Triggerfish Happy

Today ended what has been a crazy busy work schedule (still one more to go, but it is not nearly as hectic).

I decided to take a breather and try catching something.

I caught about 10 of these guys and looking into the water, you can see them everywhere - as I reeled in the rig, one triggerfish would be chasing the bait, and another would be chasing the float.

I did see some trevally (which I would have rather been catching) but they were running off in the distance.

Well - catching any fish is better than not catching any fish

Kiting in the Afternoon

Lighter winds, but whitecaps on the water. I decided to take out the 11m.

Got some good jumps during the "quickie" session. Nice, lofty big air - quality: Prime for "Sticking" it at the apex!

With the rain and stronger squall winds that have been prevalent lately, any session is a good session.

I really miss my family - but days like today make the time go by well.

More Diving Pictures

I have been trying hard to make the most of my time out here. The weekdays are really busy, but I do try to take advantage of the weekends. I ran an Xterra Offroad Triathlon yesterday morning - came in first in my age bracket, then followed it up with a group dive. Dove at the cable landing. Today had a similar pace.

Short dive this morning - back out at Mile Marker 10.

One large Napoleon Wrasse, but no other big animals (turtles, mantas, etc).

I stumbled on this anemone close to the end of the dive - the female was rather small compared to the other groups I've seen prior.

As always, a great time!

Then...

Soft Coral Variety

In all my years of studying coral, fish and invertebrates, I have never really looked into these types of soft coral, so for once I will be silent on classification.

These pictures (pretend they are flowers) are for you La!

Dangerous Sea Creatures

The Lionfish...

The Moray Eel...

The Sarcophagus (Leather Coral - not really dangerous, just cool)...

Oooooooooo.....

Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

Check out my Facebook account if you want to see more -

No wind - at all...

The wind has been eerily silent the past couple of days.

The lagoon has transformed into a placid lake and the temperature is getting warmer.

Being an optimist, this now opens up SUP exploring and much clearer water for checking out the sealife that are literally my next door neighbors.

I'll post pics when I get a chance to go snorkeling.

What an Ass!!!

No, not the donkey -

I imagine that's what the donkey was saying about me as I stopped the car, rolled down the window, started blabbering some noise and then drove off without leaving any food.

What an Ass!!!!

Mile Marker 10

Un-freakin-believable!!!

Combat Sailing

Blustery winds this afternoon - 17-20 kts.

Still sailed in the regatta - Laser Pico was my weapon of choice.

The first one I took out was rigged with a jib. After warming up and dunking after every tack, I took that one in and swapped it out for a jibless one. Control vice speed.

I held my own - first Pico over the line, and 3rd out of seven boats.

I did pay a price - I left some shin skin somewhere out there. Last time I sailed a Pico I did the same thing - the ridge amidship of the small boat and my right shin don't mix well...

I am thoroughly beat now (and blissful for it)!

Cannon Point (again)

Another day underwater

A-W-E-S-O-M-E

Knot Boards

These are at the Seaman's Center here on DGAR.

I've always liked knot boards, but the ones they have here are full of charm and saltiness.

The gears in my head are turning....

Up and Down

The wind that is (was).

I packed up the 16m Crossbow and headed to the kite launch. By the time I got there, the previously clear sky was dark and squalls were pushing through. I waited the band out and then put up the kite.

For the next two hours, I was fighting smaller bands of moving water vapor, followed by lighter winds (compression - release).

The 16m was not as agile as the 11m (duh), and I got launched on one jump attempt - lost the board and got spun around pretty effectively (I got a spanking). A few upwind body drags and I was back in business.

When I landed, the Picos came out in force -

So - I'm chalking this one up to great fun, but challenging conditions.

Neighbors

These guys are my neighbors. It was raining hard all weekend, and these guys were braver than usual. They stood their ground when I approached with the camera - as if they were saying "Dude - you're in my zone..."

Too small

I've finally started to experiment with coconuts.

There is such a thing as a coconut too small to have a shell.

This one had water (coconut), but it didn't taste so well. It also didn't have a hard shell. Did I say that already??? I must be going (coco)nuts!!!!!

Cocos nucifera

Coconut trees are everywhere out here. They certainly complete the "tropical island" image.

I'm going to start trying to open the ones that have fallen to get at the coconut water, young coconut flesh and to make cool "tropical" stuff out of the coconut shells - stay tuned.