Boat ride of a lifetime
/Somewhere between being fully aware of my surroundings and feeling like I was going to slip away into a state of unconsciousness, I could hear voices of some of the passengers on board the boat. Quietly, and amongst themselves, people were saying, “I’ve never seen anyone get so seasick before.” And, “This is the worst case of seasickness, I’ve ever seen.”
But wait … before I tell you anymore, let me share with you how incredibly beautiful our trip started out. It is still a mystery to us as to how our boat ride that day to Los Arcos, a national marine park just south of Banderas Bay, turned into what seemed to be a bad dream.
Remember the day tour of Puerto Vallarta we were awarded for going on the property tour? Well, as part of the tour, we traveled winding roads above the shoreline where we could see Los Arcos from a distance; however, to be able to have this opportunity to see it up close was almost unimaginable. Plus, we were going to travel beyond Los Arcos to a restaurant that was only accessible by boat. Sounded like such an absolutely spectacular trip and we were feeling especially blessed to be invited.
When we arrived at the marina, it was a picturesque morning. With the exception of someone sweeping the sidewalks, a shop owner greeting us as we passed by on our way to the boat, or the noise coming from a busy outside restaurant, it was peaceful. And even today, I can remember standing on the dock, looking around to take in all of the beauty one more time before boarding the boat.
Gradually, the boat began to fill up with equally as excited passengers. For us, we were meeting everyone - except the captain, his wife, her mom and a friend visiting from Texas - for the first time. Most everyone else knew each other and had traveled on other excursions together. Hearing them share some of their adventures together before leaving the marina, we knew one thing for sure, we were in good hands with the captain. But then again, why should we feel any other way? It was an absolutely beautiful day for a boat ride.
Along with some of the other passengers, Nelson and I congregated at the stern of the boat. From this vantage point, we were able to take in the view, get some fresh air and shoot some great pictures of Los Arcos and the tropical fish swimming just below us.
After our stop at Los Arcos, we traveled past beautiful shorelines filled with tropical vegetation and sugary white beaches situated at diverse points along the bay. Next destination after our two hour ride - an outside restaurant located under thatched roofs on one of those majestic beaches; and everyone was ready to get off the boat, walk around, and have a delicious beach side meal.
So what happened? It all sounds so lovely. Well, stay with me and this weekend, I’ll share the rest of the story about this incredible boat ride of a lifetime and the storm that changed everything.