The Highseas Expedition

Today started out being our crash day. I was exhausted as were Will and Nate. They were grouchy and whinny, however, we had a plan. Today we were going on a Pirate Ship!



We started out the day by driving around and exploring the other end of the island. Turns out we are in the heart of the action! We did find a little park right on the edge of the ocean. The boys had a great time just running and playing. Nate was not thrilled when it was time to go but there was the promise of exciting things to come!



We headed to John's Pass to buy tickets for our Pirate Expedition. This trip promised dolphin watching, Water gun battles, Pirate tales and for the the grown ups free wine and beer! We were all excited about what the day had in store for us.



We then headed to the upper patio of Bubba Gump Shrimp for lunch. It was the best way to eat lunch on a Tuesday I could imagine. We were looking out at the soft blue ocean, the boys could watch the draw bridge go up and down, there was something for everyone! About 40 mins before our departure time we saw the Pirate ship coming back into the harbour. The draw bridge opened to allow for it's tall masts, Will was pressed up to the deck railing so he could get the best view possible. After that he was ready to go. We went for a walk on the beach to pass the time. Will loved finding shells and Nate was stalking a large crane that was watching us play. Finally, it was time to head to the dock. There were a number of other families waiting to board. We checked in, Will and Nate got their pirate hats and a water gun each. They were in heaven. We never let them play with guns so this was a big deal for them. We boarded the ship and the free drinks began flowing immediately. Ken was determined to get his moneys worth of free beer. By the end of the cruise he had accomplished his goal!

I kept thinking as I watched the boys listen to Pirate Tales, and play and dance with the other kids that this is a day they will always remember. The ocean was calm and perfect, there was not a cloud in the sky and they were living out their best Pirate fantasy! Ken even got in on the fun. The crew pulled him aside, dressed him up as the Pirate Peg-leg Pete and sent him up to scare the kids. Will took one look at him and said, "Your not a Pirate, your my Dad!" As adults we had a great time too. We got some alone time, the pirate crew kept the kids entertained. We met some fun and interesting people and got a tour of this very interesting place we are in. The ocean and the land here are so intertwined it's hard to know where one ends and the other begins. There are inlets and bays snaking in and out of the island continuously. Ken was the only one of us to see a dolphin (the one thing I was really looking forward to!) He said it was amazing. I did briefly see one as we were disembarking the ship. When our cruise was over we headed back to the condo for fa dip in the pool as we were all feeling hot and a bit tired.

The swim energized us all and we again had to drag the boys out of the water. We gave them a quick dinner and then headed to the beach to watch the sun set. This was the moment of the trip I have been waiting for. The sun slowly sank toward the horizon, the sky becoming more intense shades of orange and red. I watched the boys as they played in the tide pools, finding treasures. They worked together to try to rebuild a sand castle that the waves kept crashing over. The ocean was warm, the sand was cooling and the air was filled with the scent of ocean and flowers. I can't think of any better way to spend an evening.

When the sun was gone we pulled the boys away from their building with promises of returning tomorrow. The boys went right to bed and Ken and I had a lovely, relaxed grown up meal. I can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday already. I wish March Break was two weeks!