Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Underwater World of the San Blas Islands

It has been raining for five days in a row in our little piece of paradise. The sky is grey and massive ominous dark clouds keep forming and heading our way. Tons of water falls out of the sky, filling our water tank and jerry cans, which are now overflowing, and keeping the air damp, so nothing dries. We collect laundry water and rinse water, but, with no sun to dry our clothes, that chore is postponed until the sky brightens again. The palm trees are swaying in the heavy winds and the islands and choppy waters beckon for reprieve. Some of the storms contain massive thunder heads that vibrate our boat with every roar. Bright, dangerous lighting bolts create a painful spectacle for the eyes, while they lit the whole area. With every flash in close proximity, we hold our breaths, hoping it will not hit our boat.

While being cooped up inside Irie, it is the perfect time to focus on the beauty that lies beneath the storms and that we will investigate more once all this “blows over”. Enjoy the following pictures of the local underwater world!


Squirrelfish


Spotfin butterflyfish


Scrawled filefish


Squid


Ocean surgeon

Lionfish


Spotted eagle ray


Southern stingray


Coral scene


Elkhorn coral


Colorful coral scene

  
Foureye butterflyfish


Shallow coral scene


Purple flowers...


Some kind of crab


Fuzzy flowerlike things


Hiding pufferfish


Young blue tang


Spiny lobster


Starfish


Coral crab

1 comment:

Mark and Michele s/v Reach said...

You've got a good eye for crabs - those two are really cool species!