Day Five: Carts, Kayaks and Flying Machines!

An unusual stillness awoke me during the night…no roaring waves…no high winds.  I opened my eyes…the window was still open.  The waves’ relentless pounding that was an ocean response to the storm that brought us here had completed its course.  Now before dawn whispered the rhythmic cadence of a lullaby:  in and out…gentle and sweet…here and gone again.  My eyes were dazzled by a shining moon whose reflection created liquid diamonds dancing in celebration of the night far into the ocean. 

 It was Father’s exquisite thoughts…that is what they must look like: experiential art for anyone awake at that hour…for me.  I wandered out of bed and up to the top floor balcony to attempt to take it in…more like to enter in…join in….be.  In just a few minutes the spectacle would fade to make way for the start of day.  Breathe.  My secret treasure.

Early morning napping was followed by midmorning coffee on the balcony again where I enjoyed viewing a spontaneous dance party on the beach.  Only two dancers (Ely and Ery) as Josh worked on his computer a few feet away, occasionally affirming the kick- it choices in music and dance moves.  Ely is a great beach DJ and Erynne rocks the movie star persona.

It was to be the clearest day in weeks, said Dave the pilot whom we met through his playful toy collie on the beach last night after our final wedding shoot.  True to his word, he came to get us today but two hours after the designated time (I think they call that island time)…my Dave and I were walking down the lane to hop in a kayak and explore, and here he came on a bike…that is how things happen here.  Father arranges all the meetings. 








Quick texts to the kids in their various locations on the island, a speed walk cross country barefoot along the beach to the airstrip-a few instructions and in moments the island was beneath us.  

The screaming humming little engine was distantly familiar and very comfortable…my own Daddy’s best friend Jim Torpe was the last person who took me in a plane that size about 50 years ago.  Today’s flight was simply euphoric.  Dave got to ride in front to hear the pilot’s narration through the headphones…and I was behind…free to lean into the steep turns taking photos and video of the toy islands and topographic maps as they appeared beneath.  I had to stifle my squeals and applause.  I was 7 again up in the air.

El and Sarah had come on foot from the Kayak rental place (also the bar, restaurant, and general store)…Gembos and Smiths had come via kayak at full speed ahead when they received the text that the flight was on.  When we landed, having seen all the islands, we trundled out quickly so Pilot Dave could get started with the rest of our crew who were now awaiting our landing by the airstrip…three by three.  First El, Sarah, and Brad.  After the tour El emerged from the plane:  “That was the best thing I‘ve ever done!”  

Ery, Ely, and Josh were last …he let Ely fly for a few minutes!  

Lots of chatting with ‘Uncle Dave’ on the ground afterwards…Dave and Dave manhandled the plane into parking position (by hoisting it and walking it in with their arms and shoulders he-man style), shook hands, had a photo op, and we were off again.  

Dave and I manned Gembo’s kayak (they had left them on the beach), and set off with Smiths to return the kayaks by their deadline of 4 p.m.  In the middle of the bay, we encountered a flock of sea birds resting and grooming on a sand bar and stopped for about three surreal minutes.  

They were undisturbed by our presence.

We stopped by the bar to order dinner for later…Dave and Brad stayed to chat with travelers and workers (the bartender was from Bloomington, Indiana!) while Ery, Ely, Josh and I hit the hot tub.  Home in the cart for the sunset watch on the beach with El and Sarah…and uncle (pilot) Dave and his wife, Jeanie and dogs.  Fast friends already.  

Quick swim for me in our heated pool…grouper taco carry out and Smith-cooked steak …family movie was The Internship…. Bed and blogging…

Tomorrow is the last day on this island.