EENIE MEENIE MYNEE MO

After spotting a forest of masts in the main bay, I altered Swell's course to the south. I needed a few days of tranquility. The afternoon sun warmed my back and illuminated the yellow hue of the worn chart I sat studying. The passes all appeared sufficiently deep.

"Eenie-meenie-mynee-mo." I sung out, moving my finger between the anchorage options with each word. I steered our new course accordingly. Swell limped easily through the water with just her mainsail and the help of the motor in 10 knots of north wind. The sea and sky seemed to be smiling at each other, both blue and content.

As I approached the pass, my eyes bulged. A left was peeling then growing in size as it bent around the reef! I instantaneously lost all control of my senses. It had almost been a month since I'd surfed. "Stay off the reef.Get anchor down.go surfing.stay off the reef.get anchor down.go surfing." I mumbled.
I motored to the north end of the bay looking for a safe anchorage.doable, but pretty deep.let's try the other side.about face.back across the bay.speed her up a little.ahhh, yes, sand.15 feet.perfect!..What's this? An approaching boat?...I cant anchor here? But why?...There's an electric cable that runs across to the islet? But this area is plenty big!?.I'll dive and make sure I'm clear of it?!

I tried desperately to explain (in French) to the keeper of the grand mansion on the islet that I would do no harm and didn't plan to stay long. I just needed a place to set the hook for the night. Monsieur Stone Face wasn't having it. I tried again. His scowl hurt my eyes. All I could think about was the wave I'd seen.

"Are you sure you're sure, mister? I really can't anchor here? Okay fine, then where do you suggest.?" As he led me BACK across the bay, I could almost see the sun falling towards the horizon.

"It's 80 feet deep here and there's a reef 50 meters away?" I whined. "Fine, I'll anchor here.but could you wait just a minute?? I'll just drop the anchor and grab my board.Could you just drop me at the pass on your way back?"

"Sil tu plais!" I cried, as he sped off.

Cursing the owner of the mansion under my breath, I kicked the anchor out of its cradle and let out all that's left of my chain and rode.

"What's quicker" I thought. "Launch the dinghy or paddle?" I looked across the bay to the pass.the wave looked miniature from the distance.

Stand-up paddling the longboard over the deep green lagoon.shortboard in tow.wind at my back.it's all good, I've still got some time!.Four spongers on it now.actually, I'm stoked to have the company. Why are they staring at me like that? Oh, I guess it could be a bit odd for a girl to paddle up alone way out here.whatever.just smile.tie the longboard to the channel marker and strap on my leash.paddle up the line.a set approaches.the boys are too deep!

.Ahh, it's good to be a surfer again!