We slept well that night, even after all the excitement and celebrations from the night before. I was even happier to have had the chance to sleep in a little and not have to worry about boarding an early morning ferry. We weren’t scheduled to leave until 3pm, so we had plenty of time to soak up more island life before we left. The hot sun kept us from staying in the tents too long, so we lounged about on the inflatable couch, enjoying breakfast beer, canned coffee, and a sausage and eggs breakfast expertly prepared by Jon before finally breaking camp.
From the outside, someone might look at this trip and think we were running around like crazy people the entire time; too busy to catch our breath or to really enjoy the scenery. Rest assured, dear reader, this was not the case. Sunday afternoon lounge time under the bridge was one of those precious moments of intentional stillness. From the comfort of the shade we could watch the world go by, talking about everything and nothing, with no rush or anxiety for us to be anywhere else.
We rooted around for shells and observed the crabs scuttling in and out of the rocks. I looked out on the quiet turquoise bay; this very different incarnation of the Pacific ocean than the one I know. No sooner had I commented that it would be a great place for sea turtles than one surfaced about 20 feet from where we sat. It took a deep breath and down it went, quick as a flash. For the next 20 minutes we enjoyed watching the young turtle re-surface and dive every few minutes. I had never seen a wild sea turtle before and this was a wonderful first encounter.
Soon it was time to make our way back into town and find some lunch before the ferry. We stopped into a little restaurant near the dock, and using my translation app, I was able to find the ‘Italian Bungalow Special’ (the app kept calling the ‘Moonlight Marathon’ the ‘Italian Bungalow’) which was a safe bet. The soba noodle bowls we all got were huge and delicious.
Marchelo also got to pose with a local Shisha and his ceramic medal. You can see that they are the same terra cotta color thats used for many of the roof tiles: the perfect memento from this special place. Not long after we heard the ferry horn: it was time to say goodbye to Iheya and her wonderful people.
Just like with the event itself, everyone in town seemed to come out to wish everyone on the last ferry a safe journey home. All passengers were handed a rolled streamer and once aboard, everyone their roll down to the dock for the little kids to collect. Soon there were hundreds of beautiful streamers waving in the air, creating a physical tie between the visitors leaving and the islanders who stay. A song was played over the loudspeaker that was sung by the local children, while the mayor and other town officials gave us their well wishes. There was so much to take away and enjoy about the Iheya Moonlight Marathon, but this send off was like nothing I have ever experienced at a race, or any event, really. It made me feel very appreciated, and it felt like a beautiful metaphor for the connection we all now shared.
Finally the ship pulled out of the dock and we let go of our tape and waved goodbye. Sayonara, Iheya. Arigato. I don’t know when we will be back, but I sincerely hope to see you again.
Beautiful Sunset photos by Jon
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