Island Time
June 13th and 14th 2025
The Bahamian sun, a warm embrace, painted the sky in hues of turquoise and gold as Brandy and Katniss set off. Their destination: Dockside Grocery and Liquor Store, a beacon of fresh provisions after what felt like an eternity of canned goods on the Chasing Destiny.
The short walk was a symphony of island life. The salty tang of the sea hung heavy in the air. They passed brightly painted houses, colors you only see in the islands.
Inside Dockside, it was a treasure hunt. Brandy’s eyes lit up at the sight of crisp lettuce, plump tomatoes, and vibrant bell peppers. “Oh, the salads we’ll make, Katniss!” she murmured, carefully selecting the freshest produce. Beyond the vegetables, they gathered other essentials: some local cheese, and a few extra treats for later. Katniss, meanwhile, kept a watchful eye on the cooler section, hoping for a stray dropped hotdog.
Bags laden with their bounty, they decided a reward was in order. “Snappas it is,” Brandy declared, the aroma of grilled fish already wafting towards them. They found a prime spot on the deck overlooking the marina, the gentle breeze a welcome respite. Brandy ordered her usual, cracked conch and a painkiller. The chatter of fellow boaters, the clinking of glasses, and the mesmerizing dance of sunlight on the water created the perfect lunchtime.
Full and content, they began the leisurely cruise back to the **Chasing Destiny**. The midday heat was building, and the thought of the cool cabin and the promise of a delicious, fresh salad was enticing. As they stepped aboard, the familiar rocking of the boat welcomed them home. The bags were quickly stowed, the fresh produce carefully put away.
Brandy leaned against the railing, gazing out at the endless expanse of the sea. Katniss curled up at her feet, a soft sigh escaping her. “Boat life is amazing, isn’t it, girl?” Brandy whispered, stroking Katniss’s soft fur. The simplicity, the freedom, the constant connection to nature—it was a life they wouldn’t trade for anything. The daily routine of tending to the boat, exploring new cays, and savoring fresh provisions under the Bahamian sun was their definition of paradise.
The next day dawned just as beautifully, beckoning them to explore further ashore. Brandy decided a change of scenery for lunch was in order, and the vibrant Colors restaurant and bar was calling their name. The walk was a pleasant one, the sun warming their skin as they walked and admired the island’s charm.
At Colors, they settled into a bright, airy spot, and Brandy ordered a local conch salad, a Bahamian specialty, along with a refreshing frozen rum punch. Katniss, as always, was content to lie patiently by her feet, occasionally lifting her head to survey the bustling scene. The rum punch, sweet and deceptively smooth, went down easily amidst the lively atmosphere.
The walk back to the boat was where the real fun began. Brandy, having completely forgotten about the potent rum punch she’d enjoyed with lunch, found herself giggling at everything. A passing golf cart struck her as hilariously fast, a brightly colored bird seemed to sing just for her, and the gentle sway of the palm trees sent her into fits of laughter. Katniss, sensing her human’s elevated spirits, wagged her tail with an extra vigor, seemingly enjoying herself. Brandy couldn’t stop smiling, her heart overflowing with the simple joy of her amazing life, lived freely on the beautiful Bahamian waters.