Saturday.....
I left the Isle of Roatan this morning with mixed feelings. The good, I am going home to see my family that I miss dearly.. The Bad, I'm leaving an island paradise with great friends and the great guests at Coco View Resort. I will remember all of the lessons from my internship, and all of the people who cheered me on, and congratulated me when I achieved dive master.
I an now sitting in Atlanta at the airport waiting for my flight back to PA. DawnAnn and Sarah will be waiting for me at the airport when I arrive. I can't wait for the hugs that I have missed. Can you ever actually make up for the lost ones?
We have some close friends coming over tomorrow to celebrate my accomplishment, and also my buddy John, who is joining us in our 40's!
I would first like to thank DawnAnn and Sarah, for allowing me the time to pursue a passion. You'll never know what it has meant to me.
I would like to also thank Patty and Alejandra at Dockside Dive Center. Your skills and dedication to doing it right are the only way to go! Throughout my career, I will be grateful for your instruction, professionalism, and friendship.
Third, Greg. We had a blast. I couldn't have asked for a better "partner in crime". I look forward to diving together in our future.
And last, Mitch and Deb, the managers at Coco View, Thanks for the hospitality you've shown us interns. The owners should know that the resort is in great hands. Keep up the great work!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday/Saturday...
Well, here it is my last days.
I got up this morning and got some coffee and headed to the boat. I got the divers set up for their morning dives, and went for breakfast. After a huge omelette, I went to make sure they had everything. They headed out for the dive site, and sadly, I stayed behind....
Patty was extremely nice and lent her car to Greg and me. We headed to West End to do a little shopping.
We stopped and got a good cigar for Friday night and had some lunch at the Cannibal Cafe'. (it is a mexican place)
We headed back to the resort and I started my packing. I just hope I can keep it to 50#.
Dinner was steak and lobster, and Mitch and Deb awarded us our PADI Divemaster patch. Brion James was our entertainment for the night, and we partied hard!
Well, here it is my last days.
I got up this morning and got some coffee and headed to the boat. I got the divers set up for their morning dives, and went for breakfast. After a huge omelette, I went to make sure they had everything. They headed out for the dive site, and sadly, I stayed behind....
Patty was extremely nice and lent her car to Greg and me. We headed to West End to do a little shopping.
We stopped and got a good cigar for Friday night and had some lunch at the Cannibal Cafe'. (it is a mexican place)
We headed back to the resort and I started my packing. I just hope I can keep it to 50#.
Dinner was steak and lobster, and Mitch and Deb awarded us our PADI Divemaster patch. Brion James was our entertainment for the night, and we partied hard!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Thursday....
I got up this morning hoping that there was room on the boat to the west end. Alas, the boat was full. I was moved to the blue boat for the day with 4 divers from our yellow boat.
We headed out to Pirates Point and had a great dive. This dive is a slow one, with lots to look for. The first thing found was a yellow seahorse. Everyone got a look and we kept moving. At the mooring anchor, which is an old crane, there were 2 large grouper. I kept chasing them out so the photographers could get good pics. After all of the pics were taken, everyone headed to search again. I moved about 20' from the crane when I found 2 juvenile spotted drum. These are just beautiful to behold. I banged on my tank, but only the other divemaster even looked my way. Oh well, I get these to myself! They are so dainty and graceful...
We found a couple more seahorses on the soft coral, and soon it was time to head back towards the boat. Everyone was diligently searching for the next little critter. I found myself in a sand chute, looking at several jawfish. These little guys are so fun to watch. I spent 5-10 min there.
We ended our dive at 1hr, to keep the divers happy. We did our surface interval at the buoy, as the seas were calm. After 45 min, we then headed for Newman's Wall for the dropoff.
We got back and unloaded the boat and I went for a shower, as the diveshop was heading to lunch at Cal's Cantina. We had the spicy fried shrimp and lobster for an appetizer, and I ordered the filet with peppercorn sauce for my entree. It was great! If you ever get to Roatan, I highly recommend Cal's Cantina. The food is great, and the prices are even better!
After lunch we headed back to Coco View and I started to get my gear cleaned up and dry for my return back to the states on Saturday.....
I spent the evening BSing with some new friends, under the bright moon. Again I say the Southern Cross!
Well, I'm off to bed to rest before tomorrow comes....
I got up this morning hoping that there was room on the boat to the west end. Alas, the boat was full. I was moved to the blue boat for the day with 4 divers from our yellow boat.
