And so a week later we met at a local quayside.
One of the Thames sailing barges had opened as a tea room over winter and I had been planning to go....
And I discovered I was only just in time.... another week and the tea room was closing it's doors. The teapots and bunting would be packed away and hammocks hung, ready for another seasons adventure on the sea. But today we could enjoy the experience of sitting below deck, a lunch that did not disappoint, and catching up. It was a reminder to grab opportunities while you can because they don't always come again.
And outside the sun shone while the crew painted sails and started to prepare the deck. Much of the work would have been done over winter, rigging checked, ropes replaced, painting and varnishing done. And for me, the excitement of soon seeing barges under full sail, trying to recognise familiar names as I watch from the shore, and hoping that I will get a chance one day, to sail on one again.
Meanwhile it was too good a day to part and go our separate ways. And so we finished our day at the pub watching the tide creep in, and we decided to meet again soon. And we have, and will.
