The morning news catch-up these days has been rough, as we all know. Guilt from where and how [safe] we are is emphasized again and again as we read the headlines of the horrors happening in Ukraine. I keep thinking about families fleeing from their homes to the relative safety across borders, about innocents dying senselessly, and how we as a global community sure have a way of letting evil keep rearing its head again and again. A busy harbor has a great way of bringing the blood pressure back down for that second cup of coffee, and this morning is no exception. People dinghying their pets in for their morning walks (I have plenty to say about that, but I’ll save it for now…), ferries starting their first runs, hearing the waves hit the beach, and who we’re pretty sure is Jacques Cousteau on the boat behind us, weathered and stooped, and dressed like he’s prepared for an arctic expedition (it’s 73 degrees) while fixing something on his mizzen boom. Really brings me back to my current ‘reality’.
While it generally takes a few days to settle into the various routines onboard, over a week in, and we’re all now grooving in them. From sleeping positions for maximum comfort in a v-berth world, to the dance we do in the head while jockeying for position to brush our teeth, we’ve shrugged it all back on like a comfortable shirt. And then the sad realization that it’ll all be over so soon hits even harder. Andy and the kids are on their very short countdown, so it’s been a matter of getting all of the favorite things in, and feeling gratitude in that easy comfort, knowing we’re getting the most out of our shortened timeframe.
Less time for all of us has meant some significant changes to said routines, all certainly for the better. This year (until this point, at least), we’ve completely slacked off of the ‘keep the cabin tidy for efficiency and Susan’s mental health sake’ piece, which has given us more time out and about. Bunks are still made (we’re not animals, people!), and the galley stays clean, but we all kind of keep walking past the piles of books, games and clothing that clutter the salon and nav station every day. Another change is that schooling has also been a non-existent component on my end, since the girls are only missing one week of school (last week was their break), and they’ve worked things out with their teachers independent of me. They are doing what they need to do to keep up, but minus the heartache of arguing with me about it. A wonderful new twist!
While a large part of me can’t imagine being onboard without them all, the excitement of my time after they head home is building in increasingly specific ways. It’ll be so EASY to keep the boat clean all day with only my body and my things crashing about, and the dishes? Simple! (I’ve already mentioned to them that I’ll probably just eat popcorn every solo dinner I’m here for, because why not?)
I have four days that I have already mentally filled with all of the projects and things I want to do, and then a dear friend flies in to join me and start Chickadee’s first Girls’ Trip, another leg I’m gleefully looking forward to. Though this is one of my oldest friends who is perhaps the most easy-going roommate I’ve ever known (sorry, Andy!), she’ll also be Chickadee’s first houseguest, and the nervous and excited anticipation of ‘chartering’ again has me planning and prepping in ways I haven’t done in decades. (Although I’ve asked her to bring a pony brush and dustpan set, since we can’t seem to find one down here, so I’m setting the bar for thrill quite low: underpromise and overdeliver, right? (And also don’t forget to sweep the companionway a few times a day, or you’ll have sand in your bed!))
For an itinerary update, we had a great couple of nights in Man O’War with old friends and new, and also met up with another boat of friends while there. Had a great snorkel at a reef a couple of miles north of the island (octopus sighting- you’d be proud, Jacques!), checked out town and the harbor, and Andy even had a nap on the beach, which, considering his hatred of sand, felt like a great obstacle overcome.
We said goodbye to land-based Man O’Warians, and both boats then came here to Hope Town. A day at the marina’s pool for lunch (complete with manatee), an afternoon walking in town to see the updated sights (the rebuild changes are drastic from last year to this; they are going gangbusters all of a sudden), and cocktail hour next door with friends before movie night at home. Full, wonderful days.
As ALVio’s exit looms, we’re planning on filling today with bike-riding and island exploration here on Elbow Cay (and likely plenty of Uno, Qwerkle and Mexican Train). Play in the sand, meet people, eat good food, locate a fresh water pool for the daily ‘shower’ and play games. I could rinse, lather and repeat that for a long, long time.