We love Fish!
20 April 2011 | Abacos
linda and the captain
Someone asked, "Don't you ever get tired of snorkeling?" We spend so much time in the water that I am sure it seems monotonous upon first consideration. Typically, we snorkel one to three times each day and sometimes in the same places. Sometimes, we snorkel for exercise and to cool off from the now very warm Bahama days. Other times, we are trying to identify new fish and coral species. We have cards with drawings of many of the reef fish and coral that help us in this endeavor. But, no matter what our goals, we come back refreshed and excited with the experience. While I am in the water, either diving or snorkeling, there is such peace and quiet. My mind is focused on the experience, the beauty of the surroundings, the cool water flowing around from head to toe. If the current is strong, the focus is actually on survival--and that challenge is exhilarating, too. We always see something new, We see the typical Blue Chromis (the captain's favorite), Dog Snapper, Squirrel Fish with their big eyes, Triggerfish and turquoise blue Parrot Fish. The little Sergeant Majors and Banded Butterflyfish often come right up to our masks, curious to see who and what we are about. The sharks, squid, lobsters, turtles, 24 inch starfish and 6 foot long grouper are amazing. But sometimes, it's the small details that we swim right by that are so intriguing. Today, we were in a less than perfect coral garden off of Tilloo Cay--very little to see, we thought. But, from behind a small coral head, two Banded Coral Shrimp emerged. We had never seen this species before--not in Tahiti, Tonga or the Caribbean. They are about four inches long and brightly colored with reds and oranges. As we watched them maneuver over the Elkhorn and flower coral, we noted their grace and speed. Also, saw this amazing Slipper Lobster--quite different from other lobsters we have seen in the Exumas. We almost opted out of this snorkel experience because it didn't look promising. We were glad we took the time. NB--We caught an amazing array of fish this week--tuna, wahoo and even a small sailfish. The sailfish really caught us and was off with our hook in mouth almost immediately--what a ride!