Overcoming fears can have surprising and beautiful results. You’d be surprised how many people are afraid of cold water. Now we’re talking 78 degrees, not crazy cold, but I’m one of those. Jennie was one of us, too. 
It only took a few seconds for Jennie to pronounce the water, “Too cold.”
Her sweetheart, Jeff, came to the rescue, and volunteered his wetsuit so that she could have double the warmth. 
Just look at the determination on that face!
“Come on, Girlfriend. Let’s go find some cool stuff.” The first thing we saw was a beautiful tube sponge.
Look at this Townsend Angel. He seems to be challenging this Spiny Lobster.
Here’s a beautiful Rose Coral. It’s color is determined by the Zoozanthellae Algae that lives symbiotically with it.
This little pork fish was in a big hurry. Notice the Townsend Angel in the background.
By this time, Jeff, Jennie’s sweetheart, and I were the only ones left in the water. Captain Jeff and Jenny were back on the boat, shivering in their wetsuits. The most wondrous thing was soon to happen.
I could hardly believe my eyes. We know there are lots of octopi here, but they are such superb mimics, that we rarely see them. This guy came out in plain sight and showed himself to Jeff and I.
This was a special day. Seeing something so rare and beautiful made me grateful for the opportunity to share this ecosystem, if only for a few hours. Jennie overcame her fear and met some fabulous creatures. Captain Jeff and I are I so fortunate to have been there to share her triumph. That is really what Namaste’ Sailing is all about.
-Trish
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