today had been a lovely blend of practical boat management and the joy of sharing our new life, even in its early stages, with family and friends. It felt like we were truly creating a home on the water, a welcoming space for both adventure and connection. With the blog updated and the day's memories safely recorded, it was time to rest, ready for tomorrow’s birthday celebrations.Baca selengkapnya