Our Travels

Since getting to the islands AND having the boat not needing lots of attention (shush, she might be listening), we’ve tended to sleep in a bit later than usual. The other night we watched the Hopetown Lighthouse come alive! Each night at 1800, the town’s church bells play for about 5 minutes, after which the keeper lights the light and a few minutes later it slowly starts its’ revolutions. We are enjoying that when Susie says, “I still want to walk that beach to look for treasures.” Hence Monday morning at 0615 Todd’s internal clock, which is not nearly as reliable as it once was, kicks in and he nudges and says, “beach?” Naw, another half hour. Todd’s snooze is set and approximately 30 minutes later, another nudge and we are off to the beach. Just after sunrise Monday morning, we walked the beach directly across the island from Cap’n Jacks, past the cemetery, and down the big dune. Sure enough, we found a couple pieces of sea glass, along with a couple pieces that had to be tossed back in for more “polishing.” Then, lo and behold, after a good 3/4 mile walk down the beach, coming back along the seaweed line further up the shore, our lucky Susie finds a Sea Bean! Merremia discoidesperma, to be exact, aka Mary’s Bean (or Crucifix Bean due to the cross-shaped indentation on the back side). Mary’s Beans come from a tropical vine in the morning-glory family that grows in the rain forests of Mexico or Central America, and they hold the record for the greatest documented drift: 15,000 miles. Knowing this precious little guy drifted thousands of miles to a beach where God knew she was going to pick it up gave her goosebumps!

For those who may be interested, here are links to a bit more information: https://www2.palomar.edu/users/warmstrong/plmay96.htm
http://www.seabean.com/guide/Merremia_discoidesperma/

And then, Monday night we watched Georgia beat Alabama in the national championship. Go Dawgs! Woof Woof Woof! Talk about a lucky day! Sorry, Louis and Lisa…