Last Wednesday, I abdicated my responsibilities, abandoned work and suggested to Koos that we should go for our first proper spuddle (short trip) of the year on the Hennie H. He didn’t take much persuading and neither did my offspring who had a day off anyway.
The first trip out of the harbour is always cause for a sense of celebration and with the weather being utterly gorgeous, the festive mood was upon us. Never mind that I forgot the picnic sandwiches and the kettle, which got left behind in the car. We managed and so did offspring’s dog, Luna, for whom it was the first time ever on a moving boat. Bless her, she did very well with nary a tremble in sight.
I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story, but suffice to say, we all thoroughly enjoyed it and are looking forward to more, and longer faring, in the coming months. It’s time the Shoe stepped out again…it’s been far too long.
Leaving the harbour
Dogged determination not to look at the camera Sorry 🙂
A passing commercial…
that then decides to turn round mid-channel and reverse into a harbour
Another manoeuvring barge
The nearby crane depot (Mammoet for those in the know)
Into an inner harbour which leads to a quiet tree-lined canal
They don’t come small around these parts (same harbour)
At the end of the canal, a quiet spot for a coffee break
The Shoe takes her rest
Looking back the way we came
Hopefully happy families
After our coffee break, offspring and grandpup de-camped to walk home. It had taken us an hour and some to fare eight kilometres. Cutting off the triangle, it was a 5km walk home for her and Luna, easy for these intrepid hikers. As for Koos and I, it took us another hour and some to fare back again, and I’m pleased to say I steered for most of the way, so it was a good refresher for me too.Â
When we arrived at our mooring, we agreed we were very happy we’d gone; the HH had flexed her faring fins and we’d had a perfect afternoon. Mind you, we’ve had lovely weather for several days now, but Wednesday was the highlight in my book.
Have a good week allemaal. I’ll be back with something different next time.
