Doubt if I can pronounce it correctly and it’s not on most maps but I am going to Pohnpei and Kosrae for a visit. I AM NOW OFF THE GRID!

Dan borrowed a side-scan radar and marked some possible locations. We went out today to check on one he had marked on GPS. The marker spun out, not hitting bottom (about 200’ of line) and was too deep to dive. Did another dive instead; the rain and wind came up and we headed in. The wall of rain coming toward us was dense. It blew us into the shallow water along the west reef, in the almost zero visibility.

Been doing more snorkeling lately but got in three dives the last couple of days. Went out reefing last night and I got some small jelly fish stings on my feet but got some great Cowreys! I don’t care for this rainy season but guess it’s better than snow and cold. Had a boat scheduled this afternoon but got rained out (at least the folks I was going with).

Fun Guys to watch.

No idea what this one is?

Or these (I thought it was a steel spring at first).

Four in a row.

It is tough taking pictures at night but then add doing it while snorkeling (holding your breath) and then throw in a current, pushing you away and there are some real challenges. Only saw a few small white tip sharks this trip. The Lion Fish(es) were trying to stay hidden but got a few shots. The eel did not like getting caught out in the open while the turtle apparently got woke up from our flashlights. He came out and took off in a flash but ran into a reef wall. We think it stunned him and he was confused when he came back toward us. So we took another round of pictures before he swam into the darkness.

Kyle showing the slug on the inside.

The Lion Fish try to hide and get away when you see them.

Woke this guy up.

Good size eel but could not get a full shot of him.

A few of the guys from the department after our snorkeling trip to Bigej Island. Left to right: Greg McCarty, Steve Soule, Kyle Smith, J.T. Jackson, Kevin Emory, me & Dean Davidson on the ground.

Bike Ride

We took our bikes, jumped on the ferry and went to Ebeye. Remember that it is the most densely populated place in the world. We dodged around all the kids and dogs in the street and got to the causeway, which connects several islands. The road was rough and filled with water from all the rain. Very little traffic; with the lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other it was a pleasant trip. I believe we got to the end of Gugeegue Island (think of tickling a baby—goo-gee-goo).

Kyle is really hoping that his Huffy makes the trip!

Lots of large deep puddles to try and miss.

The Pacific Ocean is on the right and the Lagoon is on the left.

The surf is crashng onto the reef in the distance.

A little over-grown toward the end.

Lots of water but mostly sand and not mud.

As far as we could go.