A real life Marco (Polo) rescue operation

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Readers (I think we are up to 10 now beside my mom and mother in law!) I realize I am behind in posting but our Backroads camp counselors keep us on a tight schedule and maximize all potential time on the islands (which I love) but it leaves very little time for my ongoing mindless drivel.

Our Wednesday on the islands was incredible. We took a small boat from Havr to the spot where we would begin our sea kayaking. I should have known I was in trouble as I recalled the question and answer session I had with Ben the night before. It went like this: Hey Ben if you were stranded on a desert island who would you rather be with me or Dad? He didn't hesitate for a second and  said Dad. I was floored....wasn't I the fun factor with this guy? I asked why and he said Dad can survive anywhere and noted that I hate to camp. He was right I hate to camp and my survival skills have been gleaned from my mother - when in trouble use a credit card. That's been my advice for all my kids - carry plastic and you can get out of anything. :)

Okay so you have the long set up for this brief adventure. Ben and I decide we will be partners in this sea kayak activity. We listened carefully to the instructions and got in the kayak. Our guide's name was Marco and he kept a sharp eye on our group which he should as the seas were really rough, the wind was very strong and we were kayaking through a very busy channel.

Ben and I got off to a strong start. I thought we were doing great until Marco's assistant told me that she saw me paddling backward so I knew I was in trouble. But things were good, we were working hard to paddle, but we had a rhythm and we kept up with the group. Ben felt so good he jumped out of the boat and floated by the kayak.

Over confidence is never a good thing.

We headed toward choppy waters, a strong current and serious head winds. I jumped into leadership mode. I started screaming at Ben listing all the things he needed to do to get us on track. At first he started screaming back his own set of instructions and announced to our group how awful it was having me yell at him. The seas got rougher and the wind picked up and were headed out to the ocean. I was now yelling at full volume at Ben. Poor thing turned around for a split second with tears streaming down his face and asked me to stop screaming at him. We were in trouble.

Marco to the rescue! Our capable guide charged the wind and water shouting you look like you have lost control and I will help you. He hooked his kayak to Ben and I and paddled us to safe waters. We spent the rest of our morning attached to Marco's kayak and safely paddled around the island. (Ben was able to take a few breaks between the two of us repeatedly thanking Marco (Polo) for his rescue.)

After lunch our capable Italian leader Save (pictured below) led us to our 100 year old boat for a cruise on the Adriatic Sea where we spent the afternoon jumping off the second floor of the boat into the clear green blue water.

Jumping off the boat was a blast (pics to come they are on our iPad).

We quickly changed our clothes and left the kids behind to have an adult dinner with a very famous retired Croatian singer -Tony. He was very famous in the 80s and you can find him on YouTube. (I couldn't but our tour group could.) This night was very special as he sang with our two Slovinian leaders - Petra and Anja. (Blogger won't let me post videos so you have to come see me to watch the video but Tony is featured at the top of the blog and Petra made the group shot below she is the third person on the left.)