Exploring

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It was a bit overcast when we woke up this morning. Took our time getting to breakfast -- not in a hurry to do anything.  Afterwards, we headed down to the dock, which is right by the room. The speedboat was loading up to take folks back to the mainland. Said goodbye to the nice French couple. 

Right by the dock is a marine pool with lots of turtles and various fish. Martin was around so we asked him what the purpose of all this was - hoping that it just wasn't for the tourists viewing pleasure. Of course, had we read the sign, we would've learned that they exchange turtles for chickens. They are saving them from extinction because the local people use the turtles for food. They tag them and keep them for a month before releasing. Then get a new batch from the

fisherman and exchange the caught turtles for chickens (easier to grow). There are also grouper, cowfish, and a snook hanging about. They are in there to show the people that these are the fish you cannot catch. They are also on the verge of extinction. We were sorry to hear about the grouper. We have eaten many a grouper burger in the Bahamas -- now they need to be preserved. The hotel is building a bigger pool out by the beach bar and will relocate these guys to a better space.  

Also asked Martin about this humongous tree outside our room. Some of the branches extend close to 60 feet out. He told us it is some kind of fig tree over 100 yrs old. It is a beaut! They had to build huge crutches to  hold up three of the branches. 

Headed down to the beach to do some local snorkeling. The kids who were building the sand castle have left but they did a fine job! Waited for the sun to come out, which it did, and went up to the dive shop and grabbed some gear. First we headed out to the left by the pier. Saw some small stuff but nothing really exciting. Swam back, read, and hung out for a bit. Well, let's try the other side by the rock wall around the resort. Also, not a lot to see. So back to the beach we went.

It is almost lunch time. Thinking about doing the bike tour this afternoon. Didn't take much thought. We headed down to reception at around 3:30 to wait for our tour leader. Another couple from Toronto was joining us on this adventure. The mountain bikes were one speed but with good suspension. We rode around the resort and then out through the gates to explore the rest of the island -- of which there isn't much. To

the left is a public beach and to the right is a small fishing village. Our Toronto friends decided to get a beer at the local store. There is a small population here, many of which work at Punta Faro. There are a few other hotels on the island as well. Although we have been told, not as nice as ours. I am sure that is true.



Another shower and we were off to the beach bar for happy hour. Life is getting a bit too tough to take!

Next time... Another day in Paradise