Wednesday, August 26

Time Flies

Presents! For everyone! A Hike!

Lauran's Birthday is today! She's a cool gal and I was happy to drop off her wonderful card this morning as I passed through the office. I hope she comes in today!

Debacle. Brown Bay Trail to Johnny Horn Trail plans dissolved into Cinnamon Bay Camp Assessment followed by Water's Edge Walk, to be followed by other assessments. Then, ranger Dave magically appeared at the right place, right time, near Annaberg, and we set off to do the Brown Bay Trail, to Johnny Horn Trail, to Leinster Bay Trail. We parked one car at Hermitage and left another at Annaberg, making for an easier one-way hike.

3.5 hours, about as many miles and a few liters later, I have a ton of amazing photographs, memories of beautiful views, a greater awareness of hazards along the mentioned trails, and an appreciation for sun. We had our hike during the hottest part of the day, between 10:30am and 2pm. I was of course back at the office right around 3pm. Good day.

Stopped in Coral Bay on the way home and picked up some items for friends. A few t-shirts, some stickers, and a koozie. Then, I got home and tried to switch gears quickly into enjoying the afternoon. I zonked out and instead of “resting my head for just a moment” I took an hour nap. I got up and dusted myself off, washed out the crusty salt, and set off for town. I'm not on the boat tomorrow, but I did get to say hi to several folks at the shop, who were amidst preparations for a night dive. How cool. I love night diving. I do not, however, like swarming box jellies that are attracted to light.

After stopping for a hello with Slim at his parking lot across from Wharfside, I entered the Turquoise Turtle to get a special gift for someone back home. There are many shops and many stores on the island, but only a few have items I've really come to fancy. Today's little shopping spree was a bit extravagant, but necessary. I am looking forward to sharing some of the island with people I love and care about back home. I'd gush about what I got, but it's a surprise for Becca's Birthday! She may read the blog and then the surprise would be ruined, so I'll just say for now, it's a very cool item that I am most sure she will greatly enjoy.

Lauran's Birthday Celebration was a fantastic way to enjoy a good friend having a fantastic day. She got to go on the boat, snorkel, swim... it was basically one of the best days ever. Today was very clear out, with little or no haze, making the snorkeling today likely quite amazing. When I was atop some ruins by Leinster, I could see clear down into the water, to see where the reefs were located and where the sand met the reef, rocks, shore, or deeper waters. It's a nice commodity...sunshine.

At The Tap Room, we all joined together and raised a glass for Lauran. After the drinks at The Tap Room, we set off for Woody's for sandwiches, burgers, fries, and more tasty beverages. I made the switch to water and began the happy wait for a tasty mahi sandwich.

While at The Tap Room, I shared the ginips I found along Johnny Horn Trail with Meika, her friend, and her newly arrived sister.

Trying a new style this time with the post. It's a bit more abbreviated, far less grammatically correct, but whippier and snappier. I will most likely return to my long-winded orations of blogness with the next post.