Author’s Note: WOW. I am sucktacular at taking notes. This is what I wrote: 5 hour sail to unihabited island – coconut crab that got away – walking around the island – birds squawking like vultures in the heat.

ba dum dum. That’s it. Don’t hire me to write your biography. In all fairness, I found myself in favor of spending time with friends rather than writing meticulously. A couple photos to appease!

I am always left breathless by the colors you can find under the water. I used to think that you had to go miles and miles below the surface to see sights such as these, colors such as these, but have learned since that I was mistaken, happily.

I am positive, in hindsight that I did not journal thoroughly on day 2 because 1.) I was not finished with THE SICK and 2.) I was preparing for more sick, as we were readying our selves to sail throughout the night.

The sail was leisurely, as we finally made it within the atoll and had them buffering the winds and currents, hallelujah, AMEN. Less chop, more hop. I’m sure I lazed on the deck, rolling over only to reapply sunscreen and to avoid rope burn. Note to those who do not tan naturally. 35 is NOT really enough. If you don’t like the feel of your skin scorching as soon as you exit the water, may I suggest a nice rashguard, say from the Billabong or Hurley brand? A 2007 model would be perfect. Accent this with a big HONKIN’ hat and some glasses. Screw the funny tan, seriously.

I was taken with the snorkel in. It was the first time that I had used dh’s camera underwater, and I must say, I was quite pleased. I always get a little nervous when we jump, feet first in water that I’ve never been in before (you know, what if the sharks don’t recognize me?) but all that fear was washed away the minute I got lost in the coral landscapes. I just paddled in, waited for MG and crew, and tried not to waste all my pictures on the first actual FULL day of vacaciones.

Aside: I have to depress the “p” button quite firmly at this home computer – I think there is a piece of broccoli firmly wedged under it -thanks to td. It makes my arm fat jiggle when I have to type it. So much so, that I am tem ted to ty e like this. With no ” “. Just omit that little letter like it never existed.

About 65% of the beach consisted of rocks, which I found unusual and refreshing, in that it was a change of scenery. My shins were not so happy, and I have the scars to prove it! Which I will spare you from. MG, FB, and I made our way around the island in the wilting heat. Even though the ocean was mere feet away, it was scorching. I was ecstatic that I had put on sunscreen. The birds circled overhead, trailing us all the way, and I must admit, it was a bit unnerving. I know they are not vultures IN THEORY, but they just squawked and squawked – it made me feel a bit like my death was near! Overly dramatic, I know. I have an imagination that runs rampant; are you surprised?

After I decided I had had enough of THIS ISLAND! Well, actually after we walked all the way around and had taken a bazillionty pictures, I decided to snorkel back out to the boat, while the men regaled us with tales of coconut crab, something that I wanted to eat, but wanted no part in catching. Apparently, these tasty treats like to burrow in the ground. To catch them, you stick your hand in a dark hole and surprise them. Ummm, their pincers are made for CRACKING and HUSKING COCONUTS – my hand is a lot softer and fleshier, knowwhutImean, Vern? You catch, I cook.

Tanaka, our wonderful host caught one and tied him up in palm frond. I’ve never seen one used more ingeniously. I tittered and hopped around like an excited (and starving kid) as he brought THE CRAB on THE BOAT. It was not to be however, and I was informed that not more than 30 minutes later, THE CRAB departed the boat. No crab for me. NEXT!

The day ended with spearfishing and showering (although not in the same vicinity) , and much medication as we prepared to sail through the night.