Jackie Buys a Wet Suit

Amazon delivered in three days!!!

Under the Sea - New Fish

Class was in Session, but it was getting a little rough... Here's an angle you don't see often. Houses on our point, as seen from sea level about 200 yards from shore...

A Lazy Sunday Afternoon

A little tanning, while watching the sailing lessons. Quite a learning opportunity to navigate those little sail boats around all the boats in our bay. Not everyone is successful. Fun to watch.

Got a little snorkeling in to see the pretty fishes...

Just a lazy Sunday around the condo!

Starfish on Parade - More Snorkeling

We have not seen many starfish on the island.. a few, but not many. But suddenly, there were dozens of them in our bay this week.

Even saw the rare - STARFISH of David

This poor fellow got flipped upside down by the current or one of his more mischievous fellow sea creatures. They can right themselves, but it takes a lot of effort...

I was afraid the parade would pass him by, so I turned him over.

We all need a little help some days...

Saw a couple of other new things, like this HUGE hermit crab. They have to find a bigger shell when they outgrow the one they wear. Gonna be hard for this guy, as he is already wearing about the biggest shell i have seen.

And I really like this shot of a ray getting all hurrumpy by blowing dust at a fish that was picking at his hide. Lots of drama under the sea.

Just another day in paradise

British Virgin Islands - Part 2 - The Caves of Norman Island

Still in England, God save the Queen...

Real pirate treasure was found in these caves, but being able to snorkel in about 100 feet was the attraction now.

There were plenty of fish...

BUT WHEN THE CRY OF ...

TURTLE TURTLE TURTLE

Went up, we all chased him down...

He swam faster.

British Virgin Islands - Part 1 - Indian Rocks of Norman Island

We rented a boat over the weekend and with everyone humming the tune to Gilligan's Island, we were off to the British Virgin Islands. After a quick stop clearing customs (no arrest warrants between the lot of us), we were off. We spent the morning snorkeling around Norman Island. One of our stops was the Indian rocks.

British fish look surprisingly like American fish, we did see a very large Barracuda.

And (I assume), just in case the queen comes for a visit, they had lots more trumpet fish (long skinny ones, with their noses broadening out like a trumpet).

But the coral was the best we have seen since we arrived.

This Trumpet fish was among the longest I have ever seen.. at least 3 foot (probably 4 foot).

The Beach at Secret Harbor

It's much less than a mile from our condo, but it was the first time we visited.

Full service beach, with a dive shop, restaurant and a couple of bars...

Also had a $5 charge for a beech chair, and an enforcer to make sure you didn't use chairs you were not entitled to.

So, we set up shop on a convenient rock, and headed out to see the fishies...

Snorkeling was... a little above average. Plenty to see, but the extra effort to get there, and the extra effort to get back was not really worth it. Glad we went, saw fun things, but there is no place like home... Actually, really. Our little corner of the island (Cowpet Bay) has everything that Secret Harbor has (with no charges).

So, Jackie and I agreed to really enjoy the beech) meaning, we were not likely to return soon.

But we did see another one of these... A Reef Squid...

Ugliest things in the ocean... Tentacles for a nose, big bug eyes and they swim backwards...

And always a treat when we see a big Ray...



It was a great fun time... A little more effort than we wanted, and a bit of an overly aggressive money making machine...

But the fishies were nice!

What Kind of Fish is This???

OK, we have two fish guides for fish that are supposed to be local for the island...

This guy is not in either...

we saw him in our bay today, 100 yards from our door.

The fish is about a foot long...

Tail turned under like a lobster

Fin all the way around his body, waving

BIG bug eyes

Looks like something out of the Simpsons

First to identify him gets a shiny new dime

Come and Visit... Do you wonder what will happen???

Come and visit... You will eat at some of the best (cheap) places to eat on the island...

Come and visit... I will cook for you (like these Caribbean Pineapple Jerk Chicken Wings)...

Come and visit... we will go for a walk along the beach every morning.

Come and visit... We will go snorkeling

Come and visit... We will go to Duffy's Love Shack, the best parking lot bar on the island!

Come and visit... Even the "virgin' Island Strawberry Daiquiris are something special.

Come and Visit... We will enjoy an adult beverage served in a fish bowl.

Come and Visit... Where you will arm yourself with liquid courage...

Come and Visit... You will meet Cletus, the only Irish folksinger on the island...

Come and Visit... Where, armed with liquid courage, you will sing and dance with Cletus...

Come and Visit... We will hunt for sea turtles!

Come and Visit... we will take organized tours where you see scenery around every other corner.

Come and Visit... Where around the other corners are convenient gift shops...

Come and Visit... We will go to TRUNK BAY in St John, one of the tops in the world!

Come and Visit... You may leatn a little history (but just a little).

Come and Visit... We'll enjoy a nice light salad.

Come and Visit... You may get kissed on the ass.

Come and Visit... To see the wildlife.

Come and Visit... The door is always open (so it must be OK).

Come and Visit... You may learn the skills needed to catch a baseball boy.

Come and Visit... Lots to see

Come and Visit... It's better than anger management.