Happiness Is - Day 3 - Best Day Ever

pswlrw · Post by **pswlrw** » Mon May 04, 2009 9:44 pm

Today was our boat day with Captain Kevin on Born to Rhumb. My darling cousin Monique and I were the early risers every morning. I haven't seen her in 14 years!!, but by the second day it was like we had never been apart. We had such great mornings on the deck with our coffee before everyone else got up.

Today, we rounded up the troops and head down to meet our boat. We stopped to snorkel at Waterlemon which was a beautiful spot that I had never seen. Unfortunately, the snorkelers report that it was "just okay", although Greg saw a barracuda!

I enjoyed my special brand of snorkeling where Kevin ties a noodle to the back of the boat with a bungie and hang on it and drink a beer. Ahhhh, heaven.

We clear customs at Sophers Hole which is too cute!! Do a little shopping and head back out. We stopped at Cane Garden Bay, but no one was feeling it so we headed to my favorite place on earth - Sandy Spit.

Warning - SCHMALTZ ALERT!!

Like everyone, I have had my share of ups and downs this year (perhaps a little heavier on the downs

) and of late things just seemed to be piling up on me. I got on to Sandy Spit, walked alone over to the side where the palm tree used to be, and tears just started rolling down. It was the most cleansing, cathartic feeling - standing on that little bit of heaven, looking at the stunning views in all directions and finally letting go. I felt as though an enormous weight was lifted off of me. It was indescribable.

On the other side of the isle were little rock people that I had not seen in previous visits. Cassidy, the first mate, told us that when groups land on Sandy Spit, everyone selects a rock. All the rocks are piled together, then everyone in the group makes a wish. We were all over that!!

My cousin Monique (the newbie) turned to me and said "My wish is that I get to come back here with you every year". Yup, she gets it. Now we were both weeping - happy tears!!

My darling daughter asked what I wished for. I said, simply, "Happiness". She said, "Oh my God, that is what I wished for too¨. I was just glowing from the bonding moment with my little girl when my nephew astutely pointed out that, right at this moment, our wishes had come true. Hence the name for our trip this year "Happiness Is ..."

Our souls sated, we head to Foxy's for lunch. We had a great lunch and some painkillers (the burger was fantastic!!). We decided to leave a shirt. I decided to write "Happiness Is ...¨ on the top and everyone had to write something. We all wrote different memories of our time with each other and more happy weeping ensued (well, from the girls anyway

)

Time for the Soggy Dollar! I walked up to the bar and saw the VIOL "Pay it Forward" drink on the board. I felt like a kid on Christmas! A present - for me!!

We played the ring game, hung in the hammocks and laughed until our sides hurt. Perfection.

We head to Woody's for Happy Hour and Cassidy joined us for a few. Had some appetizers, made some new friends, then headed home for hot tub and bed.

ifloat · Post by **ifloat** » Mon May 04, 2009 11:09 pm

Sounds like a fabulous day. For just a minute there, I was in your happy place!

Boston Mike · Post by **Boston Mike** » Tue May 05, 2009 6:52 am

That was a very touching report.

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Tue May 05, 2009 7:57 am

As cheesy as this sounds, when I was reading your report I got tears in my eyes...thanks for sharing...I know my day will only get better...can't wait until June 26.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Tue May 05, 2009 7:57 am

great read, thanks!

LMG · Post by **LMG** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:08 am

Wonderful report! Thanks for sharing.

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:09 am

You got some great genes in that family!

I guess I better get going on the rest of my report, you are making me look bad!

bevm · Post by **bevm** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:23 am

I have a huge lump in my throat after reading your report. Happiness really is being surrounded by our loved ones..

Nancy_B · Post by **Nancy_B** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:57 am

Excellent day, Paula! You and I both have the same style of snorkeling

I'll be sure to tell Captain Kevin and Cassidy 'hi' from you.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue May 05, 2009 10:06 am

I am with you on this one.

Sometimes just sitting and BEING in a beautiful place can be so emotionally overwhelming as if mother nature just wraps her arms around you and says, "Hey, you're safe now. It's OK to let it all go." And you do. And it is good.

I have TOTALLY been there.

Keep the great TR coming!!

crasherino · Post by **crasherino** » Tue May 05, 2009 10:13 am

Can you get a direct flight from NY to Sandy Spit?

sea-nile · Post by **sea-nile** » Tue May 05, 2009 1:07 pm

Another great day!

adsjayhawk · Post by **adsjayhawk** » Tue May 05, 2009 2:29 pm

Enjoying your report and pics!

Did you mention that the palm tree is gone from Sandy Spit? Was it the slanted one on the SSW side of the island that was easy to walk/climb up?

I hope not. That was our Christmas picture with the kids on it two years ago. Some of my all time favorite pics on that tree

pswlrw · Post by **pswlrw** » Tue May 05, 2009 3:26 pm

Yes, I am afraid the leaning palm tree is no more.

Barb Y · Post by **Barb Y** » Tue May 05, 2009 3:43 pm

What an awesome day! I had tears in my eyes reading this. So glad your cousin gets it and that you all realized what... Happiness Is!

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Happiness Is - Day 3 - Best Day Ever

Happiness Is - Day 3 - Best Day Ever