Another beautiful day in paradise aboard the Viento. The winds are looking very favorable  for us to be able to sail. Everyone is up bright and early .  After breakfast , Doug surprises us with a video clip he had taken in the park . You'll truly be able to experience the abundant marine life in this protected treasure. 

 What a nice way to document our underwater experiences. ! Thank you Doug !!!
Looking at the navigational charts looks like we will be spending tonight in Staniel Cay . We are very excited as this cay has alot to offer . Along the way we hear the fishing reel spin out ZZZZZZZZZZZ..what do we have on the hook ??? It seemed like forever to reel it in OH!OH!  ..looks like a Barracuda....I think we better cut the line with that set of razor sharp teeth..no fish for supper tonight..!

BARRACUDA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our overnight mooring at Staniel Cay .

As we approach Staniel we see a very picturesque harbor ..lots of choices for a very scenic mooring.
We are trying to get close to  Thunderball Cave which is a recommended snorkeling site . The best time to attempt this is  at low tide which just gives you enough clearance to swim into an underground cave.
Otherwise you take a hugh breathe and swim like hell to clear the wall and pop up on the inside . HMMMM!! Courtney and I opt for the low tide . Doug  heads out right when we get there at high tide  and
tackles the challenge successfully .

Entrance to Thunderball Cave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A few hours later the tide is just right for us to enter the cave. Scott, Courtney and I motor over in the dinghy and gear up. Splash over the side and we approach the cave. Our heads barely clear the top of the cave mouth and we are in. The sunrays are pouring in thru a hole in the ceiling and bounce off the water
bursting into hundreds of crystal prisms . It is a sight to behold. An incredible array of tropical fish are swimming about ! Assorted sizes of angel fish, large parrot fish, schools of stripped zebra danios  so many
I don't know the names for...The  iridescent colors of the coral span the rainbow . I hear giggling underwater
and then a gasp...I quickly turn to see whats going on and the sounds are emanating from Courtney thru her mask. She is in the middle of a huge school of fish and cannot contain herself . I swim over to be sure shes ok and she gives me the high sign..The fish are so unafraid  obviously from years of being feed ..you are able to get very very close. As we exit the cave , the timing couldn't have been more perfect..an adventure charter
is just pulling up filled with folks..we smile knowing we just had the entire cave to ourselves !!! Again Doug
outdid himself and presented us with another video ..it gives you a complete 360 degree view .

   Back to the boat.. evening is approaching . We decide to spend some time on shore and have a
few happy hour drinks at the Staniel Yacht Club as only an island yacht club should be ...open walls
breeze blowing thru , reggae music filling the air and the Bahama Mamas are yummy. After chatting with 
a few folks , I find out there's one more thing we need to see before we depart for Georgetown in the morning...swimming pigs..yes thats right swimming pigs...Stay tuned!!