Adventures in Paradise

This is our secret beach. We found it by accident in our first few weeks on the island. We love it because it's quiet, secluded, and beautiful. Most Saturdays this is where our family escapes to and when we're here it's hard to feel like we're anywhere other than paradise.


Last Saturday when Marcus called me at home and told me to get everyone in their bathing suits I naturally assumed this was where we were going. However when we got to the car we found a kayak strapped to the top of it.



Although we've talked about kayaking, we've never actually been. Some of you may not know this but I have a serious fear of the ocean. Being swept out to sea is something I think about every single time we go to the beach. That said, you would think being in the middle of the ocean in a tiny little kayak wouldn't be something I'd be into, but surprisingly I was super excited.


Here are the girls, ready to go.
ummm... don't mind Sierra's hair, it was in 2 ponytails but I took them out on the way... don't ask me why.



Marcus did an awesome job paddling us around the ocean. Trust me when I tell you it was difficult. I also had a paddle but gave up after a few minutes.




We always see these rocks from the road. It was awesome to see them up close.


We started out paddling along the cliffs. There were tons of caves and caverns and it was absolutely beautiful.

It was so cool that I almost wanted to get out of the kayak, like literally get into the water, and go inside of the caves just to check them out... almost.



The water was crystal clear.


We saw banana boats, snorkelers, jet skiers, a look out point with tons of people taking pictures, and we even came upon a fishing hut.

It was a great time! We stayed in the ocean for about an hour and we would've been there longer but at one point, after secretly congratulating myself on what a great job I was doing not freaking out, I realized just how far into the ocean we were and started freaking out. I'm so lame. Marcus tried reassuring me and distracting me by saying things like, "you're okay Nik... we'll just go around one more cliff... don't you wanna see what's over there?" Unfortunately his tactics didn't work and it was apparent that unless he wanted a full scale freak out he better get me to shore. So he paddled us back.

We almost made it before I threw up in the water. I'm not sure if it was the parasite (aka the baby) or the fear or a combination of both but whatever it was it had it's way with me.

But even with the grossness at the end it was a great adventure and we plan on doing it again. Maybe next time we'll even take some scuba gear and I'll be brave enough to go into the water. Maybe.