We were joined by our friends Harry and Shirley-Ann for a trip to Black Reef for more diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, good eating, and lots of fun!

For an explanation of photos, position mouse over photo.

Mon Apr 15

A day to switch guests. Nancy and Cynthia are leaving and Harry and Shirley Ann are arriving. Just as we were about to leave for the airport, I dropped the buggy keys in the cockpit and they went straight down the drain hole! Fortunately Ron was able to retrieve them and we made it to the airport on time. Nancy and Cynthia flew out on the same plane Harry and Shirley Ann came in on so they were able to meet each other. Harry knows Nancy’s son Andrew through work.

 We took Harry and Shirley Ann for a quick tour of the island and then set off for a short sail to Cid Harbor for a relaxing dinner aboard.

Tues Apr 16

It rained all day. We sailed to Whitehaven Beach where Ron, Bradley, Harry and I went for a long run, but it was wet all day. It looks like the weather will be good the rest of the week and we should be able to get out to a nice reef.

Wed Apr 17

We had a wonderful seven hour sail to Black Reef. Light winds of 10-15 knots and calm seas. We left at 4:30am and arrived by noon. We caught a nice yellowfin tuna just as we go to the reef. It was my turn to bring him in and he wore me out pretty good. But I finally got him to the boat where Bradley prepared him for dinner. Perfect weather for the reef. We took Harry and Shirley Ann snorkeling. Ron was determined not to have to eat tuna so he bagged himself a very nice coral trout. So everyone was happy (expect the tuna and the trout!). The tuna was wonderful and we all got a taste of the trout too.

Thu Apr 18

It’s a beautiful reef – fabulous coral and tons of fish. A great place for hunting. The fish are a little skittish and not easy to get, but there are plenty of them to shoot at. Bradley and Bradley got several coral trout and barramundi cod. Good eating.

We set out to dive the outer wall of the reef but when we got there found the current was very strong. So we decided to dive inside the lagoon instead. Ron, Bradley, and I went for a dive while Harry snorkeled. It was a great dive.

Fri Apr 19

A better day for diving the wall. The current was not too strong and this time we were better prepared. Bradley and I were going to do a drift dive with Ron staying in the dinghy to pick us up when we were done. It was perfect.

For two days we have had a pet barracuda we’ve named Barry. As soon as we anchored here he appeared. He is very large but very friendly. He likes it when we clean fish and is there to get some free meals which he takes very gently. But he doesn’t seem to like fruit.

We are out here all alone – not another boat in sight. Played a little hearts with Harry and Shirley Ann.

Sat Apr 20

Time to head back to Hamilton as Harry and Shirley Ann have to fly home tomorrow.