Last day of September. Last day of summer. And I spent a day on the water.
Remember last year… when my Dad and I decided in a spur in the moment to make that boating license happen. It was a huge success crossing of that bucket list item. Unfortunately we did so by end of the season and no places had any boats to rent anymore. And let’s be honest it was freakin cold and unpleasant so we didn’t look into boating that much last October.
Our plan was to use our license this year. As you know my dad had three surgeries earlier this year and just started walking again mid July. It is going slowly and he is still on crutches so boating wasn’t really high up on the list.
But in another spur of the moment thing we decided to make the most of the last sunshine of this summer and head out on the water. Sunday night I booked a boat for the following morning – or so I thought. The online booking system was a week in advance. Luckily when I called they said we should just come by and they rebook and we pay on site.
Monday my dad was at my place at 9.30 am to pick me up. I had made us a thermos of coffee and ginger tea and then off we went to the Altstadthafen Spandau. A little marina only 5 minutes away.
We talked to the harbormaster, paid our bill and he moved the boat to the front of the pier. He then quickly explained a few things – that we honestly didn’t really get – and then we were free to go where our heart took us.
The boat was very wobbly and I had a hard time steering specially when my dad moved around. But after a time I have gotten the hang of it. We first ventured into the lake where we used to live. Along a couple of islands and then into the canal to have a look at our previous apartment. Of course no one is living there (first floor, corner balcony) but we had to move out. You remember the story…
Our previous apartment with the water view from the other side.
When coming pit of the canal we decided to practice mooring a bit. After half an hour and a million tries we gave up. It was so windy and we had rather high waves that it was just not possible to do any maneuver. We were a bit frustrated because we thought we would get it.
After that my dad drove us along the shore of the lake and into the Havel River where I now live. We checked the time and had about another 90 minutes before having to be back at the marina. So we drove as far as possible to see another lake Niederneuendorfer See. Half way on the lake we turned around and went back. Dad let me drive all the way back and we did go on highest speed but against the wind.
Sprays of water in our faces, wind in our hair, sunshine on our skin and a smile o our lips we returned at the marina.
I was a bit nervous about morning since it didn’t work so I took the easy way out but it worked and the harbor master said it looked pretty good what I was doing. He also told us that steering the vessel is almost impossible in these conditions and that they also cannot do it. We felt better after that.
By now it was 2.30 pm and I had had only a banana on the boat and was starving. So we went to the Mexican place right at the water. It looked a bit shabby and I wasn’t expecting much but I had the best fajitas ever.
Dad drove me home and then I had to get to my desk to solve an issue with the tax ministry. Sigh…
You can see the pink line where we went and what area I live in.
And this is how my summer ended. Happy. Tired. With new memories. Here is a recap video to watch.
How was your last day of summer? What did you do? When have you been on the boat the last time? Any recent/favorite memories with your dad?
8 comments
What a lovely day spent with your father! Way to make core memories!
I don’t know if I’ve ever been on a pleasure boat that wasn’t a pontoon. I’m so boring!
Thank you. It was such a good day. Well a pontoon is floating and on the water. I’d say it’s a win.
I love that you were able to do this, Tobia! What a wonderful way to spend time with your dad. And how cool that you got a boating license! The video is extra sweet because I can see the joy in both of your faces.
I did have a big grin in my face I was so excited and happy. Hope we have many more days doing this.
This sounds so fun (minus the wind and being hungry part). What a lovely memory to make with your father. And gold star for taking the time to make all the arrangements to get the boat rented etc.
Thank you Elisabeth. I take that gold star. It was really fun. And the wind was not as unpleasant than last year when we had the training. We were basically pros in the weather… almost
I LOVE THIS POST! What fun! Clearly getting that boating license was a GREAT decision, I hope that you have more days on the water next summer. I’m so glad you got to spend this wonderful time together with your dad. <3
It was so much fun. Getting that boating license was so random but really it’s so fun. I also hope for more boating days in 2025.