School Days

"What are you looking at?"

I love floating and watching all kinds of critters live their lives. One little fish will boldly chase off entire schools of much larger fish when they begin feeding in the little guy's territory. Most turtles contentedly drowse while tucked securely under rocks and coral, while Hawksbill turtles are always eating and chewing and eating some more. The Eagle rays hang nearly motionless facing into the current; sometimes alone, sometimes in groups.

Everything changes the moment I dive down. On the surface I'm no threat, but down on their level I need to be avoided. There's no quick rush for the exits, instead just a gradual turning away. Almost as if they are embarrassed to be seen in my company. Kind of reminds me of High School...