Wednesday, April 6, 2022

SB 2022: Boats, Turtles & Snorkeling

We woke up early on the Moores' last full day and set out on an adventure on the water. We rented a boat from Aqua Shores for a half day, and they took us to Green Island to swim with sea turtles, to explore Rose Island (a basically deserted island), and to snorkel and see all the beautiful fish and reef. The day started a little overcast/cold, and paired with the fast powerboat zooming over the big waves, we thought we might have some little people overboard! But the sun came out and warmed us up, and we all adjusted to the boat life. We had the best time, and the girls were so brave to try all the new things! We had one more day left after the cousins left, and we learned that John and I were really boring compared to cousins to play with. We did the best we could to entertain the girls at the beach and pool, came up to the room for a bit to play and pack, and then had a great dinner at Carmine's where we all ate our faces off. Back to reality on Thursday! It was really hard to leave such a fun and special place!

Ready for an adventure (we think)


Cruising slowly out of the marina- the calm before the storm


And when we got out of the marina and could go faster, the bumps really cranked up. The big girls formed a human seat belt over the little girls.


Ok, this wind is intense too. Goggles are necessary. And Cressey decided she did NOT like this boat thing.



Beware that the wind makes this video a little loud. I had to end the video because I thought either my phone, Cressey, or May May might go overboard.


Island used for scenes in Gilligan's Island's opening video


She had a death grip on sissy


We got to Green Island, and everyone chilled out a little with less wind. The dads and girls hopped in to look for green sea turtles. They found one, and he had a fish hitching a ride on his back. Cressey loved that the turtle had yellow and brown spotted head.


That's John's head in the foreground on the left, and the turtle head further back and toward the middle.





And then we cruised over to Rose Island, a largely secluded island where the locals come on the weekends. We were able to pull right up to the beach, and we had an hour or so to play as the only people we could see! It was amazing!













The clouds started to blow on through and the sun came out, and the crew set up some beach chairs and gave us some of these delicious local radler drinks!









The boat had TWO bathrooms below the front deck. I finally decided I had to use one. While they were very clean, it was a CHORE to get in and out of a swimsuit and cover up in a cabin that I couldn't fully stand up in. And I was terrified they would take off while I was still in there, so I came out a little frazzled!



A sunnier view of Gilligan's Island


Snorkeling...Cressey had practiced in our bathtub, and despite the very cold water, she just hopped in and DID IT like a boss. It took me a solid five minutes to catch my breath before I could put my face in. But we saw beautiful and varied coral and fish- so so pretty!





Lunch back at the Cove at Sip Sip with this sunkissed beauty. I'm still thinking about those nachos...


One last cousin walk on the beach and shell hunt before the Moores leave the next day

 





She was mad that we woke her up and just wanted to go back to sleep


Dinner at Olives in the casino and overlooking the marina. Was a new-to-us place and everyone found something they were happy about.







Our last day. Moores flew out this morning. Finally had to say bye to our clawy friend. Found him a new home on our way to our C* tests




Turns out that mama and daddy are v boring when compared to having cousins to play with


This little Lego lover makes me laugh so much. She does these crazy dances all the time, and this is the cutest video of her moves and crazy eyes.


Cress found this old dress of HG's and thought it was the most beautiful dress ever and has been begging me to wear it. Today was the perfect day. 



Dinner at Carmine's again, and the girls ate so so well! We had a great family dinner.





A beautiful end to a beautiful trip full of family time and special memories


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