Smooth Sailing

Today actually felt like vacation! It was a beautiful, warm, peaceful, sunny day. We went to Half Moon Bay on the Arabian Gulf and spent the day on the beach at the private yacht club there (sounds fancy, but we are just blessed with friends who are members and are willing to take us). We went sailing, had a nice lunch, and saw some dolphins! 

Because the beach is private, we can wear whatever we wanted, and it was peaceful and clean. The workers there were really helpful, and it felt like the beach was ours. I also learned a little bit about how to sail! It was amazing, and it's harder than it looks, y'all. The conditions can change in an instant, and you have to be so connected to the boat, the waves, and the wind. It was such a fun adventure! In the picture below, I'm on the sailboat on the far right with our friend and skipper/sailboat master ;)

Below is just a shot of the yacht club logo. 

Below is the comfy waiting area at the restaurant a little ways from where we were sailing! The food was delicious, especially after being in the sun and salty water all day. The water was so salty and rich in minerals that it left a thin coat of salt on my skin and clothes! I had never been in water quite like that before. I never appreciated fresh water more than I did when washing my hair at home today.

Me and my parents, representing Bama! 

:)

And here are a few more shots of the sailboat and the beautiful scenery there. 

I wish the picture below could capture how close we actually were to the dolphins, but you just had to be there. It was an incredible experience for me! On the sailboat, the dolphins would play in the water right in front or next to us as we sailed, and they were almost close enough to touch. As we waded in the surf (which is really calm water...hardly any waves), the dolphins were playing and swimming around in the shallow water about ten meters in front of us. What a beautiful sight.

I'm so grateful for today! It was a lovely experience in every way. The freedom of walking barefoot along the beach, learning a new skill, and being around such beautiful nature was all such a blessing!  

Courtney