Cruzan Time

Our first full day on island was packed with activity, but at the leisurely pace we call "cruzan time". I got up early, as is my wont, and was sad not to have coffee. But then our neighbors had made a pot and my life was momentarily complete.

We visited the refuge by and by. We were supposed to meet Mike at 11am, but delayed leaving for a bit knowing that it would probably be a bit later. True to form, Mike called at 10:56 to let us know he was running a little late. Eventually, we met up around 11:30 to pick up our traps and other equipment in storage at the refuge.

We drove out to the end to show Anna what Sandy Point really looks like. We stood out in the sun admiring the beautiful blue water and waves for a bit and then headed back to set some traps.

We set two groups of traps. The first, off a parking area close to the beach where we've caught mongooses before. We set more along the road east of the salt pond. We had heard that the mongoose population was low -- they've been using kill traps on the beaches.

When we got back, we took a dip in the ocean. In the middle of the day, you can't swim very long during the middle of the day or you'll get sunburned, but when you come back from the field, it's wonderful to take a quick dip in the ocean to wash off the sweat.

After a leisurely lunch, we got organized to go to the grocery store. Buzz and I only needed about 15 minutes to get everything we needed for a couple of days, but the students needed longer. Buzz and I wandered through the store looking at the weird stuff you can find there: all the different rums; flour with beetles moving around in it; odd spices and sauces. Finally, we paid up and then stopped one more place on the way back -- at the only place that has the Island Hoppin' IPA.

For dinner, we had steaks and afterward, Buzz and I sat long into the night watching lightning flash in the clouds and waiting for the stars to come out. It's a luxury to have the time to have long conversations with a friend into the night.

Buzz finally had to read Jonathan to sleep (and wisely stayed in bed himself). I foolishly hung out with the young people until after midnight. But finally collapsed into bed and slept dreamlessly.