Under the Sea...

I have always been drawn to the ocean. Well, maybe not always. My parents will tell you that as a child I didn't like swimming in the ocean; yucky seaweed, wierd sea creatures and crabs that wanted only to bite your toes. Thankfully, I outgrew that! Now I treasure every memory of the summers I spent in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and I am completely drawn to the mystery, beauty and majesty of the ocean. I respect her; she is powerful.
Yesterday the Indian Ocean was flat. It happens every so often, but not nearly often enough. With the wind coming from the east, or, no wind at all, the ocean looks flat and has virtually no white caps and the waves are very small or barely there. Perfect water for snorkeling. And that is how I spent my afternoon yesterday.
There are many reefs off the coast of Perth, which makes for prime snorkeling. I made my way to Burns Beach, just minutes from home, early in the afternoon. Donning my mask, snorkel and fins I splashed awkwardly into the aqua blue water and entered a world that inspires awe every time. Feeling giddy and pretending to be Ariel, (fins just give you wings!) I swam with the fish and peered into crevices of reefs, playing peek-a-boo with the shy little Angelfish. The reefs themselves contain so much abundant plant and animal life, you could spend hours just exploring. And the colors...with the sunlight filtering in from above, it was magical. If I could have unclenched my teeth from my snorkel mouthpiece to laugh I would have; but I could certainly smile. And I did.