Back in the ocean

I've written before that this is surf season and sometimes the ocean is just too rough to snorkel in.

Today was a snorkeler's dream day. Not only was the ocean flat (sorry, surfers) but the water was clear and visibility was great. It rains nearly every afternoon and run-off from the rain tends to cloud up the water. We took full advantage of a beautiful sunny day. We actually snorkeled to the outside of the reef at Shacks, something that doesn't happen often this time of year.

On the way out we saw a number of palometos dining in the shallows. Just outside Blue Hole we saw a bunch of black durgons, including a whole bunch of babies. I spotted this barracuda and called Elaine to come see it. By the time she got to where I was, the barracuda was gone but a school of either balao or ballyhoo sped by just below the surface. We're not sure which one - they are very similar and very fast. We caught up to the barracuda again which is when I got this shot. Two schools of blue-striped grunts swam by. About 20 feet below us a school of Southern sennet (related to barracuda) passed underneath. We saw several different parrotfish - princess, stoplight, yellowtail and others.

It was an amazing return the to ocean after too long a break. It would have been enough just to swim for a while. We both feel the need to get in the water on a frequent, regular basis. Not just near it, on the beach, but in it. If we don't, we get cranky. The ocean is a spa, therapy for the mine and body and soul and whatever ails you. The great fish sightings are a bonus.