Dive/Snorkel #1 (Mexico)

Today we woke up early to head out to a charter boat to some reefs off the coast. The nice couple we met the day before on the ferry recommended a man name Paul, so we followed the lead and were not disappointed. At the docks, we met Paul Ellis, a former Marine, with a big white truck with Texas plates! He was very nice, and bonded with the boys right away, trading stories from their times in the Corp. The couple we had met on the ferry also joined, where we learned that Michael had been a former photographer for National Geographic, and now, with his wife Jennifer, took some of the most stunning wedding photos I had ever seen. There were a few other groups on the boat with whom we chatted. After about an hour or so ride down the coast, we "parked" the boat and everyone suited up for the dive. It was very organized and technical. Clint and I were just going to snorkel, but everyone else was very experienced, almost all bringing their own diving equipment. Jared had 10 dives under his belt and was still the most novice. Off they all went, blopping into the water, followed by Clint and me with our simple snorkel gear. I think the first dive lasted about 45 minutes to an hour, after which we all got back on the boat for some delicious sandwiches and fruit. We pulled into a shallow area, where some other people snorkeled, and the three of us jumped off the upper deck into the water. I think someone mentioned that the temperature of the water was 84 degrees! After a little rest and digest session, we headed out to a new reef for one last dive. Again, everyone suited up. This time around the water was insanely blue! I literally have never seen that color water before. It was like aqua blue jello! Or as if someone had emptied a bunch of bottled water into a pool, where the sides were painted aqua blue! You could see for ages!! Clint saw a sail fish...I have not idea what that is. After the second dive, we headed back to the port, said our thank-yous and goodbyes, and drove back to our hotel. After a quick hiatus, we set out for a restaurant Paul had recommended; unfortunately, we couldn't find it, but in the process stumbled upon an awesome place called Las Palmas. First off, the waitress/manager was nuts and head-over-heels for both guys! Secondly, they served a massive amount of food for only $80 pesos. Fish fajitas, and beef and chicken tacos, yum! We have not been so full since we left the US! After rolling ourselves back to the hotel, Jared and I grabbed the camera and headed out to a restaurant on the beach to try to grab some nice shots of the sunset. We got a few, but unfortunately, the clouds blocked a good bit of the show, so we left a bit early. Cozumel's sunsets have eluded us, but there will be plenty of opportunities yet to come. Back at the hotel now, and I think we will all have the best night of sleep since departing the States. Elation...fingers crossed.