It was a beautiful day and we planned to relax, check out the area offerings and see where the day brought us. First stop, Brendle's Dive Shop. He is at the end of the dock, and opened around 8 am. Today was the only day available until Saturday. Brendle is very popular. I did my first dive with Brendle about 6 years ago and I was hooked. We have been back many times since and have always had a great time. So we off to do some diving.

We took the last 2 spots on the dive trip. It was a spectacular day. Anchored off Crab Cay by 10 am. Great people on board, very interesting and many have connections in Stuart so we hope to see some of them again.

The dive was outstanding. Reef sharks were circling the area coming close at times. I was close enough to look one in the eye as she/he passed. It is starting to be mating season so lots of activity.

The specific area we were in has caverns in the reef and rock ledges. Brendle took us on a winding path through the caverns. The sunlight came through openings so the rays of light were just beautiful coming through the rocks. The red, yellow, silver and green algae on the walls and ceilings was breathtaking. As we rounding the corner and came through we met up with 3 Eagle Rays in formation gliding through the water. They were each at least my side based on wingspan. Just magnificent. I have never seen such large Rays that close. So may fish it truly felt like you were in the most well maintained saltwater aquarium. Parrot fish, French Angel, Grouper, Tarpon, Strawberry Grouper were everywhere. It was hard to take it all in there was so much to see. Cleaner shrimp were so tiny and blue in color it was hard to pick them out. Delicate, tiny and nearly hidden. Thanks to Brendle who can pick up the tiniest creatures. We also saw flamingo tongue. They are soft and have a leopard like pattern. You have to look that one up for more details. Sponges were everywhere in the caverns. Lobster and hermit crabs. These guys were huge! The hermit crab had moved into a discarded Queen conch shell. I have never see one this large, his eyes were on the ends of two yellow stalks peering out from under the shell. It took me some time to register what I was seeing.

The dive was just terrific so we signed up for another. Days are ticking away so we have to get one more dive before we have to leave.

The next few days are down days and then prep for the return.
Thanks for posting comments. It has been fun for us to read them. Hopefully the posts have been entertaining or at least a sleep aid. 😴