Friendly Sharks

3rd July 2008
Direction Island , Cocos

'The Rip' is a famous place where people snorkel here. We walked up to the end of the beach and over a small coral headland to experience this amazing reef. I was worried about drifting too fast and injuring myself but it was easy. We went at low tide which meant there was less water rushing through. Whenever I go beneath the water it feels magical like fairyland. There were so many different types of fish swimming slowly beneath us, hiding in huge groups amongst the coral or just 'hanging out' in the one spot. To stop drifting by I grabbed a coral ledge looking at all the coloured fish poking their heads out. As I drifted further I saw 3 black sharks about 1.5 metres long lying still on the bottom of the sea bed. As I floated over them I felt it was not a good idea to kick or thrash to attract their attention. We've been told they are harmless. I swam back towards the beach and continued to snorkel around other smaller coral reefs. The fish were beautiful and I felt I saw just as much as when I've been diving. It started to rain and I did think of my book and sarong left in the hammock tied between 2 coconut trees but I was having such a good time I didn't care. The rain feels nice when swimming. I took lots of photos with my underwater camera.

On our way back to Valiam we popped in to say 'au revoir' to Claude and Ollie on L'attitude who were just about to leave for Thailand. Everyone here waved and wished them well as they left feeling very excited. (They have been here for 7 months). This little farewell was a big contrast to when we left the marina in Singapore. No yachties there waving us off! Last night we met Dieter who arrived yesterday. He joined our little party on the beach apologizing for his lack of English. He did well and we always find ways to communicate especially after a couple of drinks. Dieter left his wife in Germany as she didn't want to come with him. Dieter is already going on Monday aiming for Mauritius. Another yacht arrived last night - SV Wilhelm - a German/American couple we believe but we haven't met them yet. There are people camping here on 'our' island as it is school holidays so it feels less isolated.

We can only buy fuel for 1 hour (8.30-9.30am) on Fridays so we'll be doing that as well as check the internet etc on Home Island. We'll also see if any more fresh veges have arrived. We managed to get some broccoli last time.

Latest on the chickens : After the most recent shooting the mother hen with 7 babies was wounded in the wing. She's still able to get around with her family. There still seem to be plenty of roosters. Today when we were using the phone in the yacht shelter a young boy picked up some small bullet shells and asked his mum what they were. I told them the Federal police had been here attempting to shoot chickens. The mother hurriedly changed the subject. Most children collect shells on the beach. This lucky fellow found shiny brass bullet cartridges.....

PS We met Rob and Natalie of SV Wilhelm briefly - Americans who reminded us it was July 4th Independence day. I suggested a little celebration on the beach this afternoon (Linda likes to party....)