Sadly, today is the day to deliver Tom and Amy to Queen Beatrix airport for their long journey home. It is that one arrives 3 hours in advance. We have usually not gone so early, but, then again, we have the special traveler id and can bypass the long immigration line. It is a long process, as one goes through security twice, then deliver checked bags to the conveyor belt, then clear US customs and immigration here, then wait in the departure lounges. There are restaurants at that end too, although we try to eat our last lunch in the waiting area before US C&I so we can eat our final cheese and tomato sandwiches and fruit, etc.
So, now that Im writing at 8 pm, I can say that THANK GOODNESS we dropped them off that early, for they only had time to buy a cold drink and it was time to board.
We had taken the opportunity to walk Eagle Beach together, and take some photos at the bent over and gnarly dividivi trees, and then had breakfast here at La Cabana at the Island Grill.
goodbye to the Hungry Turtle. It looked lovely!! And on the way was another 1st – 2 down in tandem near the windsurfing shacks.
Dropped them off soon after and then we drove to the Lionfish Shack, which is only open on Saturdays. It was delicious!! And the man posts video of him catching the lionfish with a sort of speargun and specially designed clear plastic cylinder. I bought a pair of earrings made out of the spines!!! We are just doing our bit to help rid the Caribbean of this predator. He said that nothing preys on them, and they get really big – like 17!! They suck up all the eggs the other fish lay. Hes trying to encourage fisherman to bring him their catch.
As it was still a bit early to snorkel without burning in the midday sun, we drove to check out the humming birds (not a one) and the burrowing owls (one popped up) at the Spanish Lagoon. There were 4 ospreys hovering nearby – perhaps thats why the owl was so skittish.
Mangel Halto was actually really wavy, which surprised us, as the winds seem to have settled back to their normal path. And yes, that is the windier side, but why so much more so?
So we drove back to the infinity pool entrance and had a nice hour or so in the water. Must admit that it was a bit churned up – not as clear as we would have liked. We did see a black margate, some highhats, and a few other rarer types we hadnt seen yet, plus some French angel fish and a Queen angelfish, such a favorite of Davids. Coming in we also saw at least a dozen bonefish - a fish coveted by fishermen. They are pale and you can hardly see them in the sandy shallows.
I panfried the snapper in some coconut oil I had brought from home – left overs will be made into curry tomorrow night.
Travelmates near
