Life Aboard: A Thanksgiving Adventure at Sea
Living on a boat presents unique challenges and adventures. From managing fuel to preparing meals, every day is a new experience. In this blog post, we’ll dive into a recent journey that highlights the ups and downs of life on the water, especially as we prepared for Thanksgiving.
Fueling Up and Docking Challenges
We recently made a trip to refuel our boat, which was an adventure in itself. My wife handled all the dock lines like a pro, even though we had a bit of a rough docking experience. We only bounced off the dock once, which I consider a win, although it was my worst docking yet. The current was pushing us around, making it tricky to maneuver. Despite the challenges, we managed to fill up with diesel.
Since our last refueling in August, we had only consumed about 25 gallons of fuel, which is pretty good considering how long we’ve been out here. The weather has been sunny and bright, and we haven’t had to turn on our generator in over five days. Our batteries are at about 50%, and we’ve been managing our power well.
Preparing for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approached, we had to get creative with our meal preparations. The turkey we bought didn’t quite fit in our crock pot, but we were determined to make it work. Once it defrosted, it squished in there just fine! We had some friends visiting, so my wife had to jump into cleaning mode, tackling the dishes and vacuuming while I worked on plumbing issues.
Our friends from the channel Fresh to Salty came over, and we had a blast hanging out with them. It was a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities.
Exploring the Surroundings with Our Puppy
After getting things sorted on the boat, we decided to take our puppy for a little adventure. We wanted to explore the island and see what was nearby. It felt great to get off the boat for a bit, and Bella seemed excited to touch some grass!
As we navigated the area, we encountered some smaller boats zooming by, which was quite annoying. It was a reminder of how important it is to be respectful of the space and the people around us. We found a big area where we could anchor, but I reminded my wife that we needed to stay aware of the speed limits in the area.
Discovering Hidden Gems
Our exploration took us through some beautiful and lush areas. We spotted a potential trail marked by an orange marker, which piqued our interest. However, the trail looked a bit overgrown and spider-webby, making us hesitant to venture too far.
As we continued our journey, we stumbled upon a beach that looked inviting. It was a perfect spot for Bella to run around. However, the area was also littered with signs of previous visitors, including a shipping container that caught our attention.
Returning to the Boat and Cooking the Turkey
After a couple of hours of exploring, we returned to the boat to start cooking. We were excited to prepare our turkey, even if it meant using a crock pot instead of an oven. We had to get creative since we didn’t have a proper pan for the oven.
My wife prepped the turkey by loosening the skin to make room for some butter. This technique would ensure the turkey remained moist and flavorful as it cooked. We were both looking forward to the turkey gravy, which is a staple of any Thanksgiving meal.
Challenges of Cooking on a Boat
Cooking on a boat comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to power management. We had to be mindful of our battery levels while running the crock pot and other appliances. It was a balancing act, but we were determined to make it work.
As the turkey cooked, we also prepared some potatoes to mash up later. The aroma of the turkey filled the boat, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. Despite the unconventional setup, we knew this Thanksgiving would be one to remember.
Final Touches and Thanksgiving Dinner
Once everything was ready, we sat down to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal. The turkey turned out beautifully, despite not having the crispy skin we were used to from oven-roasted birds. It was moist and flavorful, and we were proud of our efforts.
While our first Thanksgiving alone felt a bit sad, we made the most of it together. We shared our meal, reminisced about past Thanksgivings, and enjoyed the quiet comfort of our boat.
Reflections on Life Aboard
This experience reminded us of the joys and challenges of living on the water. From the thrill of docking to the creativity required for cooking, every day is an adventure. As we move forward, we look forward to more explorations and experiences, especially as we continue to adapt to life aboard.
Life on a boat isn’t always easy, but it’s filled with moments that make it worthwhile. We are grateful for the experiences we share and the memories we continue to create together.
Tools I Love:
- 🛠 Milwaukee 18-Volt Drill and Impact Driver Kit https://amzn.to/366BwxM
- 🛠 Husky Mechanics Tool Set https://amzn.to/3kuGUzD
- 🛠 iCrimp Ratcheting Crimping Tool https://amzn.to/3uv7u6i
- 🛠 Heat Shrink Connectors https://amzn.to/3HMB4r9
What We Us In The Kitchen:
- Empava IDC12B2 Horizontal Electric Stove Induction Cooktop https://amzn.to/47DD3bz
- Beelicious 32QT Extra Large Air Fryer https://amzn.to/48NfQUY
💎 Have a Website? Increase Your Revenue With Ezoic: https://ezoic.com/?tap_a=6182-5778c2&tap_s=1472908-dc0848
💲 Support us by shopping through our Affiliate Links! Amazon: https://amzn.to/351krTR
🎈 You Can Also Follow Us On: