Looking Beneath The Surface

Cambridge Cay  

The recent run of unsettled weather continued today. The early morning was bright and blue, but ominous clouds approached from the west. By 10:00 the wind picked up and rain soon followed. As we spun on our mooring ball, it was difficult to get our bearings for as we looked out the pilothouse window, there was little difference in appearance of the three large Fleming trawlers around us. The rain soon stopped and I went outside to give Crossroads a sponge bath. The fresh water rinse and a little elbow grease removed much of the accumulated salt spray. We watched the line of showers on the radar as it split around our location. It looked like the afternoon was going to be a perfect opportunity for snorkeling. Following lunch we loaded our gear into the dinghy and headed north toward O'Briens Cay. 

Off the northwest point is the Sea Aquarium. We tied to the dinghy mooring and hopped right in the water. Beneath the surface was an incredible scene of fish and coral in all colors of the rainbow. I followed the rocky ledge and caught the movement of a sea turtle. I chased it for a bit and was glad to get a decent photo of the gentle giant passing behind one of the plentiful Sergeant Majors.

For almost an hour, we were the only snorkelers in the water. I prefer to float quietly and just observe the fish in their normal activities. When more boats arrived, the fish seemed to scatter or hide. Soon we were back in the dinghy and relocating.

Our next stop was at the remains of a small plane that crashed in the 1980s. We tied to the mooring and slid beneath the surface to get a better look. Time and tide have taken their toll on the plane, but it was still interesting enough for a visit. What to do next? We could have waited about an hour for low tide to visit our favorite sandbar off the north shore of O'Briens Cay. Or, maybe Plan B. The tide was falling and the waves were calm which created perfect conditions to visit the Rocky Dundas. We cruised back through the mooring field and noted the arrival of several new boats. Woohoo, it was our lucky day. There were no waves or  swell crashing into the ledge of the large rock formation off Little Bells Cay. An Exuma Park sign marked the site of the dinghy mooring and entrance to the cave. 

We swam under the ledge into a large cavern that featured both stalactites falling from the top and stalagmites rising from the floor. The top of the cave is open and allows the sunshine to stream inside. We stayed for only a few minutes before exiting the way we came. A nice reef lies outside the cave. I was perfectly content pursuing and observing more beautiful fish.

The still water was crystal clear and the sun illuminated all the amazing colors of the sea floor.

We were all smiles as we departed the cave, thankful that we were able to visit three dive sites in one afternoon. We still had a few hours remaining in our day to make a final stop. We went back to the trail we visited yesterday in order to hike up to the highest point. Along the path we encountered a little hermit crab toting his snail shell. We did not bother him and continued to the top. The view of Exuma Sound revealed it was as calm and flat as the Exuma Banks/mooring field side. The wake of a passing power boat remained straight and visible long after the boat had passed.

At the top, we took in all 360-degrees of the view. The full mooring field was off to the west.

Bell rock and the beach could be seen looking south. The turquoise water was even more vibrant in person. One last shot of the rock was captured before following the trail back to the dinghy. We both took well earned showers then raised the dinghy back onto the upper deck. As we finished securing the lines it began to rain ... again. There were, however, no complaints from us. We made the most of the day and Crossroads will get another freshwater rinse.