Here we are, as the days get cooler and as the sun sets earlier, right in September. I am back in school with readings, jurisprudence and classes in full swing. It seems as if May was yesterday and yet here we are!

This summer was crazy. And amazing. And difficult. And challenging, and wonderful in so many ways.

My job this last season was as a skipper for a live-aboard sailing and scuba diving camp in the Caribbean. I was in charge of a 42-foot Lagoon catamaran as well as up to 12 students (ages 14-18) with the help of 1-2 colleagues.

As most of you can imagine, it was at times quite messy! Juggling the material needs of such a camp (scuba diving equipment, boat logistics, food) with scheduling and the emotional needs of teens (and tired adults!) was a lot. The job was a 24/7 one as not even in sleep did the weather, or even sometimes the kids, behave!

And during other moments, it was simply incredible.

I had the chance to sail twice with dolphin pods and once with whales. I’d get to scuba dive with my students and observe sea turtles munching on sea grass or reef sharks snoozing in the sand. Birds would swoop around our yacht, sometimes for up to 30 minutes, catching fish jumping out the waves of our wake.

We’d visit the most picturesque beaches with crystalline waters, climb rainforest-covered volcanoes, scuba dive amongst shipwrecks, and visit the most quaint Caribbean towns.

I got to do community service doing beach, hiking trails, and coral nursery cleanups.

I got to sail from Saint Martin to Martinique, on a three-day, 280 nautical miles, delivery that was filled with the craziest side stories EVER.

I got to interact with hilarious, hard-working colleagues and individuals who toughed the good and the bad with me. And I got to see, my friend, the sea, every single day.

By the end of the summer, I was incredibly grateful but tired. The constant juggle of people and boat needs had been incessant and at times overwhelming as the new captain that I was (and still consider myself to be).

So, yeah. I’m glad to be back home and in school. I’m working on getting myself back in shape and good health. However, I am very grateful to have a killer tan and even better stories to tell along that path.

To the beauty out there and the memories made,

– Bee

“Never panic, always pivot”