Chatham Chills - A Slower Pace Prevails

Days 20 & 21: Chatham Chills and Chart Contemplations - A Slower Pace Prevails!

Following the slightly more "energetic" arrival in Chatham, a collective decision was made: it was time for a gear change. A day or two of a more sedate pace was definitely on the cards. This lull also provided the perfect opportunity for some crucial logistical brainstorming regarding the next few weeks. With a family party in Liverpool looming in May and the details of our friend's funeral in Scotland still pending, we found ourselves needing to identify a suitable marina where we could safely leave Halcyon Sea and conveniently retrieve our trusty car.

Out came the well-thumbed charts, and a serious planning session commenced. Our initial grand vision involved a week-long sojourn in the heart of London at St Katherine Docks. However, reality, in the form of a rather eye-watering marina quote (even for our budgeted week!), gently nudged us towards alternative destinations. Affordability for an extended stay in the capital simply wasn't in the nautical stars. So, we turned our attention to other enticing possibilities, carefully considering tidal constraints and, of course, Pepper's travel comfort. Burnham on Crouch, with a potential 7.5-hour passage, and Shotley Marina near Ipswich, a slightly longer 9.5-hour journey, emerged as frontrunners. More pondering was definitely required.

In the meantime, boat life continued, albeit at a more leisurely tempo. Hull repair (that pontoon kiss still needed attention!), a general tidy-up, a much-needed clean, and the essential task of shopping filled our days. Yes, even amidst the adventure, the mundane rhythm of everyday life persists! So far, we've resisted the urge to stray too far from the comforting presence of Halcyon Sea, rather enjoying the feeling of our little floating home as a mobile back garden in the warm sunshine.

Conveniently located right next to the marina is a sprawling shopping centre brimming with restaurants and bars. However, the crucial task of food shopping presents a slightly greater challenge. A ten-minute stroll offers access to a small Co-op and an Iceland, perfect for the basics but not quite conducive to what Tracey would deem a "proper shop." It's in these moments that the convenience of our former land-based existence, and particularly the freedom of our car, is keenly felt. Interestingly, just outside the marina entrance stands the striking Copper Rivet Gin Distillery, a beautiful Victorian building dating back to 1873, originally serving as a pump house for the dockyard's dry docks – a little local history with a fragrant twist and maybe worth a visit.

On a brighter note, the riverside walks here in Chatham are truly glorious. Pepper is in her element during her morning explorations along the river path, although these outings are becoming delightfully longer each day as she insists on greeting every single canine acquaintance she encounters. Watching her joy as she bounds across the dewy grass, nose twitching with delightful scents, is simply heartwarming. We've also discovered a fantastic fenced-in park within a fifteen-minute walk, where she revels in the unbridled freedom of being off her lead – pure doggy bliss!

The reality of full-time boat life is indeed starting to sink in, particularly for Tracey. This isn't a fleeting holiday; it's a fundamental shift in lifestyle. The inherent challenges of cramped quarters, the constant need to orchestrate movements to access even the simplest items, can be a source of low-level frustration. The feeling that our environment is perpetually on the verge of feeling "untidy" (simply because it takes so little to reach that state) can be mentally draining. Planning necessary family visits and navigating the associated logistics presents its own set of puzzles. And yes, for Tracey, the thought of leaving our little home in a strange location does play on her mind. While the initial novelty and excitement remain, the nuances of this new way of living are becoming more apparent. Adapting to a less structured environment is proving to be a journey in itself, and let's just say Tracey's inner organiser (OCD) is definitely making its presence known! However, amidst these adjustments, there's a growing sense of resilience and a quiet determination to embrace the quirks and challenges of our adventure. Czytaj więcej