Rock the Boat

Our last day on the beach in Aruba was a big one.

First braids.

Then a boat ride!

Skylar had never been on a boat ride before and we were literally out on the boat all of ten minutes but it was a fun 10 and we wanted to expose her to a little boat ride fun!

First, she got her lifejacket on.

Yes, it buckles sort of like an airplane seatbelt.  Don’t pinch your fingers in the buckles!

And then we boarded the boat.

We pulled out to sea.  All 300 yards or so.

Our boat Captain was Johnny.  We’ve known him for about 7 years.  He knew Scott and I before we had Skylar, while I was pregnant, and he and his wife have a daughter one year younger than Skylar so we’ve shared lots of history.  I think he felt happy to be Driving Miss Daisy Braidy.

Just a little ocean spray.

Like the effects on this photo?

The view of “land” way off in the “distance” from the boat.

Lots of ocean spray in the eyes wide-eyed excitement!

And then we headed back to shore.

And Skylar showed us her boat driving moves.

And how to Stop Traffic to tell me to stop taking pictures.

But wait, I ran into the calla lilies right after the boat.  I wasn’t quite done with my camera.

Thanks for letting me know from the last post what your favorite flowers are.

And thanks for sharing what your Comforts of Home are.  I loved our vacation but I love being back at home, too.   I really love San Diego and my home here and it’s nice to be back, even though I am buried in catch-up work and have to get back to work and the grind today, too.

Time to go raid my freezer stash for raw vegan dough balls and bites.

I think I have some No-Bake Vanilla Sunflower Seed Butter Balls (Vegan & GF) in the freezer.

You can use almond or peanut butter on these if you prefer.  I adore SFSB and haven’t had any in 3 weeks so that’s what I want to reach for.

Questions:

1. Do you like boats or going on boat rides?

I do like going on boats, but I also like getting off!  About an hour is my limit before I get antsy and within 2-3 hours I just have to get off.  I have been on dinner/sunset sails that go on for about 3 hours and by the time dinner is being served, all I can think about it is get me off this boat.  Or get me another drink!

I used to have friends who’s parents had boats (half the population in Minnesota, The Land of 10,000 Lakes, has a boat.  And they’re fine but I get antsy on them after awhile!

I like rides, and I like being pulled behind the boat on tube rides or water skis better!

2. Do you get seasick?

Yes.  Probably not any more so than the average person but getting Scuba dive certified here in San Diego was an exercise in getting wickedly seasick.  And for Scott, too.

Actually, talk to anyone who’s gotten certified here and between the very choppy and rough water, the dive boats that aren’t make to “roll with the punches” like other boats, and the thick wetsuits you have to wear for protection from the cold water temperatures cause one to overheat on the boat until you’re actually under the water, making it a perfect recipe for some massive sea sickness!  Ugh.

3. Have you ever been on a cruise?

No, I have never done it.   I see the big cruise ships come into port daily in Aruba, and frequently here in San Diego, too.  But back to my answer in #1, I just don’t think it’s a fit for  me.

Some people say they love cruising because they get to see many different places and islands rather than pick one and stay put for a week or so.

However,  I’d rather be “trapped” on one island for a week than trapped on a boat.  Yes, of course seeing different islands each day, but still, on one boat for many hours and days.

I know that people who love cruises can’t get enough and go over and over.  My parents included in that group.  Plus everyone raves about the food.

Have a great weekend!