In the Mine Field

Yesterday we had planned on leaving Nabadup but delayed our departure for a day. Winterlude and us found the most spectacular snorkeling spot that we have seen in all of the San Blas Islands. We dubbed it Disney Land as it felt like we were in a magical place full surrounded by wonderful coral and fish. The coral formations were colorful and statueisc and full of marine life. We saw, and hunted without success, the largest snappers we've ever seen. Easily 15 pounds each. Barracuda from 12 inches to five feet in schools of dozens shadowed us, probably waiting for us to spear a fish that they could rob from us. Schools of large crevalle jacks swam from the deep water into the shallows beneath us as did the permit fish. The trigger fish and jacks evaded us, the sergeant majors, tangs, parrot fish and other colorful reef fish ignored us as they went about their business. It was truly a wonderful place that is now marked on our charts.

Today the weather was great and after spending a great time in Nabadup it was time to move on. We exited through the narrow reef between Cambobia and Nabadup and motor sailed into the wind to the Central Holendae Cayes to an area that Winterlude calls the mine field. It's appropriately named as one would only want to enter with good sunlight so as to see the clusters of shoals and bars, but once through we anchored in 14 feet behind the reef that protects the Holendaes from the ocean swells.

We're anchored just to the NW of Sibadup, another beach lined island full of coconut trees. There are also two islands to the south of us named Niakalubirdup and Ogoppukibdup (can you pronounce them?). To the north of us is the large coral reef and beyond the Caribbean Sea. During our stay here we'll check out the snorkeling, get in some line and fly fishing and do some beach explorations before we make our way East to Provineer to renew our cruising permit, maybe next week.