Drama at Salt Pond

Travel discussion for St. John
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Bob & Sharon
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Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:15 pm
Location: atlanta, ga usa
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Drama at Salt Pond

Post by Bob & Sharon »

Dear Snorkle friends,

We just uploaded a new set of pictures... am up to 97 photographed and identified. There is one in there called "Unknown".. anyone recognizing this one please write. I also guessed on the Coney. It was shaped and sized like a small one, but deep purple with pink spots??? Again, if I am wrong, let me know. I am no Ichthyologist!

There is a new set called "Reef" where group shots, coral and sponges are. The first several describe something we saw at Salt Pond some days ago: We happened on an octopus with his entourage of Grouper, Red Hind and Coney. As we watched from overhead, he reached into every little crack and crevasse he could reach. Then we spotted the tell-tale antennae of a lobster sticking out from under a rock. The Octopus dove under the rock to capture the prize: But the lobster run for it only to be grabber by the Nassau Grouper. Look at the eyes on that angry octopus who just had his dinner stolen! But the lobster was sideways in the Grouper's mouth and he couldn't swallow it that way... so he tried to fork it around to the head. It got away and lay dazed for a moment as the grouper came around to grab him by the head for a quick meal. But the lobster came to and SHOT upward like a tiny Trident missile all the way to the surface and launched out of the water.. Then it skittered along the surface like a skipping stone! We never knew a Lobster could swim like that. Absolutely amazing.

Next week we are taking a power boat around the island to snorkle little hidden bays along the way. Still have not seen an eel nor a spotted ray! Have seen the Rock Beauty several times, but have been unable to photograph them as they were deep and very shy. By the time I dive down 20 feet, they are hiding. Would be cool to beat 100 fish this year. Will make next year a bit of a challenge.

Several of the pictures came from the Mangroves in Hurricane hole. We chartered with Rick & Robin of "Long Distance":
http://stjohnlinks.com/Charters/Long_Distance/Index.htm
They have a sailboat and took us to Flannigan's Island one day, then to the Mangroves another. Robin gets in the water and snorkels with you to help identify things and just because she loves snorkeling. The roots of the Mangroves harbor remarkably large fish, like Queen Angels, Porcupine Puffers and much, much more. As a bonus, Rick and Robin are just delightful people to be with.

So far the best foods are at La Tapa, Roma Cafe and our favorite: The Lime Inn. The very best, however, are the home cooked meals Sharon prepares so deliciously.

Keep on Snorkeling!
Bob and Sharon
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liamsaunt
Posts: 5968
Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:08 pm

Post by liamsaunt »

You are so lucky to have watched that battle!

Do you have Humann's reef fish behavior book? I loved the section on how the fish and octopus hunt in groups.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
cptnkirk
Posts: 1996
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:35 am
Location: ohio

Post by cptnkirk »

Sounds like snorkeling heaven. Lovin these pics it made me search for a really good web site to tell more about all these fish. This is a nice site for any snorkelers that want to learn more about what they see down there.
http://www.reefnews.com/
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RickG
Posts: 5397
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:06 pm
Location: Coral Bay, St. John

Post by RickG »

Killer, impressive shooting.

Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI
California Girl

Post by California Girl »

You are so lucky to have seen that battle! You got some fantastic octopus pictures!! I also love the Queen Angel peeking out from behind the coral. Beautiful!
Iguanaeddie
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:57 am
Location: Northern Virginia

Post by Iguanaeddie »

The water is amazing - and full of drama. Every time I see a school of fish breaking the surface I think that they are trying to avoid being eaten. Interesting for us, life and death for them. We love to snorkel but I have to stay on the surface so I have never even seen a lobster or octopus. Great description of the drama.
I can't figure out how to access your pictures. How can I do that?
Thanks.
Ed
Iguanaeddie
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:57 am
Location: Northern Virginia

Post by Iguanaeddie »

I found the pictures! Great shots. Thanks.
Ed
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