Nov. 26, 2014
It was a nice break away from baseball today spent on an island about an hour off shore. The whole team boarded a catamaran and was on their way to a remote beach with a group of tourists and Dominicans.
On the boat, we were able to lie out on nets that were only a few feet above the splashing waves. We all enjoyed the boat ride because of the picturesque coastline and clear, light blue water. The boat started to come alive as the workers started grabbing us to dance with the other passengers. Shortly after, about half the team was doing the conga line around the boat singing and dancing. We learned how to dance to the popular native dancing songs and I think everyone enjoyed that part of the day a lot. They gave us a Dominican necklace and had skullcaps for sale that I thought were cool enough to buy.
Once we reached the island, immediately everyone was in the water and swimming out to sea. I say out to sea because I think Coach Corbin was trying to make it a contest to see who could swim the furthest out and I gave up probably at 200 yards offshore. I hung out there for a while and then finally looked to see how far some of the guys really went out and was amazed. I could see about 10 little heads bobbing up and down probably 400 yards offshore. The distance wasn’t anyone’s concern because the water was so refreshing and nice to be in. By the time we all had made our way back in it was lunchtime and we ate rice and beans (the usual) with chicken, potatoes, and pasta.
After lunch, we all headed for the volleyball courts for some competitive team volleyball. A few other tourists and Dominicans joined in once and awhile, which was a nice interaction to experience and then soon enough we were leaving the island to head back. We made a quick stop on a sandbar where we got the chance to see starfish, play football and sing happy birthday to Coach Brown. Then, the day in paradise was over and the bus ride back to the hotel was the quietest ride yet as everyone was burnt out from the sun.
We have a little free time tonight to relax and then were back at it playing against some Dominican Winter League players tomorrow.
Toffey’s Journal – Day 1
Toffey’s Journal – Day 2
Toffey’s Journal – Day 3
Freshman Will Toffey will be providing daily updates of what the Commodores are experiencing in the Dominican Republic on and off the field.
