A Gentle Transition Into Life Afloat

One of the biggest reassurances is that I’ve been given a couple of months’ grace at the current mooring. That takes a huge amount of pressure off and gives me the space to settle in properly.

Long term, I’m hoping it might even become something more permanent—but for now, it’s a perfect starting point.

In those early weeks, I expect life will be a balance between the boat and my current flat. A gradual transition. Time to figure things out without rushing decisions. Because the reality is, no matter how much planning you do, you don’t truly understand the space until you’re living in it.

Learning the Boat — Slowly and Properly

I spent time taking measurements, thinking about layouts, and imagining what could be done—but I’ve made a conscious decision not to commit to anything just yet.

There are ideas, of course:

• Installing a shower
• Sorting a compost toilet setup
• Making the space work practically day-to-day

But all of that will come in time. It feels far more sensible to live in the boat first, understand it properly, and then make decisions based on real experience rather than guesswork.

A Warm Welcome Into the Community

One of the most unexpected (and genuinely lovely) parts of this experience has been the people.

I spent a few more hours with the current owners again—easy conversation, no pressure, just good company. They’ve been incredibly accommodating throughout this whole process, even helping with the mooring situation, which I don’t take lightly.

I also met a couple of others from nearby boats, and the feeling was the same—welcoming, open, and grounded.

There’s a real sense that this isn’t just about where you live, but the kind of environment and community you step into.

A Place That Feels Different

At one point today, before anyone arrived, I found myself just sitting outside the boat.

No phone. No distractions. Just quiet.

And not silence in the empty sense—but the kind of quiet that feels full. Calm. Steady. Almost unfamiliar in the best possible way.

It’s hard to explain, but it made something click.

This is what I’ve been looking for.

What Comes Next

There are still a few practical pieces to fall into place—timings, final handovers, getting everything ready—but the direction is now clear.

Over the next couple of visits, I’ll start sharing more of the surroundings—the area, the setting, the feeling of the place—while still being respectful of the current owners until everything is officially complete.

Then, when the time comes, I’ll open the doors fully and share the boat itself.

For now, this is the in-between stage again—but very different from before.

Not if anymore.

Just when.

And honestly, I couldn’t be more ready for it.