Chad:
So I thought I turned the alarm off last night but, evidently just switched it from buzzer to radio. Luckily whatever radio station the clock/ radio was tuned in to only played a light white noise so it did not wake Marci. I shut of the noise and laid there contemplating, I really would enjoy just sleeping in until whenever, but then the silver flooded in. Up at 6:15am, I had visions of stalking the flats in my head. I can sleep when I get home.
I packed my things and whispered in my sweet wife’s ear that I was headed out to fish Flamingo Lake, Maybe Turtle Lake for a few hours, but I would not be long. She half opened her eyes and gave me a kiss.
I made my way from the Harbour Club Villas to where the lake just starts to narrow, a 2 minute drive. I opted to go by car because if the fishing was weak, I could move quickly. I pulled off the road and found a nice spot. It was windy again and found myself having to backcast to do anything; I really need to practice that more at home. Between gusts, I would launch the Christmas Island Special fly slightly upwind and strip back. I soon found my mark, a strong tug, and then a run right towards me, the telltale sign of a Jack. I smiled as I landed the silver bodied fish with a yellow tail, maybe the size of my hand… looked like a juvenile Crevalle. I made another cast and immediately hooked another jack, this one grey. Another few casts, and I landed a third Jack, this one lightly striped, another that I did not recognize. Three fish in 20 minutes seemed like a fine way to end my trip. None of them were very big, but I still enjoyed it.
There was not much action on the water, no tails, no nervous water. The wind was starting to pick up, but I wasn’t ready to leave. I made a few more casts, and then hooked up! The line in my hand slid through my fingers, just 15 or so feet… it did not feel like a jack, what was it? I played the fish by hand, and in in a few moments saw the most perfect fish in miniature. A juvenile bonefish, no more than 8 or 10 inches had actually taken a fly an 1/8th his size and made a run on me. SMILE. I have caught the largest and the smallest bonefish I have ever hooked this trip.
Marci and I spent most of the rest of the day by the pool. We had our fair share of sun the day before so we followed shadows from the pool to the deck, to the cabana and back. I edited pictures, video and blogged. We both spent the majority of the day reminiscing, and do you know what? That is when you know that you have had a good vacation.
Reality will soon set back in, work is changing, and there is much to do. But I can honestly say, after months of hard work studying, working… sacrificing, it is adventures like this past week, with the love of my life, which makes it all worth every second. I know that this place will fill my dreams, much as other fly fishing waters have. I thank my wonderful wife for her sacrifices the last few months, and for booking an incredible vacation for us both.
Marci:
Ah, a little sleep in time, I have a sneaking suspicion where Chad is padding off to this morning at the crack of dawn. Since my only goal of the day is to complete a book poolside, I think sleeping in will fill the ticket for the next few hours.
It is our last full day here in Turks and Caicos. I am sad that we have to leave, but I am also aware that our time here will be cherished and we will savor the memories, even as I am keenly aware that the corporate world comes back in focus on Monday morning. We had an amazing week here, Chad and I really needed the down time after a grueling pace back in Orlando. To be able to unplug has been GLORIOUS!
I finally rouse myself out of bed and start some coffee, Café Bustelo, strong and delicious. Well, when you cut it with half milk for an au lait, you can stand the strength! I got to spend the next few hours poolside with a summer novel, knowing Chad was happy and occupied with his fishy friends. Eventually, he decided to come home and I made ham and cheese omelet wraps – I love that we got to cook this week in the villa. Cooking has become a creative outlet for me since meeting Chad – I have watched him make some five star menus come to life in our kitchen back home, and so, I have become inspired to cook and serve meals that we can enjoy together.
After we ate and cleaned up, lounging was the order of the day. For hours, we settled into a quiet rhythm of enjoying the pool and doing our own thing. This is when you know you have arrived as a couple, when you can spend a consecutive week together and absolutely love every second of it, just a great ebb and flow of conversation, quiet time, activities together, and solo adventures. Chad and I are so comfortable in our own skin, but we love to spend time together as well – a great relationship, five years in the making!
For dinner, we ventured to the Turtle Cove Marina to a local spot called Tiki Hut. The atmosphere was a sea of soft citronella tiki torches, quiet couples and families enjoying the beautiful night, and a menu that screamed local and fresh. We settled on conch ceviche salad and conch fritters to start, accompanied by two rum runners. I had managed to pull myself together and wear a white cotton dress and Kino sandals, the most dressed up I had gotten in a week! For dinner, I had the curry chicken and Chad chose the West Indies chicken, both served with delicious rice. The meal was exceptional, the rum drinks were a perfect accompaniment to our final night on the island, this was a great send off from the Turks and Caicos.
We had a nice stroll back through the marina before we headed home to our villa. I will miss being here, it was a treat to get Chad all to myself for a whole week. He has worked so hard this year, and the trip was a great present for all his effort toward his certifications. We will go home relaxed and rejuvenated, but always ready to plan our next adventure…
Check out all of our pictures from the trip HERE