Adults on a trampoline.
We gathered guests today, taking trips to the ferry dock at trellis bay. Our first to appear are all brand new to us: Heather and Lynne are sisters that love to travel together. Soon after we found Marcus and Martina, then Samantha (Sam from here on). Contrary to the weather forecast, the sun shined bright, and it all felt very Caribbean.
We settled guests into their rooms and eventually went for a swim and play session at the little cove here at the marina. Heather recorded stroke video of each swimmer, and we did a navigation clinic.
Hopper’s swimming navigation tips:
Pick a stationary object in the distance to “sight” on. Something permanent, like a mountain top or a brightly colored roof. Clouds are inadvisable.
Tilt chin forward and take a look at your object. In calm water you can just get your eyes out, sighting between breaths. In rougher water you may need to pick up your head a bit higher and take a breath while sighting. If conditions are really sloppy, a couple of breaststroke kicks may be in order to get your head way up high.
Take a mental picture of your object as you sight on it. Put your face back in the water and throw your hands at that picture in your head. If you can see the bottom, connect the dots between your target and the bottom, forming an invisible line along to follow.
Scrub Island resort has a floating trampoline off its tiny beach. We hopped around on it for awhile, then just lazed around on it for a while. Not a bad way to ease (bounce?) into a vacation. Miriam and Myssie soon appeared after having been delayed in San Juan, followed by guide Tim “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick. Fitzy and I guided the very first SwimVacation here in the BVI 14 years ago, and I’m really looking forward to spending some time guiding with him this week.
Tortola Sparklers (rum, sugar, champagne) appeared with crostini covered in herbed cream cheese, pickled onions, and salmon. Later, chef Ali produced a dinner of Thai fish stew with a side of braised bok choy. It was well received. Rain showers overnight as we remain at the marina, delayed by late flights and weather. We'll head out to sea tomorrow, in search of the perfect swim.
Hopper