09-19-24 maybe the best day
The morning was free time and I absolutely loved the time to wander the town, shop, take pictures, observe the wildlife, and clear my head
At 12:45 we met at the second pier to go for our excursion. Pepo and Steban, the trainee, took us to the water taxi which took us out to the Aquaria. This boat was well equipped and d soon we were off to Isla Lobos and Ochoa beach. David had come down to tell the guys that I had a panic attack the day before. I understood what he said and assured them that I would be fine.
Captain Robby known in town as avocado, was a great skipper and his mate Fernando was friendly and helpful.
Our first stop was in a channel where we were shuttled to the island. It was a trail that allowed us to see Frigates, Boobies and other birds. We had a couple from outside our group who joined us.  they were not as able footed and had to be assisted. There was even a fall at one point however we all made it to the end. Once back on the boat, the gentleman turned to me and said you just float across the rocks. I was flattered and I think part of it is that I just haven’t got to the point yet where I don’t believe that I can. 
I had been nervous but decided to go with the small snorkeling group to the beach and go from there so I wouldn’t hold anyone up. I needn’t have worried as I was back in the comfort zone. Virginia, Steven and I ended up enjoying a small sea lion swimming around under us, following a diamond sting ray, and seeing sea anemones, a sand dollar and many fish of a variety of sizes and colours. I was so relaxed that I had my hands behind my back and my fingers up in the sun and it one point. I even decide to mermaid swim. It was a most enjoyable time and I got my groove back so to speak. I don’t have any pictures, but it really was a remarkable afternoon that restored my faith in my love for the water and my understanding that it was my empath feels that were bringing on the stress of the day before 
At one point I asked 26 year old Sarah what she did and she said she was in marketing and is retired! I honestly can’t process that
We all freshened up and headed to a spot that Jane and Sarah had been to before. Tracey and I were last to head out and we actually saw Albacore in the back of a truck that shortly became the main ingredient in my Ceviche. There was a great visit which included Jenny singing along with the live music. While there I received a message from Rae that Pam had died. It was not unexpected, but sad. When everyone headed back to the hotel, I stopped at the red chair spot, sitting at the bar and had a whiskey. There were a couple guys who sat next to me and we had an awesome conversation about the places we had visited. They told me about Easter Island and it is on my wish list.
triumphgal 