Jackie - Let it Rain

Let it Rain

I woke up Monday morning to more stormy weather beating against the windows of the lodge. Despite my disappointment, I optimistically suited up in rain gear and headed downstairs because based on the previous meals, I knew breakfast would be delicious. While I ate my pineapple pancakes, I wondered what we would do with our time for the day. Surprisingly I was informed that even though it was pouring rain, four students would head out scuba diving and the rest would be taking a boat trip into town to a mangrove forest.

We sat two by two in the long, wooden, open-top boat that the Mango Creek staff called a “dory.” As we drove toward the open ocean, the waves grew taller and the wind picked up. Sheets of water swarmed all sides of the boat leaving no trace of dryness among us. Fearing that I would fall overboard, I clung onto Jordan’s arm as the boat bounced with the heavy pulse of the waves. He had more jokes than I can remember about me trying to hold his hand, but I would have gotten tossed overboard if I let him go and we didn’t have life vests.

Although it was scary to be in that position, it was pretty thrilling at the same time. The boys were full of so many sarcastic jokes that the trip was a complete comedy instead of an unplanned mess. We kept yelling, between mouthfuls of salt water, that this had definitely not been in our travel description! We had all imagined a picturesque island view and ended up in a stormy scene out of The Poseidon Adventure.

As the boat drew nearer to town the waves settled down. Even though it was still pouring rain I felt much calmer being out of the open water. We proceeded toward the mangroves, passing by tight rows of run-down houses that ominously hovered over the water on nothing more than driftwood stilts. When we reached the forest, the mangroves were so thick that they completely canopied the tunnel, blocking most of the rain as we navigated our way through. With roots snaking up out of the water and branches entwined overhead, it looked like a scene from a storybook. At one point there was no end or beginning in sight. I could not believe what a harsh contrast that peaceful scene was from the chaotic ride in.

After an equally epic return trip, our boat made it back to Mango Creek before lunch got cold. We were so wet from the rough weather that it would have been believable if we told the professors that we had gone swimming or that the boat had flipped! Even though I was soaked to the core, I’m so glad we didn’t waste the day sitting inside.