We wake early to make the most of our day knowing tomorrow will come soon enough and with it our long journey home.
The beach, our destination, where we search for shark teeth, and shells. We listen to the waves breaking the shore and enjoy the antics of the sand pipers and pelicans. We feel the sand between our toes, build sand castles with our grandchildren and just chill on our chairs. We lift our faces and feel the sun’s warmth. We dream of the day when our trips are not hampered by a timeline.
Our daughter and son in law are treating us to dinner tonight at Crazy Crab, a beach restaurant with fresh seafood and local offerings. It is their thanks for this trip and we are touched by their thoughtfulness.
We venture out and see a part of the island we have not seen. There are beautiful homes surrounded by live oaks. We can imagine living here. The harbour has a beautiful park where live oaks are an integral part. There is a marina with shops, though our sights are set on the sun getting ready for its final dip. Interesting, this is the first sunset we witness since our trip began and this setting is like all 21 days together, as the setting sun puts on its best show.
Other folks jostle for position taking pictures and selfies. We join in the fun, ooing and awwing at the show. The light at its most perfect,we happily snap away. I stop for a moment to take in the gestalt and commit the moment to memory.
The sun dips and we venture to the shops and lighthouse, though find everything closed. It appears it was one or the other. We save our money and our home from the clutter of tchotchkes we most certainly would have purchased.
Our daughter, son in law and grandchildren have opted for the lighthouse and see the setting sun from up high. Perhaps we could have had it all?
The Crazy Crab does not disappoint. I eat my first hush puppy, a southern staple like a timbit but savoury. We dine on lobster, crab and shrimp, everything cooked to perfection.
Satiated, we walk around not wanting the night to end. Our grandchildren find a stage complete with benches. We sit down to enjoy their impromptu after dinner entertainment. A perfect day indeed!
We reflect on the experience. Travel in a near post covid world where anxiety rather than excitement consumed us for months before the trip. During the trip we cast away our anxiety, enjoyed mask free days and resorts and beaches with low occupancy. Travelling with our daughter, son in law and grandchildren,we were enveloped in busy, whirlwind days and dominos at night. Our pinched worried faces were replaced with honest smiles and joy. The sweetness of the trip intensified with knowledge that for the past two years this was not possible.
whatsrightintheworldtoday 