Field Trip to Hirtles Beach

Day 15. June 12, 2019.

After a late night, we didn't wake up until almost 9am this morning.

Tai read in bed for almost an hour and Aila got on with making her own breakfast, then writing out our daily to-do list, writing her journal entry for yesterday, and doing a bit from her math workbook.

These kids learn so differently and require such different guidance and teaching methods!

I feel this year we are going to get such an incredible insight into their personality and character, more than we know now.

I think the more we get into the swing of things on the boat, we'll work out a good method of teaching and knowing which parent will be best with which child for which subject/skill.

As much as it's about knowing our kid's learning styles and trigger points, it's also about facing up to our own deficiencies and shortcomings.

Today we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and do something fun together.

However the marine electrician tapped on our hull just as we were about to leave to do his full inspection with us on the boat.

It was invaluable to get his expert eyes on all our electrical systems. We added so much knowledge and information to our already saturated brains, not to mention more jobs to do and equipment to buy!

We finally got on the road at about 2pm. We headed west, taking the coast road, a beautiful winding road that hugs the water's edge along Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, etc. Must come back on motorbike!! 

We were in search of ice cream and we found some at a cute little cafe. They even had board games here, so of course we had to play!

We then continued on to Hirtles Beach in Kingsburg.

It is described as "a nature enthusiast’s paradise. Categorized as a living beach because the beach moves and shifts at the whim of the ocean. Hirtle’s Beach is ever changing. Here you will find more than three kilometers of white sand, rolling surf, fresh sea air, drumlin cliffs and breathtaking views."

It was AMAZING.

We all needed a good fresh air re-energizer. Matt and I have not stopped working since we got to the boat, and the weeks leading up to leaving Ottawa were incredibly hectic.

We stayed for a few blissful hours and then went off in search of food, fuel and boat supplies and tools.

We found a Harvey's, Canadian Tire, Walmart and gas station within walking distance of each other in Bridgewater. 

It looked like a Barrhaven suburb! We parked the car, ate, shopped, got gas and drove home.

Even though it was late, we really couldn't postpone showers for yet another day.

With everything still strewn around everywhere from the morning's electrician visit, we had to quickly make up our beds before finally falling into them.

I normally dislike living in such a messy environment where things are out of place. I still have to pause and think when I need to find something or a child is asking for this or that. I don't quite know where everything is, IF it's even put away or unpacked yet.

I am surprised at how I'm ok with living in such a state of disarray. Maybe because I knew this would be the reality when we moved aboard and so I had very low expectations.

I still would prefer a tidy and organized living space, especially where it's so small, but I know that it wouldn't last long because sooner or later we would need access to some far, deep down sea cock, fuse or cable that is under some cabinet, mattress or secret cupboard behind another secret cupboard. Then in one instant, everything will be turned upside down again.

Tomorrow is back to work day. It's going to be another hot and sunny one, so I'll be painting the second coat of antifoul.

Matt will continue work with the masthead, seacocks and batteries.

Gong Gong will be adhoc school teacher and childminder. He is well armed with materials, snacks, bribes and magic tricks.

Wish us all luck!

Inspecting under the salon settee.

When you want access to one part of the boat, you gotta play the
Move Everything To Another Part of the Boat game.

Under the aft cabin's mattress is where the humongous house batteries are.

This is what the V berth looks like without the mattresses and bedding. Underneath is the holding tank. More storage and the anchor locker is just forward of that mirror.
Every square inch on a boat has a purpose! 

Hirtles Beach

So many awesome different stones and rocks to discover. 
We picked a few up to do a rock study project later.

Miles and miles of pristine sand at Hirtles beach and only about a dozen of us here.

Ice cream! Exploding Kittens!

Tai making his Raptors graph to chart their points in each game.
Totally keen on this project and wanted it just perfect.

Aila's journal entry for yesterday. Love the 7 year old honesty here.