As a Type-A planner, I tend to get the most enjoyment out of things that I can plan and anticipate. I also typically enjoy the lead-up and anticipation of a big event almost as much as the big event itself. I love looking forward to things! Weird, I know…but I suspect there are some of you out there who get it.
But there are times when plans go awry (hello, boatlife!), or surprises happen, or the stars align in ways you just can’t even imagine or anticipate. Last weekend for example…
photo cred: Nightingale Tune
In my wildest, craziest, dreamiest world I could not have imagined the crew that came together for an epic flotilla last weekend. For weeks we have been messaging back and forth with some cruising friends hoping for a meet-up. We have cancelled as much as we have planned and our sailing plans just never seemed to align with their sailing plans and we had all but given up on meeting in person.
At the last minute – literally – an epic plan came together and we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the greatest cruising buddies of all time. There were 7 boats, 9 kids, 14 adults and a few pets all in Maho Bay, St. John – which just happens to be the most beautiful anchorage around. It was basically a who’s who of the sailing blogger convention and we were invited. Talk about little fish in a big pond! These were the blogs we have read religiously for advice on where to store stuff, how to not puke while sailing, the best galley items, etc…
Literally, every thing I know about living on a sailboat is because I have spent hours reading: Windtraveler, ItsANecessity, and Where the Coconuts Grow. To find Selah cozied up in an anchorage next to these liveaboard giants was pure craziness.
photo cred: Nightingale Tune
We went on a very sweaty, very steep hike on a mission to find a smoothie. Honestly, I don’t even really love smoothies, but after this climb it was the best thing I have ever put in my mouth!
Asante was one of 4 Whitby/Brewer’s in the gang. To have 3 of our sister ships in one place was pretty cool. We spent plenty of time on each other’s boats ooh and ahhing over all the cool things they have done to make the boats their homes.
Brittany and her 3 little sidekicks are all smiles.
The guys look pretty happy after a successful lobster mission.
We spent our days swimming, paddle boarding, happy houring and generally enjoying life together. Bo and I have certainly missed the community aspect of our lives since moving aboard and this weekend was a major plus and went a long way in making liveaboard life a very real part of our future.
The real highlight of the weekend was the Lobsterfest that ensued after the guys returned with more than enough lobster to feed our herd. Pics, videos and details to come…
A drone shot that shows all our respective boats.
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So, inquiring minds want to know: how was the lobster prepared? What were the side dishes? Do you need a license to harvest the lobsters?
Sounds like a good time for all.
A.D.
I absolutely love this. One of the toughest things for us is leaving our friends. To know that there is potential to connect with people is amazing.
It also makes me want to shoot straight to the USVI’s/BVI’s as soon as we shove off of this dock in the spring!
Looking forward to the videos etc!