We visited the beach again on Sunday for a little kayaking in the ocean! Usually when I've done boating of any kind it involves getting strapped into a life vest, then a rundown of all the places you can't go, and a listing of some basic safety procedures. However, here at Isola Bella, they give you the two person kayak and you just go! Once in the water it gets deep quickly but its still so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. However we paddled out far enough so the sea floor was a mystery again, shrouded in indigo.

While it was exhilarating to be on the water, it also gave me a sense of quiet intimacy with the ocean. To be bobbed up and down on the waves in a tiny boat powered by yourself and one other, really puts into perspective how strong and vast the ocean is - we were just two tiny souls in the sea. With a little effort we made it to a cave on the west side of the beach. I really wanted to paddle in, and despite his reservation Ryan helped steer us that way. It was a little dark in the cave, and the crashing sound of the waves against the rock was loud and resounding. Towards the back we could see the water thrashing and swirling violently. I was mesmerized, but I could sense Ryan was becoming anxious about being near such chaotic water. I stared a moment longer, as a huge wave splashed up the furthest wall. While I saw no face in the wave, no angry god looking down at us, the mighty display of force affected me as if I had.

"LETS TURN AROUND!" Ryan yelped. I broke my gaze from the rushing tide, and helped paddle us fervently back the way we came. Once clear of the cave- and quite out of breath- we stopped a while to enjoy the calmer pace of the open water. The ocean is beautiful, but wild and indiscriminate. In the cave I felt I might understand the duality of a sailors heart; the respect and fear they must hold for the ocean. I can imagine how their ache to see the vast force of energy that exists beyond man's cities and machines, far outweighs their fear.

Anyway, yesterday we went up to Castel Mola and had a great view of where we'll be going tomorrow, Mount Etana! Yup, we're going up an active volcano tomorrow so who knows what that might evoke in me next!

(Ryan is an amazing photographer oh my gosh!)