We went catching today! I say catching because when Randy booked our excursion he said ‘I don’t want to go fishing! I want to go catching!’ And catching we did. Our wonderful guide Ricardo took us to several places that he knew to be excellent catching grounds. At first we had to go around a shower or two but at each stop, fish we’re hitting the bait and being brought in. Everyone caught at least 5 fish. Everyone that is except yours truly. After much debate it was decided that little ole me wouldn’t be able to focus on so many things without falling over board. So, I sat in the shade of the canopy and watched these seasoned fisherpersons show their stuff. Now, I say seasoned, but maybe I should say marinated. I don’t know. What do you think? Now, don’t feel sorry for little me. While these anglers angled their hearts out, I was the cheering section. And as you all know, all that cheering can cause ones throat to get dry and scratchy. Luckily, Ricardo was prepared for such an emergency. Just to my left was a large cooler with a large supply of ice cold Belikin beer. Ahhh! Now, I found there was only one hiccup in my cheering plan. This little boat had no, what I would call adequate facilities. In fact, There were none. Not even a ladder to use to get my butt back on the boat after using natures potty. So, maybe the cheer beer plan wasn’t such a good idea. Oh well. My intentions were good.
As I said, everybody caught quite a few fish. And some very strange fish, as well. There was this Hong fish, kinda looked like a needle. And Mark caught.a puffer fish. Very strange little critter.
I think it kinda took a liking to Paul. He started scratching on it and it swelled all up. Like I said, very strange little critter. But very cool. After we caught a cooler full we race back to the dock (ugh! I knew I shouldn’t have had that last beer) to count and clean the fish. It’s determined we have enough for at least two meals. Not bad for a mornings catching. For lunch we had beef empanadas and chicken pasta salad. Very tasty. And Maria made these amazing Piña Coladas, from scratch. Best I’ve ever had! The rest of the day is spent relaxing by the pool. Hey, catching and cheering is tough work. Next, it’s time to get ready for cocktail hour before dinner. You know, I don’t think I’ve eaten this much well, I guess since our last meeting in Jamaica. So much food! But, it’s all so good! Tonight we get to feast on our catch of the day, Red Snapper! And Maria let me watch how she prepares it! Definitely going to have to try this at home. I always find it amazing how much better fish tastes when it’s fresh! That’s saying a lot since I’m not really a fish eater. But here…..I love it! Oh, and along with the snapper she has prepared shish kebabs and cauliflower roasted with Parmesan cheese. I know I keep saying yummy but, it is! For dessert, chocolate pie. Enough said. We all decide a walk along the beach would be an excellent idea since were all full as ticks! But, the sun has set and it’s a little dark. But, with our trusty phones shining the way, we trip along the beach and watch the crabs run along the sand and look in amazement at all the stars. You forget just how many stars there are when you live in the city. It just beautiful. Now, due to a privacy clause that was implemented during this walk, I can’t tell you about all the hilarity that occurred. But, you can take my word for it. It was illuminating frivolity that only this group of characters could’ve come up with.
Next it was back to the board for pegs and jokers. After the previous evenings game, the challenge was on. Could we keep Mark from strategizing his way back on top? You bet your sweet bippy we did.
