Arrived in Bermuda!!!!
Yves picked me up at the airport, grabbed my bags and we headed to the dinghy. A short boat ride (and a rum toast) and we were at the Rusee de Jersey and I met Dominique, his wife and ballet instructor (Dom has been on board since January after being back on Quebec for six months).
After a quick tour of this beautifully kept 1987, 39 foot sailboat, we decided to go for a walk through the "jungle" and get to know each other. Yves and Dom had Ben here many times and knew area that likely the locals were not even aware of. We saw beautiful inland ponds connected underground to the ocean and had many fish (the beautiful blue parrot fish aplenty), and we visited the caves - very dark and without a flashlight we agreed we would return to explore in the next few days. The biggest cave was full of water and likely the high mineral content was the reason for the lack of any sea life except a sea cucumber. Dominque went for swim in this cave and said the water felt great.
We continued walking and came out of the jungle (a dedicated park set up in the 1980's) and found civilization at a pub style restaurant built in the late 1600's. We continued walking on the side of the road, occasionally confused which way traffic was coming because they drive on the left hand side of the road. The sun was out and it was in the mid 20's, so salvation was upon us as we found Bailey's ice cream store and we indulged. This is where I have now learned the deeply philosophical saying that "all roads lead to ice cream"
We returned to the Rusee and had cocktail hour (rum neat), and watched a wedding take place on the beach 300 yards away.
Yves made a fish dinner that lasted like heaven and the wine was passed around. We discussed life and had an excellent time. Post dinner was tea topside and a little star gazing.
I switched rooms to the very back of the boat - giving me more leg room to stretch out, but conceding much head room.
I fell asleep to the sounds of the waves lapping against the hull and the music being played for the wedding reception at the resort.
What a great first day!