There's This Place ...

... in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where the bottom of the sea rises 17,300 feet, forming a seamount in 17,305 feet of water. Over time, the corals attach to the rim of this seamount, and form a ring, and over more eons, the center of this seamount settles about 50 feet. The net result is a coral atoll without the usual accompanying centerpiece of a volcanic mountain. Here, in the middle of the Ocean, a boat can enter the narrow pass, and anchor in 30 feet of water, surrounded by ... nothing: just a 360 degree view of the broad expanse of the mighty Pacific.

The water is unspeakably clear and the reef abounds with fish, free of the usual muddy runoffs, fishermen, and pollutants of a "normal" reef. Jennifer and I spent a few days here, snorkeling, resting, and enjoying the scenery (!). Highlights included seeing a huge ray on the bottom, some white tip sharks, and amazing collections of reef fish and wondrous corals.

Here's a video taken from the top of the 65 foot mast -- the unexpected increase in brain altitude caused me to reference the "Atlantic" Ocean, but rest assured, dear readers, we are in the Pacific!

Onward to Niue, the smallest independent island-country in the world (about half again as big as Washington, DC), and the largest raised coral island in the world.