It's a Beautiful Day!

This has been my first opportunity to write because I haven't gotten service but what a day to report back! We set sail out of Leverick Bay around noon and set a course straight for Anegada. The island is so flat that you cannot see it until you are up on it. It I'd made completely of coral unlike the other volcanic islands. We got a taxi to Cow Wreck Beach.. Malcolm made me cover my eyes as we walked over the sandy hill. When I opened them it was so amazing! White sand beaches as far as you can see. I went for a walk by myself for miles while picking up shells and coral. I walked and walked and mine were the only footprints in the sand. I couldn't see anyone in front of me nor behind me. I sang as loud as I wanted and kept looking back to see if there was anyone..there wasn't. It was just strange..I don't think I have ever been alone like that before. It is good for the soul. Megan, I sang Sister.. It was so cool.. You know the words and I was SO thinking of you. Someday, we'll take that walk together. The place is so beautiful I cried!
I just did the poo, shower and shave.. All in the same room. LOL I am getting used to it. I could do it everyday. There hasn't been a single thing that has made me not love to sail!
I ordered lobster for dinner, I looked down at it in the cage on the sea when we docked. Bet it's gonna taste fresh! Joe is coming down and I better get my lotion..lotion haha..on. I love all of you and can't wait to bring you here..
Heather

Good morning! Hey guys, I am sorry I haven't been able to call you as much. The phone service is very touch and go out on the water and on certain parts of the islands. It was very hard to call from Tola. Yesterday was the day we got on the boat and it was a much bigger chore than I had imagined! Though it is a large boat, once you have 7 people and their stuff, it can get pretty small quick! We had our big suitcases.. Bad idea.. We had to unpack them as soon as we got on and Malcolm's wife took them back to CRC. Huge duffle bags are the answer!
The sail over from Jost was amazing. I am in love with sailing! I know you will be too! We had dinner at Foxy's and I saw Ivan and Reuben for a moment. It is pretty cool coming in on the dinghy. It is also beautiful coming back out to it. Very quiet and the stars...well, you know.
after my shower in the sink cleaning (haha) I felt so much better. It is not as bad as I thought. You just stand in the little potty room and take the faucet.. It has a chord like our kitchen sink.. Then you wet down and turn it off, get your shampoo and soap and lather up, then on with the rinsing! I feel clean! No worries!
Last night was the first night on the boat. I was hearing so many noises I couldn't sleep. I thought we were dragging anchor.. No mooring ball..so I kept getting up and going up on deck to check. Finally, on one of my trips, Mike was up. He was checking everything and told me not to worry. He is an excellent sailor so off to bed I went. Like a baby in a cradle, rocked to sleep!
Oh, no sea sickness! It is not bad at all. I will call you guys today!! Love you!! Mom

First Leg!

Well, it is 8:49 AM here in Puerto Rico and we are waiting on our Cape Air flight. It is leaving at 9:30. We are dog tired and have been traveling for almost 12 hours now. Graysen, thank you for sending your lamb chop with me..mommy has been using it as a pillow! We are sitting right where you two sat. I wish you guys were here. I will call you soon! I love you guys!!! Mom and Dad

The Countdown

We have been knocking last minute things out like buying new luggage (the last set fell apart and boy were the last couple of trips through the airport embarrassing! A chunk had come out of the wheel making it not so round so it made a horrific noise while being pulled through an echo-ey airport..whop whop whop. Lots of stares) That is done. We have gone to Target again. The grocery several times and worked on our tans in the pool all the while reading our Sailing for Dummies book. Joe got our snorkeling gear down and rounded up our missing TTOL coozie. Can't go without that. We are getting really excited. I am sure my next couple of days of posting will be irritatingly giddy. I apologize in advance!

The photo is from a charter captain in the BVI. It was taken in the last couple of days. Absolutely stunning!

Hardest Run Ever

Got up today and made the 7 mile route. I don't know why but it was absolutely THE toughest run- ever.

Made it to Target for the last minute list. 5 days to go!

The picture is one of my favorite of the ISS. It was just after they put on the last set of solar arrays.

7 miles- Calories burned 858

My Good Friend

I am so looking forward to seeing my dear friend, Reuben, next week. He is one of the sweetest people I know!

Early Start

I could not run yesterday so instead, I did my workout in the garage. It was ok but I didn't feel great about it. Megan came over with Paxton and we swam. Later Meg and I went to grab a salad and walk on Market Street a little. We both had tummy probs so..home we went. Finally got some sleep! Joe called at 6:45 this morning so that I could let Ozzy out. I got up and got an early start before the heat set in. That is the only way to do it here in Houston now. It is just too %&@# hot otherwise.

