File Photo

That little ragged, disorganized low pressure system that’s been spinning down in the Caribbean for days finally went up the Straits and out into the open Atlantic.  The wind that had been coming in off the ocean for days, (high to low; a simple pressure gradient) law down overnight, and presto! low in the ocean; no wind; great waves.

A 7 a.m. paddle-out proved it better than it looked from shore.  Falling tide, long interval, thick, speedy waves with 6-7 foot faces.  Partly cloudy when I got out, the sky quickly went to overcast, and then the sky and water were the same pale grey, very spooky.  Much mullet activity and visible evidence of some feeding going on to add to the enjoyment level.  (We saw a six-foot black-tip tear into some mullet as we were swimming a few days ago, and after I got out this morning a guy I met on the sidewalk said he saw a 6-7 foot hammerhead close in down by the submarine tower at 6:30.)  Naw.

It’s been a long time between jake surf days and it showed in my lack of conditioning.  I struggled, but caught a few bombs, and didn’t get worked too much.  Smallish by world standards, but good for here, and impressive power, and hey, it was a short walk.

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Posing Brown Anole

This guy, a Brown Anole, was putting on a show as I sunned on the deck after the surf.  He climbed up onto an ancient conch shell and turned this way and that, making sure I could see his lovely red throat sack when it flared.  I did.  very impressive here, as well.  They are so cocky, territorial, and aggressive.  Glad they don’t get any bigger than they do.

Cocky Anole