So while we loved our "vacation" at the Sutera Harbor Resort, it was sweet to come out and behind the island opposite and tuck ourselves into a quiet anchorage with our friends on sv Relapse.
Totem and Relapse on the back side of Pulau Gaya
We'd both been on the go for a while, and this was the point where we'd part ways with our latest best cruising buddies (after less than three weeks since we met- it doesn't take long when you're cruising), so it was nice to just relax and enjoy a beautiful spot together. Mark pulled the kids around to skurfing on a surfboard. Mostly, we just sat around and talked in the water. It was that magical temperature: cool enough for a break from the tropical heat, but never to the point where we could get chilled.
Just perfect.
There was mad raft building with salvaged driftwood, bamboo, and chunks of styrofoam found floating in the water (plenty of junk unfortunately!).
The kids also made a contained palace / habitat for a number of clams and hermit crabs.
Cameron has one of the clams in his hand- you have no idea how ticklish that little foot is as the bivalve tries to bury itself in your hand.
The snorkeling wasn't great, but wasn't bad. See this little fish? It seemed to think it was hiding from me. Adorable!
Know me, know my fixation with anemone fish. So cute! So full of personality!
How about this gorgeous anemone?
...and- bubble coral!
BEST OF ALL, though, a pair of nudibranchs. Normally they just kind of sit around, but this one was waving all over the place. Showing off for the other one? Who knows. Here's a portrait of one- isn't it's gorgeous?
We don't think we'll have such nice snorkeling again for a while so we soaked it up.
