September already!

Wow -- I can't believe it's September. We have just a little over two weeks left here, and we are trying to pack in everything we can. On Monday, Hope and I went to the $6 million sports complex to walk the new track that circles the football field. MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation department) really tries to provide nice facilities and entertainment for the troops and civilians here. And this sports complex was a huge investment -- I really haven't seen it being used much, but maybe this fall there will be more activity. (You can see the four wind turbines on the hill above the field which provide somewhere between 10-12% of the energy used on the base.)


Wednesday Vince went fishing with neighbor Bob, and this time he did catch a snook. (please overlook the lovely background in this photo!). While they have a funny name, snook are absolutely excellent to eat -- a little reminiscent of halibut, to my way of thinking.


While Vince was fishing, Hope and I took a water taxi, courtesy of Captain Henry, to the other side of the bay to Hicacal Beach. For some reason I don't understand, the shells there are completely different from the ones that can be found on this side of the bay. So, it's great to have an opportunity to get over there and explore. There is one big (or rather, bug) problem -- the area is well-known for its voracious mosquitoes and no-see-ums. And, of course, I had been bragging just a few days earlier about how I have completely avoided getting bit these last eleven months.

I had my comeuppance at Hicacal -- apparently I didn't spray the repellent very well, for when we got back, my legs were literally covered with bites. After I reached 50, I stopped counting. And, like the true geek that I am in recording things, I took a photo of my leg covered with bites, but reason prevailed and I am not posting it. You'll just have to believe me.


Friday we went snorkeling at Phillips Dive Park and tried to take all the photos on our disposable underwater camera. The water felt warm and silky -- we saw jellyfish, gorgeous parrotfish, and beautiful sea fans waving gently among the coral beds.



I have to admit that I am a little apprehensive when I snorkel -- whenever I hear that someone has spotted a barracuda, I like to go the other way. Everyone keeps saying that barracuda steer clear of humans, but I just don't like the thought of those teeth. Still, it's been an amazing opportunity to view all of this gorgeous underwater life.