More Sea Creatures

Took a study break to swim this morning - to our trusty reef that lies just beyond the rock/beach access we've got on campus. This is great because its within walking distance. I've tried to coordinate joining the swim/snorkel club, but it's too much of a hassle to get rides there and back. There's this ridiculous hierarchy that's developed surrounding the vehicles. Many students have jumped on the car purchasing, which is fine, but then it's easy to get stranded somewhere on the island when someone offers you a ride and then conveniently forgets to take you back home.

Anyway back to the reef, which is tiny in comparison to an actual reef; it's the first one I raved about when I was snorkeling every day the first week. I didn't think there would be creatures that call this little stretch of coral and rock home, but to my surprise that big puffer fish "lives" here. Every other time I go down to swim, he's there. Shy and won't come out to socialize, but if I float quietly on the surface and don't move about, he (she?) will approach the edge of its little crevice. This is a sizable puffer - about the size of...... a toaster oven. (I was looking around my room for a reference)

BUT - the coolest thing about this morning was the green SEA TURTLE!! As I approached my usual spot just over the puffer's crevice, something peeped its head out. Then I saw a long, paddle-like fin and gasped with delight. The night dive turtle was monstrous - a couple hundred pounds. It was massive and also asleep. This one was much smaller; I could have wrapped my arms around it. It took one wary look at me, then swam out of the crevice and made a wide sweeping circle around the whole reef (maybe 25 feet long, pretty small). I tried to follow but of course was not quick enough and it was clearly threatened by my presence, so took off along the shore. I looked around for my friend to tell her and point him out, but she had already headed out to another spot down the shore. It's touching to witness these magical little creatures, especially you are alone. Like a secret that's not shared at that moment, but living only a short swim from the shore, for anyone to observe. If only they would get out of their rooms or the library and into the sea.

What an amazing way to start the day!

Back to studying

- lkc -