Our third dive was on a reef called Gorgonia Wall. After another amazing sheer reef full of soft corals, we came upon a large barracuda that seemed as relaxed as we had quickly become on Grand Turk.

Just above the reef shoulder on our slow return to the safety stop over the sand, this three-and-a-half foot barracuda sat perfectly motionless while two bar jacks gave him a thorough going-over.

He seemed so content in his cleansing massage that he paid little attention as, first, I moved in closely for pictures and, then, William moved in from the other side for a portrait with the grinning monster. I finished shooting several frames and turned and left, without the barracuda being disturbed to movement.