Day 1 SwimVacation

Sunday, March 7, 2010

In the deluge they arrived, two by two (more or less) to our luxury yacht, The Promenade. We boarded and everyone settled into their cabins, unpacked and came up to a welcome beverage. We watched as they each unwound, relaxed, settled in with that “ahhhh I’m finally here!” expression.

The wind blew and the rain came down, and Hopper, Fitzy and I were relieved to see that it didn’t seem to matter much - our guests were just happy to be aboard.

We sailed to Little Harbor, Peter Island, where we lunched and had boat and swim briefings.

Hopper put on a show for us in swimming the stern line to a rock on shore. We plunged in for a paddle around - the water was so warm compared to the unusually cold air. We poked around and marveled at the schools of silversides and tarpon who didn’t disappoint, pelicans diving from 100 feet in the air, gulping at the plenty below. Laird had the wildlife siting of the day with a lovely Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus).

We got out, chilled for a little bit, and prepared for our first swim. Hopper plotted a course along and then across Little Harbor - about 1 1/2 miles. No matter the weather, no matter the swell, our SwimVacationers jumped in and got to it. Chess saw two spotted eagle rays, and Emma and I saw a fat barracuda.

I love when we swim in bays where other yachts are at anchor. As we swim by them, the people aboard always stop and stare. They can’t imagine doing what we do here. It makes us feel pretty bad-ass.

We trickled in after the swim - all except for Joyce who loves the sea so much she stayed in and poked around for another half hour or so.

We came up to hot chocolate (with Bailey’s, thank you) and freshened up for cocktail hour. Mojitos with cheese and crackers (Lisa went easy on us today) and then a fantastic dinner of tuna steaks, pea pods and garlic bread. Wine, wine and also some wine. Dessert - chocolate fondue (stop it! we’ve barely worked out yet!).

Now we’re hanging in our new sea home, getting to know each other, completing the transformation from regular life to SwimVacation.

We don’t know what the weather will hold for us this week, but apparently and happily, our swimmers are up for whatever the sea can throw at us. We’re anchored now in Great Harbor where we will swim first thing in the morning. This has been one of my favorite swims, and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for us tomorrow.

-Heather