The winds calmed in the night but by morning were strong from the east. We were sheltered from significant waves but it was not smooth. David had plans for an oil change, a transmission fluid change and topping off our fuel. We started with a big breakfast, our Sunday brunch.
In the morning I noticed kite surfers on our beach and wanted to go to the other side to photograph them. I decided to try the paddle board. We weren’t sure I could make headway in the wind but it was worth a try and I couldn’t get into much trouble.
I paddled on my knees so I would not fall off and lose ground. The board tracked well through the water and I was able to make upwind progress. It was not far to our side of the beach. I parked in some clear sand above the mangroves and walked over to the beach where two kite surfers were out. One of them was really having a day. When he would get to the end of the beach, he would pull up and spin in the air to change directions. That part looked really fun. Both boarders were really good but the other one did not go for the air as much.
The boarders were from motor vessel Mystic Soul and catamaran Mai Tai. I spoke with Mai of Mai Tai for a while on the beach. She was really nice. They have really enjoyed the windy winter as they have had much opportunity for kiting. She does not kite board but likes to just be on the beach. He does not care for the beach much if he can’t kite. It is a win-win.
Meanwhile, back at the boat, David was busy accomplishing all of his goals. He had filled the fuel tank with diesel and had changed the oil. I basically sailed back to the boat just sitting on my board and using my paddle as a rudder. The rest of the day remained windy and we cleaned and planned for a trip north after things calm down.