Back Stateside
On February 6th Josephine and I flew from Miami to Arcata. We were excited for Starbucks in the airport - definitely not something you can get in the Bahamas unless you are in Nassau. The approach into Arcata is stunning with the ocean and fog. Addy took us to get a snack right away.
Meanwhile Queso and Nate were making their way towards Miami.
February 7th I was up early with the time difference and didn’t want to wake Josephine. So I set up “office” on the floor in the corner of our airBnB. We had some items such as my new calendar sent to Addy’s dorm. I was looking forward to my annual switch over of calendars which also serves as a scrapbook from the year.
While Addy was in classes Josephine headed to the campus library which was a short walk from our accommodation through glorious trees. Josephine did some school work here. After walking with Josephine, I grabbed a burrito lunch at my favorite local spot, Hey Juan. This allowed the sisters to have lunch alone together.
A highlight of my visit was getting to see Addy row. On Fridays the team practices in the afternoon and I got to ride in the launch with Josephine, Coach Ashley, her dog, and an extra coxswain. The practice started with watching video of the skills to be focused on, journalling, partner discussion and announcements. The temperatures on the water were SO cold and I was thankful to be rugged up. The rowers where working on oar placement technique and positioning their arms/wrists. I loved watching the hard work and sunset.
On Saturdays (Feb. 8) Addy has rowing practice in the morning. I went walking near the town square where the farmer’s market was being set up. Josephine studied in a cafe.
The afternoon had us travelling to beach North of campus to see Addy go surfing with two friends. The campus outdoor center rents wetsuits and boards. Over Christmas break Addy started surfing in Santa Cruz while staying with the Flemings. While Addy tackled the waves, Josephine and I found a small cave/rock crevice to explore along the beach.
I wanted to do something helpful while visiting Addy so I got her some essentials at Target (socks and another foam materess topper), charged her car/filled with gas (it is a plug in hybrid) and took her car to the car wash. I missed doing Mom things for her.
During our last full day, Addy took us to Trinidad for breakfast at Beachcomber which is one of her favorite spots. I tried to imagine No Worries anchored in the harbor here and felt it would be very out of place. That evening we watched the SuperBowl together while eating delivery pizza.
On February 10th, we said our goodbyes and Addy dropped us off to pick up our rental car. Josephine and I were to embark on her West coast college visits. I was sad to leave Addy knowing that I would not see her until May! The rowers do not get a Spring Break as they race two regattas during that week.
