Last Sunset - Back in the States

We made it to Florida! My little sister, Shelby, and Taylors life long best friend Thayer met us in St. Johns and joined us for the boat trip back up to Florida. We are just getting situated here for some relaxation and some TLC on the boat in Fort Lauderdale. Florida is not my favorite place on earth but when I think about how I got there its all worth it.

The Crew - California to Florida

Coming up from the Caribbean we had a run of about 700 miles before stopping for gas at a little Island in the Bahamas named Rum Cay. It seemed almost inhabited with only 50 year round people that live there. There were white sand beaches and the bluest water I have ever seen. We started off the morning with some snorkeling and I just had a gut feeling there were sharks around. Later that afternoon I was proved correct. Once we tied up they were certainly creeping around especially while the fishing boats were cleaning up their catch. It was a really cool site to see.

Bobby is the owner of the island and welcomed us with fresh conk salad, an amazing fish dinner, and an offer to surf and paddle board the following day. We were in heaven. This place felt like a dream, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rad surf trip.  Bring your bug spray, a tent, and line up a truck (if possible) There are great little reef breaks all over. It was one of the coolest 24 hours I have ever spent.

Another Amazing Catch - Sushi time!

April 1, 2010

We were brought back to a simple reality yesterday in that today was Taylor’s birthday. Things do go on, day by day, just as they should although I have felt as if time has stood still and the world has stopped turning. It is all so picturesque, you feel like you are in a dream. Why I am here and what I am doing are very simple questions I have been asking myself lately, it is all too beautiful to believe.

It isn’t as though we are doing nothing; we are working quite hard to overshoot all of our expectations. The owner and his wife are here on the boat and I am learning and watching the boys, Taylor and Dan, do their work trying to pick up on what to do. This industry is just like caretaking or if you want to put it, housekeeping. Every little detail of the day must be thought out and executed. No putting things off, just doing it, in the moment. These people are really wonderful and I respect them in many ways. One in how they have treated Taylor over the years and how humble and honest they are.

In a few days we are expecting their 5 children and 15 grandchildren to join us in St. Johns. I am excited for the week of fun, touring, and family. We have a hard job ahead of us of overseeing this large family to make sure they have a great time and to be there whenever they need an extra hand.

In between I will be turtle watching, working on my tan, and trying to snap out of this dream, remembering that it is a reality. Taylor had a great birthday yesterday and life is looking good. This endeavor is one to remember.