JUST ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY

AUGUST 10, 2014

CHIA PET CONCH

Our anchorage here in the Holandes during the week is almost solitary. At any given time there will be 2 to 5 boats anchored in the Swimming Pool at BBQ Island and It's Perfect most of the time alone less than a ½ mile away at Ogoppiriadup Island. On Friday we decided to take the afternoon to check on the sharks and rays on the small island we now call the Shark Nursery. It was a warm clear day and the shallow water was warmer than a bathtub as we waded out to see what we could find. They were not as friendly as when Ben was here but we saw 3 sharks, one about 3ft long and a very small nervous Southern Sting Ray before it headed for the cover of the grass in the shallow water. On the way back to the dinghy Rod saw a large sting ray with a wing span about 5ft wide, just 20 yards off the boat. He flew out of the water twice before swimming out of sight into the anchorage.

Next we went out the entrance of our anchorage to Ukupsult about ½ mile away. Rounding the reefs on the inside of the island we made our way through the shallows to find a pristine white beach that ran the length of the island. As we secured the dinghy we noticed there were a very large amount of small conch living in the sea grass just a few feet off the shore. On closer inspection they ranged from very small to about 4 inches in length. As we walked the beach we picked up a few uninhabited shells along with a few sunrise muscles and odd smaller shells. When we reached the other end of the island the beach dropped off to a very deep dark azure pool of calm crystal clear water. On our way back to the boat a very shy Southern Sting Ray about 2 ½ ft long retreated to the edge of the sea grass and quickly covered himself in sand, leaving only his eyes and tail visible.

BEFORE THE  RAIN

 On Saturday the day began with all the weekenders coming into the anchorage. Before long there were 13 power boats and 10 sailboats in the anchorage. As the sun set a large rainstorm rumbled in and sat over us pouring rain and blowing 30+ knots of wind. With little visibility we heard a horn blow somewhere behind us. One of the powerboats was dragging anchor. He soon had it under control and we all sat watching the storm blow itself out. After a more than an hour of wind and rain the stars came out and the night was calm.