Jet ski safari

Sunday, October 09, 2022
Kooddoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll, Maldives
Another nice day today, with the weather pattern falling more into the usual for this time of the year.
Sunny with a medium breeze, and the sea was relatively calm with the incoming tide.
By 10am the tide was sufficiently risen enough to allow for a safe passage from the water sports kiosk through the little coral bommies and out into the deeper water, so we were relatively assured of a ride. That is of course, if they hadn’t broken down! The sea had to be at a suitable level so that the jet skis didn’t get their bottoms ripped out on the coral. The coral and rocks are interspersed around the shallow part of the lagoon so you have to really manoeuvre your way around them very carefully.
We turned up in plenty of time to get our life jackets on and discover that the lengthy lecture that the guy had given me yesterday was completely incorrect and we actually only had a half hour between us, not a half hour each like I had been told previously. I swear these guys are stoned half the time!!!
Ross elected to ride on the back, so after a few directions on how to operate the jet ski, off we went, slowly following behind the guide until we got into the deeper water.  Then it was off like a rocket, jumping over the little waves. We were rather awkwardly weighted with Ross clinging to the back so I got as far forward as I could, but we still seemed to get launched into the air at the top of the waves. I did check occasionally to make sure that Ross was still there!
We went around the other side of the island where it was a bit calmer and then we were able to put a bit more speed on while following in the guides wake. I was having a lovely time but Ross didn’t share my enthusiasm. Anyway we made it back alive and with the vehicle fully intact. We even managed not to lop the head off of a turtle that was coming to the surface for air.
After the morning’s excitement we spent the afternoon by the pool, and then searched the grounds for the elusive little flying foxes that we have seen gliding around the trees.  There were a few soaring overhead that were too fast to photograph,  but I found one eating flowers who posed for the camera.
We have been expecting a letter today to tell us what will happen tomorrow when we have to leave, but so far, no letter. The plane from Male doesn’t go until almost midnight so, since we don’t want to be sitting in the airport for hours, they are supposed to give us a day room. There seem to be a few empty villas so it shouldn’t be a problem, it’s just that they take their time in doing pretty much anything.
The long plane (planes) ride home is not going to be pleasant, and I would prefer not to be starting the journey all sweaty from sitting around outside all day.

Comments

2025-02-14

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank