A Day of Snorkeling
Ambler Isle
V and S
Sun 1 May 2011 15:29
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April 29, 2011
We packed diving gear and took the dinghy into nearby
Joe's Sound, an inlet protected on all sides from foul weather. The
problem with going there to be in calm water is that we have to know in advance,
and enter the narrow, shallow, rocky entrance in settled weather at high tide
with Amber Isle. It was easy however in the dinghy. Although
shallow, maybe 12' in the deepest areas, several boats were at anchor
there. We went into the water to see the sea floor. From the boat it
seemed uninhabited, but using a mask we saw many little fish, conch, shells, and
more. We saw nassau grouper, puffer fish, even a school of large
margates. The water was 80 degrees. After an hour or so we
came back to the boat for a snack of trail mix and cold beer. A couple of
laughing gulls scolded us away from their nesting grounds. Reluctant to
leave the area, we cruised slowly around, stopping at a rocky outcropping
nearby. Jack went in and announced it beautiful What a treat.
We joined him and saw many different kinds of coral, brain, golfball, flower,
soft coral, fans, some we could not even name. The reef teemed with 1000s
of fish of all sizes and all descriptions. The sun filtered thru the water
and lit up the underwater seascape. We'd seen no lobster, speared no
fish. But we were very happy, tired, and content after a day in the
sea. We cooked up another order of our fresh mahi. The day had been
perfect, but we had to leave tomorrow. The forecast for Saturday was still
good, but Sunday the wind direction would change to the ENE and kick up in
speed. We hoisted the dinghy into her cradle in preparation of the next
days journey.
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