The fun thing about being tucked in to wait out the weather in a giant spectacle of a resort is that there are endless opportunities for activity, education, and best of all, people watching.
I’m presently sitting in the sunshine at the edge of the lap pool at the fitness center while Lily attempts to talk herself into getting into the chilly water for some swim team laps and flip turn practice.
The past three days have been spent in a blur of action: we have ridden rapids, gone down scary water slides, walked around the casino, viewed sea turtles, dolphins and sawfish in the various aquariums around the property, enjoyed the movie theatre (although Susanne and I opted for a late-night showing of It on Friday, for which I am extremely regretful) and checked out kids’ events while also tending to work items and schooling, remarkably. Since we’re in a marina, our five main boat life considerations (water, holding tank, provisions, laundry, data/internet connection) are easily met, so we’re able to relax into the amusement a bit.
We are in the low-rent district of the marina, which means that we have a ‘short’ half mile walk along the docks to the resort. We’re able to call a golf cart for transport if we’d like, but it’s also fun to a) get some exercise for once, and b) stroll past the dozen-plus megayachts that have also come in to wait out the wind. Having worked that beat (albeit on a much smaller scale) for years we know the scene well enough. While those deck settees and stewardess service looks heavenly, it’s really comforting to know that we’re here doing this on our own terms, and if I don’t want to buff and polish the lido deck every day, I sure don’t have to. (Note: There is no lido deck aboard Chickadee, and if there was, I’m sure I’d at least keep it tidy.)
Today is for a bit of schooling, much to the chagrin of the kids (we’re wanting to make up for our days lost while crossing), and then a check of the massive daily schedule for the resort. It’ll include lifesize Candyland, Andy’s viewing of today’s LPGA Silk Tournament matches, attendance of the kids’ movie at the theatre later, and will also be peppered with water play, watching the dolphins in the cove, and more gawking. Always with the gawking.