A Family Wedding

After a few days back at home — and finally getting our furniture delivered — we were packing up yet again. This time it wasn’t for sailing, but for a road trip south. Tracey’s cousin was getting married in Essex, so Halcyon Sea had to stay behind while we swapped foul‑weather gear for wedding clothes.

We drove from Scotland to Teresa and Martin’s, where we planned to car‑share to the wedding. Pepper stayed with Judy (and Toby), who kept her thoroughly entertained. The big day arrived and it was beautiful from start to finish. Amy looked stunning, the ceremony was perfect, and seeing Tracey’s mum with all her sisters together was a rare and lovely moment. We felt genuinely honoured to be part of it.

The week didn’t slow down after that. We got back to Peterborough late due to road closures, then were all up early again the next morning — Teresa and Martin heading off on holiday, and us continuing the family rounds. First stop was Bexhill for Friday lunch with Nick’s mum, then a night in Eastbourne catching up with Andy, Marie and Sophie. On Saturday we headed to Havant for lunch with Lauren and our granddaughter Elsie. A wonderful few hours, never long enough, but we’ll be back with them in August. We squeezed in a visit to friends before pointing the car north once more.

Our only regret was not having enough time to see everyone — our trips south are always a whirlwind. But it was an important week, full of family, laughter, and moments we wouldn’t have missed for the world.

Now, with hearts full and bags repacked, we’re ready to get back to Halcyon Sea… and the next footprint will be a busy one.Read more