An arrow crab spans a big sponge on the reef. Videograph by Rich Torkington in Cozumel 2003

This afternoon, we’re diving with Ron’s wife Bess, and because it’s already mid-afternoon we head to one of the closer dive sites at Villablanca. The current is just perfect for a relaxing drift dive, and yet still slow enough to easily maneuver when something deserves examination. There is a gorgeous reef here, although a little bit banged up, and we find Bess to be as curious as we are in exploring crevices of the reef.

The reef is full of huge sponges, especially vase sponges. There are bristleworms, arrow crabs, banded cleaner shrimp, and brittlestars to be found everywhere. A big French angelfish approaches me and comes within 4” of my mask.