The catamaran comes to an easy stop a couple hundred yards from the palm-studded shore. The aqua-blue water is the most beautiful I've ever seen. It is transparent and I can see the white sandy bottom of the shallow sea.
We strip down to our bathing suits and step down the ladder into the warm translucent water. I feel the fine sandy grain beneath my feet and in the cracks of my toes.
I pull goggles over my eyes and slip into the sea. Like an amphibious creature I stroke my arms and legs and feel the salty liquid flow across my shoulders. I stare down at the floor of the sea and watch it roll beneath me, unblemished. Occasionally there is a strand of seaweed or a tiny crab burrowing a hole.
I pull goggles over my eyes and slip into the sea. Like an amphibious creature I stroke my arms and legs and feel the salty liquid flow across my shoulders. I stare down at the floor of the sea and watch it roll beneath me, unblemished. Occasionally there is a strand of seaweed or a tiny crab burrowing a hole.
I come up for air, slide the goggles over my head, and wipe my eyes with my arm. Jenelle is there and she has something to show me. She leads me over near the catamaran to our new German friends. They are holding a large orange and red starfish they found on the sand. It is beautiful!
Our time is up and we now climb back onto the catamaran and once again raise the sail. We cruise along the deep-blue waters with coastline in sight. I enjoy the breeze across my face and occasional splash of water. Boaters lean over the railing and take pleasure in the moment.
Our time is up and we now climb back onto the catamaran and once again raise the sail. We cruise along the deep-blue waters with coastline in sight. I enjoy the breeze across my face and occasional splash of water. Boaters lean over the railing and take pleasure in the moment.
The catamaran comes to an easy stop at the white sandy shore of Saona Island. It is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. Palm trees by the hundreds grow on and around the beach, including one on the shore that grows diagonally over the water. The sand is fine. Swimmers lounge in the luke-warm water. Plastic beach chairs sit reclined beneath a blaring golden sun. Thatched pavilions offer shade for those in need.
I lie down on my chair, close my eyes, and imagine what this island would be like with no people. In my mind I envision it is sunset. A small fire near the shore crackles and beyond that the waves lap across the sand. There are no other noises because no one else is here. The sea unfolds forever on the horizon, putting an eternity between me and the closest person.
I lie down on my chair, close my eyes, and imagine what this island would be like with no people. In my mind I envision it is sunset. A small fire near the shore crackles and beyond that the waves lap across the sand. There are no other noises because no one else is here. The sea unfolds forever on the horizon, putting an eternity between me and the closest person.
In my daydream I envision what this island must have been like in another time. I am Robinson Crusoe. This island is my home. I sleep on the sand and bathe in the ocean. I drink the milk of coconuts and the water of a gurgling spring. Sunsets come and go and storms stir up the angry sky. It is peaceful. I am alone. I relish the moment in my mind.
But I am not alone on Saona Island. It is filled with people. Yet it is still beautiful.
Jenelle and I walk along the shore, sometimes with our feet in the frothy white of the waves. We see small boats docked along the edge, floating atop the greenish-blue water.
Jenelle and I walk along the shore, sometimes with our feet in the frothy white of the waves. We see small boats docked along the edge, floating atop the greenish-blue water.
Further afield the beach is less sandy, but filled with smooth rocks and driftwood. Jenelle finds a conch shell larger than her hand.
We walk near the crooked palm. There is a line of people waiting to get their picture as they climb atop the tree. We pause to watch and note the notoriety of the palm.
The sun becomes more intense as the day moves on. I feel the heat on my chest and sense the beginning of a burn. Without further delay I wade into the water and dive head first into the silky sea. Instantly it drowns the heat and ripples through my hair as I propel myself forward. I stand up and let the droplets drizzle down my skin.
The sun becomes more intense as the day moves on. I feel the heat on my chest and sense the beginning of a burn. Without further delay I wade into the water and dive head first into the silky sea. Instantly it drowns the heat and ripples through my hair as I propel myself forward. I stand up and let the droplets drizzle down my skin.
Others relax in the water also. A man with swarthy skin paddles a canoe. A crew of Dominican workers bring a boat to shore and tie it down. Women clad in bikinis lie face-down on the sand and let the Caribbean sun bake their backs and shoulders.
After a couple hours of dallying on the island it is time to load the boat and head back. This time we don't board a catamaran, but instead a speedboat. We put on life jackets and squeeze tightly onto benches.
After a couple hours of dallying on the island it is time to load the boat and head back. This time we don't board a catamaran, but instead a speedboat. We put on life jackets and squeeze tightly onto benches.
Then, with a lurch, the boat takes off at an amazing pace. No longer do we casually move across the blue water, but now we accelerate at a voracious speed. Wind races across our faces and with every small undulation the boat springs out of the water with air beneath the hull. Everyone wears a smile because this ride is as good as anything at Disneyland! ♠
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