I have written about our gang of six in an earlier blog. We are all so different and yet we get on really well. Two of the couples live in Cheshire and the third lives in Devon, relocating about ten years ago.
Our Devon friends have bought a boat. When they visited in March we discussed meeting up later in the year to go sailing if our hectic lives and busy schedules could accommodate. We are all retired but that is what happens when you become ‘people of leisure’. There is time to do so much more than just going to work every day!
Our reunions are always fun! We catch up on family and friends’ news when the three of us girls go for walks along the beautiful esplanade and watch the yachts bobbing merrily in the breeze. Tiny waves gently wash up on the shore and the sea reflects the azure blue of a cloudless sky. That was the weather this week. We are not always so lucky!
Weather Apps were studied and compared to the BBC and other reputable weather forecasts. The decision was made that Tuesday would be the calmest at sea and the tide in the river Dart would be perfect to get us to Dartmouth and lunch at a pub. One weather App did forecast late afternoon thunderstorms but could not be substantiated so we decided that it was a rogue site and best ignored!
We caught the bus, carrying our bags containing sunscreen, fresh milk for coffee and tea and cameras for those not solely reliant on their mobiles. The fridge on the boat remains stocked with beers, Prosecco and wine so we didn’t have to be weighed down by bottles! We nursed our hot drinks when we reached the boat and were given a brief safety lesson before all helped to prepare for the journey. Driving a car is nothing like sailing a boat! It took us a good hour to prepare for ‘sail off’ and then another half an hour getting life jackets fitted to size and shape!
The radio crackled into action as ropes were removed from the moorings on the jetty. We slowly sailed out of our parking bay and headed towards the open sea. I had my supply of travel sickness tablets just in case and watched as our captain masterfully steered his boat between some spectacular cruisers as we left the harbour behind.
Feelings of trepidation were instantly replaced by excitement as I made my way up to the top deck to get the best possible view. All of us were on the lookout for seals and dolphins. I settled back, cold drink in hand to feel the warm sun on my face (50+ sunscreen lavishly applied) cooled by a gentle breeze.
We didn’t see seals or dolphins but we did have a wonderful day! Memories were made spending quality time with good friends and doing something new and exciting!
This is what life should be all about! I grab these moments! Long may they last! 👠
Jenny Burrell 