The Results of Two Weeks on Heron Island

I’m used to being sandy all the time. Wearing shoes is no longer a thing. I put on makeup for the first time last night, and my face is too tan for the color of my coverup. Sunglasses are a life essential. I’ve almost emptied a bottle of sunscreen. I’m surprised when my hair is its normal texture rather than a mass of salt-water-shaped curls. Looking presentable feels like a treat; wearing bathing suits and bro tanks is acceptable in every situation. Meals consist of protecting my plate from seagulls.

I learned how to dive down and stay down when snorkeling. I saw turtles, sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and a dolphin in the wild. I can identify fish. (…well, more than I used to be able to identify.) I’ve swum with enormous schools of fish. I’m in absolute awe of the Great Barrier Reef.

Beach volleyball matters. I’m part of a team that internally has two rules. 1) Wear black. 2) Have fun. Despite that, everyone else calls us team “No Fun Want Win.” That’s what happens when you’re intense while having fun, wear black, and enter the semifinals undefeated. But hey, we’ll take the intimidation factor. 🙂

I regularly forget that it’s October. Days are hot, blue skied, and sunny. The sea over the reef flat is the most amazing teal color, and the water beyond the drop-off is deep, beautiful blue. Days end in incredible sunsets over the sea with the silhouette of the shipwreck in the foreground. The night sky is so full of stars…until dawn, when the sun rises out of the sea again.

And I’m not ready to leave. ❤