Today was our last full day and the change in the mood is evident. People are looking for whatever that last day experience could be, hoping it will be great and memorable. It had rained intermittently during the night and again during breakfast, but just as quickly the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. We all readied ourselves for the trip to customs, and then on to our adventure for the day.
Customs turned out to be quicker and easier than we had dreaded, and so as soon as we were sorted a group of us set out to find the beach. The plan was simple — beach, swim, something to eat and drink and back to the Florette to pack and go to bed early.
The beach was a long white crescent, with minimal waves and lovely soft, fine sand. We were approached as soon as walked through the parking lot by CJ, who was offering us lounge chairs and an umbrella, which sounded perfect, so soon enough we were set up facing the sea, and the Florette in the distance. It turns out CJ and his brother were full service, with buckets of the local beer on ice delivered right to our spot. I was definitely in my happy place, with the beach, a book and a beer. It was hot, but with occasional and quick sun showers, and the call of the turquoise water didn’t leave a lot of time for reading. But that was ok, because it was so delightful to be floating in the gentle waves.
I was sitting with Bernd and Lilly and Karin, and we all agreed that an early dinner/late lunch was the best plan, with a goal to be on the 6:00PM dinghy back. (Many are leaving early tomorrow and there is the need to pack). We headed to the restaurant right at the beach and found “the family” from the ship, so joined them. We had all sorta hoped for a final group dinner, and so by happenstance were able to make it happen. Some tropical drinks and good enough food filled us up, and we walked the short distance back to the marina dock.
Once back on board there has been some levity and email exchanges and general last night chatter. For me, the last night is always the time that I begin to think about the transition from group travel and decisions and adventures to moving about life on my own. I will spend another night on Antigua before flying to Puerto Rico for several days. And I expect that those beach days will be quieter and with plenty of time to read and reflect on this journey.
