In April 2017, our friends, Steve and Susan, joined us on a sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands. Susan had never been on a sailing trip, but as her husband is fond of saying, “Susan likes to be pushed out of her comfort zone.”
As I recall, on our first night Susan said, “I can’t believe we signed up for 8 days of this.” Even on calm water I couldn’t get Susan out of the safety of the cockpit.
Before the end of that trip; however, Susan was lamenting, “I can’t believe we only signed up for 8 days of this.” We had so much fun kayaking together looking for sea turtles (and ice cream). Susan whimpered just a bit when we kayaked into a sea cave, but I could barely hear her, what with all the waves crashing into the rocks and everything.
March 2019 found us sailing together again, this time in the Bahamas. Steve and Susan are so much fun to travel with-they are pretty much game for anything, and this time Susan was loving, loving, loving sitting on the bow of the boat with me. I can’t post a picture of that because we stayed up there so long that we burnt to a crisp (and, you know, I really only want to post flattering pictures of us ladies).
Steve and Susan joined us at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in January 2021. The Covid 19 overseas travel restrictions simply made another Bahamas trip too much to think about. As it turns out, we enjoy Florida every bit as much and actually see more sea life here. (Just don’t ask Susan how close she likes to get to giant lizards and manatee.) By the way, Susan and I are rule followers, but our husbands maybe not so much…
We even had Steve and Susan out on the Atlantic Ocean!
Still on Covid 19 travel restrictions, we opted to sail to Key West in 2022. Susan, I’m so impressed with you-look at you totally comfortable on the boat, in the dinghy, and even shopping! Ok, so you’ve always been comfortable shopping, but we do it so well together that I had to mention it (and don’t we look fabulous in those hats?).
Susan and I have been friends for nearly 25 years. Our first trips together were women’s conferences with our church and Girl Scout trips with our youngest daughters. From crafts and smores to sailing and kayaking, we have grown a lot together. I love to tease Susan, but truth be told, I love her dearly and count her as a gift from God. I often like to say that it’s me stretching Susan, and as far as nautical adventures go that might be true. But, spiritually (you know-the things of first importance), Susan is the guide and I have always been the student. Thank you, Susan, and I can’t wait to see what’s next! Just remember, “All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23.
