Landgirl Adjusts

originally published on www.thegledaproject.com on 28th May 2014

For such a massive change to my lifestyle and what I thought I would be happy with, I’m pleased to say that I have, so far, felt really positive about this move. Living in a small space, sorting out our chosen possessions (still had too many, some leaving us), having to climb ladders to move anywhere – I have been fine. The weather, much the same as anywhere and anything else has an effect. It is currently raining so I am sat in the salon (dining area to non-boaties) typing this with the hatches shut listening to Neil and Jake* positioning the beam pins (steel rods that hold the beams in place which hold the boat together; pretty critical) and don’t feel quite so positive as shut in.

Last night we met my best bud Maria and her crew in Tavistock for a meal. Must admit that when we left them to go back to their holiday accommodation (they changed their plans from Greece to Devon to be at the launch) then I felt quite overwhelmed that although I’m coming home for a couple of weeks shortly when I’m back to Gleda and we get rid of the car, I will really be living the different life we have been talking about where friends/family/convenience shops & restaurants are not just a drive, short or long, away.

Mum & Bry came down today for nearly a week. Bry has offered to help and there will be lots of painting to do. Again, seeing them was lovely but when I next leave their’s in middle of June when will be the next time?

Next big adjustment for me is when Gleda gets put on the water. At the moment it is like caravanning, the boat is steady and I don’t need to worry about getting to land to shower (as previously mentioned). When Gleda is on her mooring however, I think their may be a sense of isolation which will be helped with me learning to row. Rowing – now that’s another worry. Whilst I am confident that I can learn to row, the fast flowing tide in this river is something of a worry for an inexperienced and weak (to start with) rower. I’d feel much more confident with an engine (as well) but currently that is only on the wish list. I may look to see if we can hire one.

The other night, Neil opened the hatch above our berth (bed) so we could see the stars. Yes, soppy sounding and as romantic as it sounds, seeing the stars from bed was always on my personal wish list. Now just need a clear night without any light pollution so I can see them as in an African sky.

*Jake has sailed his Tiki26 over from Alderney in the Channel Islands and will be staying for a few days to help Neil get the boat ready for launch. Amazing the kindness of strangers. Until yesterday, we hadn’t met Jake but he had been following Neil’s blog since the early days and when he knew our plans offered to come. His own Tiki was built by his parents 25 years ago and he has spent the last 2 years restoring her. Her first trip was the crossing from Alderney to Plymouth at the weekend.

Looking forward to spending time with friends and family and the launch party at the weekend when we are joined by more.

Here’s hoping for a sunny weekend.