Rest of Trip

Where did I leave off??

Saturday: This is the day we've rescheduled our kayak adventure. I have Matt look outside to see what the weather is like. It's cloudy, windy, but not rainy. We're hopeful... The place calls and lets us know we won't be able to go snorkling and there probably on't be any sun, but they are going to let us go if we want to. So we go. We get to the office and fill out paper work and get briefed on where we'll be going. There is a nice close little island called Flatt's Island, and then there is another one sometimes referred to as Shark's Cove. Further away and surrounded by reef except for a few parts. It is Shark's Cove of course that Matt wants to paddle to. We drive around to the "launching" part of the beach and begin our paddling lesson. I asked one of the workers if I would get wet. He seemed dumbfounded by my question and responded with "Well you're getting in the boat aren't you". I also ask him how deep the water is because Matt has assured me that it's only about 4 feet out the whole way. His reply was 15 feet. I look at Matt and the only words that come to mind were "Idiot." I'm not sure if y'all are aware or not, but me and adventerous don't really go hand in hand. Bravely I trudge on. I had to wade out into the water past my knees and sit in the kayak butt first. As soon as i sit down, I can only see the brown water and Island half a mile away. I have a panic attack, stop breathing, and decide I can not do this. While I'm screaming "I've changed my mind I've changed my mind" Matt has climbed into the boat and the people have pushed us off into the water. (Also Matt and I have decided to go on a self-guided tour) So we are now paddling back towards shore when the tour guide from the group in front of us tells us to just follow him. Somehow I calm down and off we go. We make it to the island and eat lunch. A few hours later, it starts to get windy. The group we are with consists of Matt and I, two other married couples, and our guide. The weather is quickly deterioating and the guide has instructed us to paddle out about 200 feet and then face the wind and paddle in place. Because if the wind catches us from the side, it will be almost impossible to not be blown out to sea. The guides plan is the launch the other two couples ahead of Matt and I. (A blessing in disguise) He launches the first couple and then the next. The second couple to launch tip out of the kayak as soon as they get in the water. About 50 feet out the other couple has fallen out. Matt and I are luckily still on land. the guide goes to help the first couple and the second ones come back on shore. The guide makes it to them and helps them climb back in. They fall out. Again and again and again. I guess they just get exhausted because all I see them doing is just sitting in the boat- and getting further and further away. Luckily Matt has a cell phone so we call the company that we went with. 25 mintues later, they're further away and no one has come. We call again.. They say they're sending people. About half an hour later our rescuers come. 2 people in kayaks. when they realize that the people really are half way out to sea, one goes after them and the other comes onto the island. The weather is getting worse. Windier, rainier, colder. They call for back up. Here come 2 more people in Kayaks. Seriously. doesn't anyone own a motor boat? In the meantime I've told Matt he is NEVER planning activities for us again and that he owes me big. He owes me a Mastiff and he definitely didn't say no. So now the owner is here and his big plan is to have us paddle back, tied to another kayak. Are you serious. This old man wants to McGuiver a rescue with my life at stake?? His plan A didn't work and so now we're to plan B. Each one of us in a kayak with an experienced paddler. the oldies go first. They make it. They come back for matt and I. At this point I'm really scared, it's getting dark, and it was so foggy I couldn't see the land where we were headed. I crouch under a rock and cry. The owner comes and asks me whats wrong. Actually he said "Whats your name". I said Sidney. He says "Sissy?" Me in an angry tone reply "NO. SIDNEY like Australia." After he realizes i'm scared, he tells me i have nothing to worry about. We do this kind of stuff for fun all the time. Really what else could I do??? I climbed in and paddled for dear life. My arms were burning. All I kept doing was asking God to give me strength and keep my arms going. I couldn't even think about what was lurking under neath. I turn to see where Matt is, and hes no where to be seen. The guide paddling behind me lets me know they're ok- they're on the other side. Whew... Long story short, we make it to shore and Matt somehow doesn't remeber promising me a dog..... I talked to him yesterday and he said our rescue made the newspaper. hahah Sunday: Not too interesting. Matt is late getting back to the base because the Honolulu marathon has closed down practically every major road in the town. I fly home in flip flops and land with snow on the ground!