(see http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/winlink.cgi?KG4EYP for latest position)

Finally, the weather gave us a break. The winds settled down enough that we had a fast yet comfortable sail to Highborne Cay, about 18 miles from Hawksbill, under blue skies with puffy white clouds. After lunch, we dropped the dinghy and headed out to go snorkeling.

I have to say it was a mixed experience. The water was beautifully clear, and the coral heads were vibrant and pretty, surrounded by all sorts of marine life. Angelfish and rock beauties made spots of bright color among the silver-gray snappers and jacks; of course, we were focused on the latter, because those are the ones we eat!

On the other hand, the current ripped through the area like a river, making it really difficult to conserve the necessary energy to sneak up and spear fish. (Not that this stopped Britt, who singlehandedly brought back enough meat for a big dinner with Asolare, and lunch the next day.) The coral heads nearest the edges of the cay had less current, but those were shallower and had fewer fish. (Strong current seems to make for the best coral and fish population, alas. Probably something to do with
the nutrient flow through the area.)

Britt, of course, couldn't get enough of finally being in clear, fish-ful water with a spear in his hand. In the strongest current, I took over driving the dink and dumped him out, letting him drift-dive across the coral and then picking him up downstream. We didn't get back to the boat until nearly 6 pm.

And then, we had showers, and drinks, and Anne, John, and Colby came over and we all had a big fish dinner, washed down with plenty of beer and wine - the perfect end to a great day.
- posted by S/V Windom @ 5/30/2007 [link]