April 26, 2016
We're headed to sea today, sailing on the Zenity for four days. I don't know why I get so nervous before trips, any kind of trip. I guess it's having to get everything ready and leaving the comforts of home. I hope for smooth sailing and fun times and good memories.
April 27, 2016
We're still out at sea. The wind died down last night and so it's been slow going. We were supposed to be in Pandan around noon today, but it seems like we won't get there until tonight.
The wind has picked up now and we're just using the sails. I'm taking a break from sitting in the sun. I'm so sweaty that the pen slips between my fingers.
Apparently there was a whale sighting just a minute ago. Everyone was at the front of the boat oohing and aahing, but here I was in the cabin scribbling in my journal. By the time I made it to the front of the boat, the whale had disappeared.
I'm hoping to see dolphins and giant sea turtles when we get to Pandan.
There was a magic about the sea. People were drawn to it. People wanted to love by it, swim in it, play in it, look at it. ~Cecelia Ahern
April 29, 2016
We're sailing back to Puerto Galera after a day on Pandan. We got there around 7 or 8 on Wednesday night and spent yesterday afternoon snorkeling and chilling on the beach. Highlights:
I got to see dolphins! Before we docked in Pandan, a group of dolphins swam up beside the boat, curious and playful. They swam beside us and in front of us for a few minutes, sometimes poking their heads out, sometimes jumping out of the water and doing little tail flicks. Such showoffs. :)
Snorkeling was amazing! I saw giant sea turtles and manta ray and all kinds of fish: long skinny ones with pointed noses, angel fish, electric blue fish, rainbow-colored fish. I gazed at coral and swam behind schools and watched the turtles graze at the bottom of the ocean, so slow and wise.
I didn't take my camera to shore, but Pandan only has one resort and it's tucked behind trees and hibiscus. There are beautiful little cottages for people to rent, hammocks swaying between coconut trees, and an island bar that serves the most refreshing gin and juice.
So we're sailing now and it's slow going again because there's not much wind, but I don't mind. I enjoy watching the horizon. Last night I sat at the front of the boat when the wind and waves were high and sailed into the sunset.
May 1, 2016
On our way back we started running out of fuel. We weren't able to use the sails on most of the trip, so the engine got a lot of use. Anywho, so we're just drifting on the ocean, waiting for some miracle breeze and trying not to use what little fuel we have, when we come upon an island with a small beach that looks quite refreshing. The Captain reckons we dock and go for a swim. It turned out to be a treasure of a find, a tranquil cove with turquoise water as clean and clear as sun shining through glass. And it felt so good to take a dip after having sat in the sun with no wind as a relief.
It was our good fortune that a group of Filipinos were having a beach day and offered to bring us fuel. While we waited, we swam, had a few beers, and chatted to the curious kids who boarded the boat. They said they had never seen foreigners at that beach, only fisherman. After one of the little girls learned my name, she'd periodically say, "Cassandra." And I'd say, "What?" And she'd say, "You're beautiful." So sweet.
One of the kids collected smooth, white egg-shaped rocks and left them on the boat as gifts. I brought one of them home and it sits beside my favorite crystals.
You know what I loved about sailing? Living in the moment. No computer, no consuming internet garbage, no work, no thinking about what to blog or how to make money or life goals or anything. It was just me and the sea, the sun, the sand, quiet adventures, and friends.
At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour, but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun. ~Unknown