The kiddo's come home tomorrow. I had a bazillion calls from them yesterday. "I miss you, I miss my house, it is so clean, they never have food, we always have food, I am going to cry when I see you , Mom. You are the best in the world." Hope it lasts. We'll see!

We are getting pretty close to our trip. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it non-stop. I am so excited. So excited! I still have a looong list I need to get done. Wife beaters, sun block, bug spray..Will, you know the drill. Right? Oatmeal, granola, pop tarts, coffee etc.. It will all come together.


My run- 7 miles- 936 calories

Most Amazing Blog

I have stumbled upon the most amazing blog, ever. I have to tell about it. They are a married couple from Jersey who obviously grew up aroung the water and from what I can tell, have visited this area quite a bit through life. I think the woman's parents built a home here when she was young and that is where the connection is. The place is Turks and Caicos. They have been building a home there since early 2007. They have made friends with the locals and are incredibly happy. The images are breathtaking and the way of life is EXACTLY what Joe and I are looking for..when possible..(2 kids off to college possible). Her husband, Byron, writes with such clarity and always has something to write about that grabs you. They fish for their meals and dive for conch. They have found ruins from old shipwrecks and carvings in the limestone that date back to the 1700's. Pretty amazing stuff. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

http://2gringos.blogspot.com/

I Made 4

Well, I didn't make it the 7 miles today. I did make 4 so at least I got something. Calories burned- 600. I have eaten a Goo pack, a protein shake, a few pretzel crisps and some yogurt with a sprinkle of granola. I think we are going to have sushi for dinner..need to go jump in shower now..so I will be keeping with the light food..at least it will be SOLID! I can't wait to "chew" something!

The picture today is of a Sea Dragon that is in an aquarium. He is carrying babies and is set to give birth in July. Very cute, I thought!

Sun Day

Well, I didn't get that Heath bar off today. I horsed around here doing laundry and the dishes and let it get too hot. Megan came over and that gave me another excuse. When Joe came home he declared today to be a pool day. So..there we went..out to the pool. He got the blue float and I the pink. It was a great day and we got some much needed sun. Who wants to go down to the BVI all pale? Anyhoo, found 2 pair of shorts for the trip..they are ok..nothing terrific. Tomorrow is a definite 7 miler..NO EXCUSES!

Finally Got Out Again

Got up earlier today and Joe and I ran the 4 mile route. My calorie count was 613..not too bad. We are winding down to the trip and I need to get serious. Just got back from Marble Slab by the way. At least I got the frozen yogart..not too bad if you don't count the Heath Bar sprinkes.

Here's a beautiful pic for the day..

A Hot One

Ran today..did the 7 mile route. Man, was it hot! My calories were at 890 when I took my HR monitor off but I am sure they kept on going. I had a GOO while in the middle of it and then came home and swam. Later I had a bowl of Great Grains..4 pizza rolls..and some G2. And..I just snacked on some Goldfish. Going to make fish and rice for dinner. Headache!!

Just Do It

Well, I did it..and it was tough! I ran the short route. 3.5 miles or so. Calories burned-495. So far today I have eaten a bowl of Great Grains for breakfast and a salad from Cafe Express for lunch..with hummus and bread sticks. Syd just split a diet treat with me so that was 45 more calories. Ugh..gotta watch it!

Dentist

Well, I did not get any exercise in yesterday. I had the dreaded dentist appointment and it took hours..most of which was just waiting..and then I felt like crap. I got the errands done..taking the cats to the groomer..and then came home and crashed. Joe got dinner and I came out of my room bu 7:00 or so. Gotta get going today. Will post more later..hopefully with some exercise to report.

Catching Up

I wanted to get current with my running for the last week. I can't remember the week before that. I know I ran Friday of last week and then once in Louisiana. We came home on Sunday, before Memorial Day..didn't do much then or on that Monday. I ran from the bus on Tuesday but just did the 4 mile route. I did the 7 mile route on Thursday and again on Friday. I took Saturday off and Sydney ran with me on Sunday. We did some walking in between and managed to make it..man was it hard! I made Valentino Pasta last night for dinner and Megan was over. I had bread as well..definitely running Monday..which is today. I did about 3 1/2 miles. It was so humid..almost impossible to breathe! I had some fig newtons and a protein shake. Had to be at the school at 10 AM for a meeting..yea! The last one! :)