Monday January 21: The Winds Have Calmed!

Yes! Finally we were able to leave the slip .... last year we only made it out twice in the two months we were here at Banana Bay.

The reef system along the keys is about 5 miles offshore from Marathon - just at the edge of where the gulf stream curves around the Keys. Not too far to go but it's just about where the waves really are going to pick up. So with the normal prevailing winds coming from the SW, the seas are usually not such that snorkeling or fishing at the reef is any fun.

But yesterday was an exception so off we went with Dave and Joyce from Joysea to try our hand at fishing. It was an ok day - which means we caught SOMETHING! Two cero mackerel - the two top fish (very good to eat) and two fish that we weren't sure what they were but finally determined they were Bermuda Chubs - the bottom two fish. Steve tried the chub and decided it was pretty good. The mackerel went into the freezer.

Wave-wise, today was even better than yesterday so we headed out to Sombrero Reef - about 5 miles offshore and 10 miles from Banana Bay. The water was pretty clear (especially when the sun was out) and there were tons of fish on the reef. It took a while before I decided that I would go in the water but definitely worth it!

And then it was time to try our hand at fishing again. Steve planned ahead and had everything we needed to catch the whopper we were looking for :-)

Turns out the 'whopper' was a puffer fish! It was very heavy even pulling it in and netting it but once on board, it went into it's defensive mode and puffed up about 4 times the size it was!! And spikes all over the outside of it!

Steve managed to get the hook out with a needle-nose pliers and back overboard it went. Sadly, it stayed belly up and floating away from the boat. We were both very sad that it didn't make it as they are fun fish to see underwater.

After it floated belly up about 30 yards from the boat and after being eyed by quite a number of seagulls, it suddenly went back to normal size and swam away!! Apparently it was still in it's defensive mode until well clear of it's 'enemies' :-) Regardless, we were glad to see it swim away.

Next best and funnest catch of the day was the parrot fish that I caught. It really was fun to catch but of course is no good to eat since they eat the coral (and so the fish is poisonous to eat).

All in all a 'good day at sea' as Steve likes to say!

The winds had already turned to the northwest by the time we started back and will continue to be from the north for the next several days. Makes for cooler days and nights but not great for going out on the reefs.

The most awesome sight of the night: a moon halo. Steve had taken a walk outside while I did the dishes and came back to say I HAD to come out to look at the moon. Ok. How many moons have I seen in my lifetime? Lots and lots. Whatever .... but WOW never one like this!

After checking the internet, we were seeing a moon halo. It was the neatest thing ever! Good thing someone goes out at night around here :-)

Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings ..... :-)