Marina Cay

We arrived in Marina Cay around noon and tied up to a mooring just before the rains came. Instant showers are not uncommon in this area but today the wind has picked up forming whitecaps on the normally glass-like blue seas and the skies are heavy with clouds. Some reading and writing time below was not unwelcome and some snoozed while waiting for the sun to appear again.

Snorkeling in the rain is not unpleasant at all but the colors of the corals and the fish are so much more vibrant when the sun's rays are penetrating the surface. In due time we donned the snorkel gear and set off for the shallow waters. Marina Cay is a popular place for boats during windy conditions so even while we napped many boats had joined us. Still more were circling trying to find empty moorings so with an ear out for rumbling motors we struck out bravely across the churning waters. It was not an easy swim into the current but best to begin that way while the energy level is high. Still fighting the current we swam along the shore line looking for treasures. The coral is very fragile and must not be bumped or stepped upon. Not always easy to achieve, I might add.

Kitty spotted an urchin shell discarded by it's former owner and in pristine condition. That's one to treasure.

Trunk fish are hard-shelled and almost comical in their appearance. Their bodies are triangular shaped and their tiny fins flutter constantly like little whirlybirds to keep them afloat. If you are quick you can catch them and hold their horny outer shell while you take a good look. On this occasion, the one I saw was quite large and several feet down so I didn't think my chances were good. Having headed into the current the whole way, our return was fun. With almost no fin action we were propelled along at a good clip but still with much to see. A large puffer fish appeared out of nowhere, schools of electric blue tangs all moving in perfect sync swam by and even the usually shy smaller fish were out and about feeding and spawning.

One more dash across the busy harbor entry brought us safely back to Mirage for an evening of barbecued chicken and ice-cream with the obligatory rum punches.
Ahhh the life of the rich and famous!