Cambridge Cay, Bahamas
24.18.237N
76.32.385W

We bid farewell to Warderick Wells this morning and entered the Exuma Sound for our trip down to O'Brians Cay; Cambridge Cay is located just south of O'Brians and has a better anchorage for the wind direction. After circling several times, looking for a good spot to lay down in, we anchored in 13 feet of water but ended up backing up over closer to 20', any closer in and we were in very shallow water. Dale dove the anchor just to make sure that it set properly and came back looking for our book on fish. Apparently there was a large Cobia (we think) that had taken a liking to the bottom of our boat.

We changed into our wet suits and took off for the 'aquarium'. This is described as a mini wall dive. We found it without any problems since there was a sign from the Exuma Park saying "Welcome" and a couple of mooring balls positioned in front of it so that anchors won't damage the site. We had no sooner tied up to the mooring when the water was churning with fish looking for a hand out. Splashing in, we saw angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, jacks, fairy basslets, grouper and the ever present barracuda. Since the water was apparently going in one direction, we decided to swim upstream from our boat and then drift back to it. We had no sooner rounded a corner when all of a sudden, we were being drawn rather quickly out in another direction. Two uphills.

Dale came back and motioned for us to return the way we had come. It had taken him by surprise too. We ended up trying to stay midway between the two currents. I finally grabbed a long line from the boat and just hung on. I'd swim to the end of the line, and then let the current pull me back; then I'd swim off in a different direction and float back. The guide book made mention of an 8' lemon shark that patrols the area but thank God, we didn't see him.

This evening after dinner, Dale said that we now have a collection of Cobia under our boat. Do you think they know we're still in the Park and can't toss in a hook? Just another day in paradise, for all species.