We pass under the lift bridge and out of Boot Key Bay. Tom has information about Lobster areas from Pat and Colin and we decided to explore these areas in the Gulf where they might be found. Up went the sail and we moved along at a slow 3-4 miles a hour. Low winds mean less waves and a good day to snorkel.
Gary enjoys a quick lunch prepared by wife Rose.
Bethal Bank is north west of 7 Mile Bridge. Debbie drops anchor in about 10 feet of water. It did not look like a lobster bank with lots of places for them to hide in the rocks. In fact there are no rocks. Regardless, we decided to check the area out and suited up or not. After some exploring and no signs of any thing that might make anyone think lobsters frequent the area, we pulled anchor and tried another shallow spot a little farther south.
Trish and Rose keep watch.
The most exciting event in this area was when we gave up and swam back to the boat. As we got within 20 feet of Catrina a strong current (and we don’t know where it came from) surfaced and made it difficult to swim back to Catrina’s stern steps. Ted made it back, then Debbie and finally Tom but where was Gary? Rose said he was in front of Catrina. We got his attention and he swam directly along Catrina to the back. Tom had a rope ready in case he swam passed the stern and needed hauling back.
Later Bob and Gary are on the bow so long that we call them to find out what is happening. And of course we did not find out! Could they be looking for Lobsters?
We have had a great time snorkeling but would like to see some fish and beautiful coral. Tom takes us back to the Atlantic side to Sombrero Reef. It is so clear from the boat that we can see the bottom and many colored fish. This time we convince Rose to borrow some goggles, wear a life preserver and venture away from Catrina with a rope and floatation cushion.
In a very short time, we know Rose is hooked and Gary will have to shell out the money to get her snorkel gear! This part of the reef has deep narrow gaps in the coral which stretch 30 feet down to the sandy bottom. Many plants reside on the coral and the area is so full of different kinds of fish that we cannot count them. Being late in the afternoon we see patches of sun and shadows. It is beautiful!
Finally everyone is back in the boat but Rose. Gary finally drags her out and we pull anchor and head for Sister’s Channel.
Look at the grin on Gary’s face!
As we reach Sister’s Channel, the sun is setting.
On the foredeck we find Trish and Ted.
Okay, that’s better.
Tom drops dingies and friends at their boats and we head for U-6. Along the way the fleet lights up (mooring lights, that is) as night draws near.
