boating Archives - loveRavayna

1 In travel

trinidad boat day

While we were in Trinidad, we chartered a small boat for the day to spend some time on the water and go DDI, or down de islands. Motoring off in the direction of Venezuela, we headed towards the Bocas Islands in Dragon’s Mouth, with no real agenda but some good times in the sunshine.

Not gonna lie, things got fantastic real fast. Our boat wasn’t fancy, but it was more than plenty fun- that’s typical Trini style. The weather was absolutely stunning, 85 degrees, and the water sparkled in the sunshine.

The soca music was blasting- David and Craig make a hell of a dj team- and the drinks were cold. The islands rising from the sea made for a beautiful sight, and it was so lovely and breezy out on the water.

Erin and I attempted our very own Titanic moment- rather unsuccessfully, but we were surely entertained. My precious aunt Judy joined us for our boat day- she’s so sassy and so sweet, we all loved getting to spend more time with her.

We spent some time up in the captain’s chair, admiring the views. Wilderness and stunning beauty in equal turn, and as far as eyes could see.

We were very much into the private party aspect of the boat charter. With lots of fetes (big open-bar parties) upcoming, we were all reveling in the open air, considering it our warm-up for the crowds and madness that makes up carnival.

It was pretty much a great big party on that gorgeous water… and in it, too.

In between drinking and diving, I did a little sunning. Reality check: I worked on my tan for six seconds before I decided it was too hot, I was missing the fun on the back of the boat and that my swimsuit sleeves would leave awful lines.

So I tucked my sleeves into my bikini top and returned to the dance party. And on we raged…

It was noisy and rowdy and fun and fantastic, and we all had such a good time! We came across few other vessels, but the ones we did were all happy to join the party.

We were surprised at how quickly the time had flown when our captain advised last dips and drinks, since it was time to head back to land. We had soaked in the sun, and were toasty and tired as we disembarked, met our driver, and headed home for supper.

asos bikini, similar, 2, 3, under $50! | cynthia steffe shift, similar, 2, 3 | vintage earrings, similar, 2, 3 | erin’s bikini: vs, similar, 2, 3 | nail polish

loveRavayna

May 4, 2016

0 In travel

honey island swamp tour

While in New Orleans, we made a point of having a little swamp adventure. So we crawled out of bed just after sunrise to caffeinate and head out of the city. It was chilly and early, and we were a bit on the struggle bus as we entered Slidell and arrived at Honey Island Swamp Tours.

We motored off into the swamp, and quickly saw a gorgeous pelican. We stopped to admire it, and it preened for a bit before taking flight.

We spotted a blue egret as well, but it was more stubborn. I was snapping away [?: loveRavayna], especially all the different camps. Families have owned these spots in the swamp since the 40’s (Noah’s Ark is the oldest) and have built and rebuilt their camps over the years (and hurricane seasons.) I was intrigued to see how greatly their repair and luxury levels vary.

David and I’ve been out in the swamp dozens of times, but this was a first for our couple friends. I’d always heard from guides that swamp cypress is special because it manages to live in varying standing water, and sends roots and knuckles up through the the swamp’s surface. I think they’re beautiful, especially draped with Spanish moss.

We were all excited to spot an alligator! It was so cold that morning that we didn’t expect any to be awake and out, so it was cool to see his beady eyes breaking the surface of the murky water. He was a big one, too.

We saw the cutest raccoons, and stopped to watch them frolic. I could not stop thinking of Meeko and singing ‘Just Around the Riverbend’ like a big dork. I know they are rabies infested and all that jazz, but they are just really stinkin cute up close.

We also ran into a family of swamp pigs- Papa approached first, and was rather daring, swimming right up to our boat. We fed him a few treats, and Momma and Baby oreo piglet came along in quick succession.

We loved getting out into the fresh air and were glad to get up close with so many varieties of Louisiana creatures. I don’t love group tours, but Honey Island did a good job of keeping it personal, and the swamp’s a pretty big place, so we only saw one or two other boats. It was a lovely nature escape… there’s really no place like the Atchafalaya Swamp.

loveRavayna

March 16, 2016

boating

trinidad boat day

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honey island swamp tour

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