A day on the island

Dan: We had a picture perfect tropical island day today! We all got up a little later than usual (6:30am or so), and after a leisurely breakfast we made our way to “our” dock. There is a point on the walk where you are looking through a green canopy out to the gorgeous Caribbean Sea which is breath taking.  I had not been to the water for couple of days because of working last week, so it made the view even more dramatic. The lush green of the trees leads into the multiple colors of blues and greens of the ocean. Today was especially calm on the water. The wonder and amazement that we are living in such a beautiful place really struck me with the view.

Marino was already on the dock with his friend Onzi. The two of them have really bonded over fishing, crabbing, and general rough housing (which usually involves one of them getting thrown off the dock).

Soon all four of us in our family were in the water with snorkel gear on. First stop, the family of sea turtles. Kim and Lucia followed one of the smaller turtles for quiet a long time. The turtles glide from the surface, after they gulp down some air, to the sea bottom where they feed on “turtle grass”. They travel through the water with the same grace that a hawk rides the air currents.

After visiting the resident Mora Eel, Marino and I headed out to the coral reef. Marino had not been snorkeling for many days so I was over-joyed to have him with me. About 200 yards out is the first smaller reef, which Marino had been to before, then after another 100 yards is the larger full reef, which Marino had not been to. Today he made it (after a few rides on Papa’s shoulders). This reef is spectacular! I don’t think I can begin to describe it with words. It is a continuous reef for as far as you can see.  Sea life includes parrot fish of all shapes, sizes and colors, snapper, beautifully colored angel fish, blue tang that swim in schools of 15- 20, as well as many grunts, grubs and the occasional barracuda. Today we had a rare sighting of a small sea turtle in the reef, a very large tuna, and a sting ray buried in the sand.

When Marino and I returned to the dock, Onzi and Lucia were playing on the rope swing that hovers over the water, which he quickly joined in on. Kim and I basked in warm Carribean breeze that is almost always present on the dock. We chatted with 2 of the Canadian girls that we have gotten to know. They are here working for six months as teachers at a private library that helps youth.

Lunch was followed by siestas (Lucia and I slept, Marino and Kim read). Kim and Marino went on our weekly grocery shopping run to Coexen Hole, then in the late afternoon Onzi was back over with his sister Kyla, who is Lucia’s age.  The four of them divided into traditional boy/ girl roles and played (pretty rough and tough) games of “spying” and throwing almonds at each other. Kim and I moseyed back to the dock for our traditional evening cerveza. Dinner was a yummy fresh fish burrito meal, followed by games, book reading, and kids falling asleep peacefully (at least tonight).

Life is Good at the Beach!