March 15, 2015 Highborne to Warderick Wells

March 15, 2015

Sunday: Highborne Cay to Warderick Wells

After a brief stroll around Highborne Cay on Sunday morning, we left for the Exuma Land and Sea Park.  Our destination, Warderick Wells, is the hub of the park and the home of the park headquarters.  We called ahead on the VHF to reserve a mooring ball.  There are three mooring fields here: North, Emerald Rock and south.  We were given ball #17.   It was an easy passage in through the park and we snagged the pennant with no problem, secured the line and we were ready to explore.  The park office closes at noon on Sunday, so we were on our own for exploring.

Powerful Beach just a few steps away from the office, looked inviting to Piper.  She took advantage of the sand while we were inspecting the 52 foot sperm whale skeleton.  The whale was killed by consuming plastic garbage.  Plastic bags are often mistaken for jelly fish and eaten.  Fishing line entangles both birds and fish.  There are no trash receptacles on Warderick Wells.  Everyone is encouraged and required to leave the area undisturbed to protect the wildlife. 

Now that Piper had her walk around the beach, she was ready for a nap and we were ready to snorkel.  The highlight was seeing the lobster parade across the sandy bottom and hide behind the rocks.  We saw several rays glide effortlessly through the water.  One decided to bury itself in the sand becoming very well hidden.  A barracuda, a needlefish and a Nassau grouper also made appearances as did many other small colorful fish. 

Around dusk (dinner time) we noticed (as did Piper) some reef sharks swimming around the stern of the boat.   One was about 6 feet long the other about 4 feet in length.  Piper kept looking out ready to give chase to the stealthy gray fish while the shark appeared to be stalking her and licking their chops at what could be a tasty dinner.  We ushered Piper inside and closed all the doors.   While Steve and Lainey were out looking at the sunset I had some visitors drop by to see "My Sharks."  They tied up for a while to get a look at what by this time had morphed into 15 feet long sharks.  The sun was almost gone, but the dark shapes were still visible and evidently still hungry.

Joy