We ended up staying at Warderick Wells an extra day because the pull of the water was just too strong.

The wind died and the sun shone and the reefs beckoned. We spent an hour or so on Friday with Ken and Connie (Oz) and Peaches and Chris (Star of the Sea) at the small snorkelling area just near the red marker deep inside the north anchorage. At first all I saw was grass - then a couple of large rays floated by and then I was into it! A great variety of coral and sponge came into view as I drifted over and gradually the fish appeared too. There was a huge Nassau grouper - they're not very pretty but oh, they're tasty - some parrotfish and triggerfish - lots of grunts and some snappers (Hey, that last bit sounds a bit like a family!!) I always like to just drift slowly around, gradually turning my attention to smaller and smaller fish and coral bits. The current was moving fairly strongly, so I'd drift one way, kick my fins to get back to the top end and do it all over again. Just as I was about to get out, a magnificent Spotted Eagle Ray drifted past. It was just beautiful with its spotted body, looooong tail and a more pronounced head than the sting rays have. A long silvery fish stayed under its right wing all the time and I couldn't get a good enough look at it to tell what it was. I wonder if they have some sort of special relationship or if this is normal behavior for rays.

We went up to Turnaround Beach where we had enjoyed a special spa-like afternoon a couple of years ago, and it was still pretty, but not as warm. After shivering on the beach for a bit, (and warming our bottoms on the rocks) we all headed back to our respective boats, with the Madcap crew stopping to visit all along the way! First visit was with Mary and Bill (Southern Vectis) whom we had last seen very briefly in Chub Cay and it was a treat to get to know them a little better. Moving on, we waved at Knot-ha-Gan from Halifax but didn't stop since we knew they were expecting company soon. Lys and Michael (Lys) last seen in Frazer's Hog Cay were next, and we chatted with them while petting their remarkable cat who seems born to life on the water. We stopped by an Ottawa boat, (No Keys) to visit with Chris and Louise for a few minutes and then made our way back to Emerald Rock for a quiet evening of books and left over dinner (spicy rice with chicken and sweet potatoes with a side of cole slaw).

It was a night to dream over. Absolutely still - the sky filled with stars - the kind of night to just sit outside and let it all sink into our souls. Between the snorkelling of the day, the visits with friends, and the still, starry night - it was that perfect combination that is the reason we come cruising. All the sleepless nights and failed boat parts and weather watching go to the trash and there is just this.

It was so good that when we got up on Saturday morning, we couldn't tear ourselves away. We did boat jobs in the morning - things like cleaning and sorting (and thought about sanding and cetoling but didn't do any) - went snorkelling again in the afternoon - this time near Emerald Rock. The coral wasn't quite as pretty but, once again, there were beautiful fish - and those lobsters just poke their noses out as if saying "Ah, hah, I know you can't get me here!" (No fishing in the park - and we swear the sea creatures know it!)

We hiked the Causeway trail to Hutia Hill and over to the west side of the island, and from there up to Boo Boo Hill where we looked for our sign from last trip. There were a couple from 2008 but I think they've been cleaned up to make room for new ones. We'll make a new driftwood sign and put it up next week.

By the time we made our way back to the dinghy, we needed to put a move on to get back to the boat in time to clean ourselves up and make a snack to take to the weekly beach party. With boat cards in our pockets, rum punch in glasses and a plate of appetizers, we joined the crowd at Powerful Beach for conversation, food and fun. The bonfire was warming, the eats were good, the hutias (the nocturnal rodents that are protected here - and who surely know that Saturday night at the picnic shelter means good eatin') roamed in and out of the brush, and we visited with old friends (well - old since November /09) new friends (including Marianne and Paul (Knot-ha-gan) and lots in between.

The park warden had pictures of the Haitian freighter that caught fire this afternoon up north of us a bit. Apparently the 6 or 7 passengers were safely removed and the ship continued to burn. There were several cars on it, and we all hope there wasn't too much fuel spilled. We also heard the news that the Concordia - out of Lunenburg - sank off Brazil. That must have been so frightening for all concerned, and their safety drills must have been well practiced since all passengers (60 some?) were rescued from it too. It is a reminder that light and shadow live ever side by side. For all the glorious days afloat, the sea and the wind are still more powerful and it reminds us to pay attention while we appreciate and enjoy.

Just as I was writing this on Sunday morning, Gloria from the very cool catamaran moored near us (Fourth World) came by and we spent some time exchanging experiences and thoughts - including the importance of finding and bringing happiness in a troubled world. She is reading the Dalai Lama's book and I must do that too. Her visit was one more reminder of why we are out here - to be - to appreciate - to experience.