It started out as a pretty calm day but quickly showed signs of a day to stay aboard. We took our time having our morning coffee and breakfast and working on a few small projects on the boat.

We finally took the dingy and went to shore with Jaxon to the beach that crosses over to the ocean so that he could run a bit. He loves a good chase (must be a guy thing)! The ocean side was pretty rowdy as the waves were crashing on the teacup shaped rock and the hillside. Jaxon played in the surf and would chase the waves as they came in. We are hoping he expended some of his energy.

When we returned to Ti Amo, the mooring field was totally full and the spot that had one of the large motor vessels last night was now replaced with a research vessel.....the R/V Coral Reef II.

The Coral Reef II hails from Chicago, Illinois. This research vessel is a floating field station for the Shedd Aquarium. It is and 80 foot long vessel and accomodates eleven passengers and three crew. The vessel was designed to accomodate not only the researchers but to house the fish that they collected on their trips. Large live wells with life support ensure the specimen will make the trip safely to the Shedd Caribbean Reel Exhibit.

The Coral Reef II is utilized for colleges and high schools to further the study of the islands and reef ecology with students having the opportunity to live aboard and be mentored by some of these researchers. It looks to be a wonderful experience as you are paired with like minded individuals and you get to explore these reefs every day.

We are now totally rocking and this may be one of the worst days we have seen in our five months here. I guess there is no use in complaining as it is still beautiful.....the water is still crystal clear blue......and the sand still feels wonderful under these tired feet.