At the start there was a strong current that went with us so we felt like we were drafting Michael Phelps! The first part of the swim was in relatively shallow water and we had to swim around the coral heads that were just inches below the surface. This week we did not see much marine life due to the overcast conditions but we did come across this very large Starfish. It was about 10” across. In addition we sighted a couple of Southern Rays and a Spotted Eagle Ray.
As we approached the area near Caribbean Paradise there is the wreck of the Pallas clearly visible. The Pallas was a Norwegian sailing ship of 1,351 tons that was wrecked on the 13th October 1910. Naturally we went to explore! The fish there were amazing, but we also saw a lionfish and a report will be made to the Department of Environment tomorrow. The problem with lionfish is that they are not native to these waters and have no natural predators. They are veracious eaters of the native reef fish and can wipe all the fish in the area they are in. They are capable of laying 30,000 eggs every month. However they tend to be territorial and therefore this one will be easy to find again and hopefully will be captured and taken out of harm’s way. The good thing with lionfish is that they taste fantastic.
After leaving the wreck we headed for the ‘fourth’ Cayman Island, a small pile of sand and rocks just past the wreck which we named teeny tiny Cayman! There is a makeshift hut on the Island which is presumably used by fishermen staying overnight. There was also a colony of Terns that didn’t seem to mind us landing.
After leaving the island we swam back towards the shore as there was a strong current pushing us in the direction we wanted to go. We then approached ‘Pull and Be Damned Point’, where Surfers Paradise condos are. It is easy to see why they are called Surfers Paradise as the rollers were 3 to 4 feet and breaking some 50 foot from shore. We took the outside route and thankfully the rollers were present for a distance of about 150 feet before we come out to calmer waters. We finally completed the swim at Smith Cove and finished the way we started last week’s leg, jumping off the ledge!
Thanks to our kayak support Richard , who had to work hard with the strong currents, and our land support Karen and Ivan, who had to put up with the rain showers! It was a great swim and we can’t wait until next week! Now that it is officially the hurricane season, we have our fingers crossed for good weather and calm seas.
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