I looked back at Leslie. She flashed her index finger at me, followed by four fingers, then a fist, fist. 1400 PSI – time to turn around and start back towards the buoy. We made a meandering left turn while ascending to twenty-five feet and started a leisurely trek in the opposite direction.

As I looked up the reef and then to the surface of the water, I saw a large green turtle going up for air. We were at Margate Bay and had already seen two other turtles and three ocean trigger fish in the first half of the dive.

We watched as the green floated on the surface for a minute. After filling his lungs and tissues with air, he looked down and dove, straight at us. I was amazed. He had to know we were there – he looked straight at us. He lazily cruised over and glared at Leslie. Appearing to use his flipper to signal her to come over, the green lay down in some soft corals, looked at Les, and then appeared to smile.

The green allowed Leslie several minutes of perfect shots. It was almost like a class or something and the green was being paid to pose for her. Every so often, he would turn his head and give Leslie some different profile shots. I kept my distance, soaking it all in. I imagine Mr. Green had gotten to the point where he figured it was just better to get the photos over with, give the photographer what she wants, and then be allowed to go about his business. Kind of a “when in Rome” type of thing. After a few minutes, the green cruised off towards the dark blue. We were grateful for his patience and generosity.

Returning to the buoy line, we each had about 800 PSI. We agreed to hang out near the buoy until about 500 PSI, and then go towards the shore. That is pretty much the M.O. of most of our dives.

Right near the line, Leslie saw a large bait ball being thoroughly worked by several large bar jacks. The jacks were circling the big eyed scads and making passes through the ball picking them off one by one. We watched until our tanks were at 400 PSI and our computers were screaming at us to do the smart thing and exit the water.

As always, Margate Bay was a fabulous producer. That dive gave us four turtle sightings, three trigger fish, another large barracuda, and an active bait ball. Just another dive at Margate Bay.

Andrea I was crowded with divers, but we persevered and had a spectacular dive. More squid and some great visibility.

Another twilight dive at Bari produced another turtle and an octopus. Our current turtle count is at six.

We drove up to Taylor Made and Nukove after diving Andrea I. We are very tempted to try Taylor Made. I would think it would be better during the morning as opposed to afternoon when the winds and waves could potentially kick in.

Paradise is getting dangerous. At Andrea I, I was bitten – rather hard and aggressively – by a Damsel Fish. I was slowing sliding through the soft corals scoping out seahorses, minding my own business, when I felt a sharp sting on my arm. Then this spunky little dark fish zoomed in and pecked at my mask. It bit so hard that it actually left a welt! Leslie thought it was funny. She took a picture of the Damsel Fish and of the welt on my arm. Her sympathy sometimes overwhelms me...

Between that fish and the bee sting from last night, I’m starting to show some battle wounds.

Well, I think I’ll survive. There are just enough Brights in the fridge to numb the pain. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just have to beg some meds from Ruth.

Dive on Friends.

Dave & Leslie.

LMAO!!!! good thing it wasn't something BIGGER boss. By the way did you find any seahorses?

We have always said - "If damsel fish were as big as groupers they would rule the see".

Yep - they can be REALLY protective of their eggs.

Dave, I think that damsel was just WARNING you to STAY AWAY FROM MY JOB! He done good, I'll have to tell him there will be something a little "extra" in his next paycheck.

I've got advil-you need? Out of Aleve and Tylenol 8 hour (on my stock-up list)...

Loving it, Dave (and Leslie)! Sorry to hear about the nip... they're the chihuahua's of the sea aren't they?

Dive on!

Great dive Dave, I am glad that Leslie got to see the turtle up close and personal, that is my wife favorite thing, Thanks again for sharing your time and vacation!!! The Randy & Lynda

One of those little sh**s bit me last month too Dave. I had a little incident in Honduras with one as well. Great Day 4. Thanks.

Hello, Dave & Leslie,

I did Taylors Made last week, it was wonderful. Infact it was my favorite dive of my 6 diving days (20 Dives total).

It looks more difficult than it really is. The entry looks tricky but once you find your way in the dive is really easy and beautiful.

Good Luck!