Shikinejima - Day 3

The end of our beach vacation came all too soon. We enjoyed ourselves completely, but reality called and wanted us back. 

We woke up again feeling well rested. Maybe it’s the sea water that gives us the deep, restorative sleep. Just as my son started requesting food, it was time for us to gather in the dining room. Our friends met us there, excited for the final day of playing on the beach. We ate our fill, knowing we needed all the nutrition for the beach. I ate everything, except the natto. I don’t care how good fermented soybeans are for you, I just can’t swallow them. Don’t tell anyone, but my husband and son don’t like natto and didn’t eat theirs either. 

After breakfast, my son joined his friends on the beach while my husband and I bought a couple souvenirs, including a new pair of shoes for my husband. His 14 year old Keens finally died in the ocean yesterday. They’ve traveled all over from Florida to Korea and many places in between and they just couldn’t go any further. So I bought him a pair of fun flip flops to wear until I can buy him a new pair of his favorite summer footwear. 

We collected our son from the beach, as well as a few seashells. A typhoon is slowly heading for the islands (and then Tokyo), and the ocean and sky were telling us about the impending storm. The sky had big gray clouds and the waves were much more intense. The lifeguards were telling everyone to be extra care with the strong currents. 

After saying goodbye and thanking the minshuku owners repeatedly, we rode in their shuttle van back down to the boat terminal. It was time to go. With heavy hearts, we boarded the cheerfully painted Jetfoil for our ride home. 

Despite the strong waves at the beach, the ride was smooth sailing. We all slept peacefully most of the way back, waking when they announced our impending arrival back in Tokyo. 

Since moving to Japan, I’ve missed nature. I grew up camping and going to the beach.  I was getting worried about missing these memories with my son, because they are such happy memories for me. But this trip brought part of this gift of experiences to reality for my entire family.