Although we spend most of our time looking down at the reef substrate, our travels to and from the Aquarius give us the opportunity to observe some of the creatures inhabiting the sand channels on the reef. Today we saw a big flounder and a southern ray nicely camouflaged in the sand. Yesterday afternoon we saw a nurse shark snoozing in a cloud of bait fish near the Aquarius. Yesterday evening we watched three squid and a large grouper swimming lazily around and around the habitat heedless of the blizzard of silversides raging around them.

I love being down here, although I have to admit that after a few days I really miss Florida sunshine, warm breezes, ice cream, and most of all, my family. The sunshine and warm will just have to wait, but perhaps someone will send us down some ice cream (we can always dream, can't we)? Luckily, I get to talk to my family most days, and have photos of them plastering the wall next to my bunk. I wonder if Otto is getting tired of hearing Hallie sing "my mommy is under the ocean, my mommy is under the sea…" Three days down, and seven to go!