We headed out to Pirates Point and had a great dive. This dive is a slow one, with lots to look for. The first thing found was a yellow seahorse. Everyone got a look and we kept moving. At the mooring anchor, which is an old crane, there were 2 large grouper. I kept chasing them out so the photographers could get good pics. After all of the pics were taken, everyone headed to search again. I moved about 20' from the crane when I found 2 juvenile spotted drum. These are just beautiful to behold. I banged on my tank, but only the other divemaster even looked my way. Oh well, I get these to myself! They are so dainty and graceful...
We found a couple more seahorses on the soft coral, and soon it was time to head back towards the boat. Everyone was diligently searching for the next little critter. I found myself in a sand chute, looking at several jawfish. These little guys are so fun to watch. I spent 5-10 min there.
We ended our dive at 1hr, to keep the divers happy. We did our surface interval at the buoy, as the seas were calm. After 45 min, we then headed for Newman's Wall for the dropoff.
We got back and unloaded the boat and I went for a shower, as the diveshop was heading to lunch at Cal's Cantina. We had the spicy fried shrimp and lobster for an appetizer, and I ordered the filet with peppercorn sauce for my entree. It was great! If you ever get to Roatan, I highly recommend Cal's Cantina. The food is great, and the prices are even better!
After lunch we headed back to Coco View and I started to get my gear cleaned up and dry for my return back to the states on Saturday.....
I spent the evening BSing with some new friends, under the bright moon. Again I say the Southern Cross!
Well, I'm off to bed to rest before tomorrow comes....
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday....
What a great day!
Today started as usual...Up at 6, and coffee. To the boat I went and found that Marco had already preloaded. I put my gear on board and headed to breakfast. Omelette and bacon were this morning's fare.
I went over to the red boat and had Kirk help me with my dive briefing. He was a big help. Thanks Kirk!
At 8:15 I gave my first dive briefing for the divesite Carib Wall. It went very well. The guests cheered me when I completed. What a great boat. Alejandra got some pics that are posted below.
We headed out to the dive site and the conditions were great. The fish were plentiful. As we were making our way along the wall, Marco spotted a large hawksbill sea turtle. I will try to get pics a little later. It swam with all of the divers before loosing interest and heading off into deep water. What a treat! As we continued along the wall 3 or 4 seahorses were found. A little later a 6' green moray decided to check everyone out. He gave those with cameras and GoPro's a treat as he came right up to the lens! He swam under me and continued, what I thought along the wall. I was the last diver in the group, and what I didn't see was that the eel doubled back. I felt something bump my leg, and when I looked down, it was the moray coming up between my legs! He swam up to my chest before heading back towards the rest of the group. Not too scary, just startling when you aren't expecting it!
He headed over to Marco and then lost interest. We continued our dive to the point, and turned around and came back on the top of the wall. Fish were everywhere!
We all got back on the boat, and did our surface interval in the bight at Parrot Tree. After the interval we headed to Newmans Wall for the dropoff. Back we went to the docks after all of the divers were safely in the water.
Lunch was cheese burgers and fries with chocolate chip cookies.
After lunch, we reloaded the boat and headed out to First Bight Wall. By this time the winds had died down, and the ride was much calmer. We dropped in and were immediately treated to another turtle. He swam around for a while before getting bored and swimming off. This was another site with seahorses and loads of fish. On the way back to the boat, I even saw a school of permit! Another great dive!
We did our surface interval in First Bight, and then readied the guests for their drop off on Coco View Wall.
We headed back to the docks to get everything cleaned for the day. Wow, what a day!
Dinner was lasagna and garlic bread with tiramisu. What an end to the day!
Just what will tomorrow bring?!
What a great day!
Today started as usual...Up at 6, and coffee. To the boat I went and found that Marco had already preloaded. I put my gear on board and headed to breakfast. Omelette and bacon were this morning's fare.
I went over to the red boat and had Kirk help me with my dive briefing. He was a big help. Thanks Kirk!
At 8:15 I gave my first dive briefing for the divesite Carib Wall. It went very well. The guests cheered me when I completed. What a great boat. Alejandra got some pics that are posted below.
We headed out to the dive site and the conditions were great. The fish were plentiful. As we were making our way along the wall, Marco spotted a large hawksbill sea turtle. I will try to get pics a little later. It swam with all of the divers before loosing interest and heading off into deep water. What a treat! As we continued along the wall 3 or 4 seahorses were found. A little later a 6' green moray decided to check everyone out. He gave those with cameras and GoPro's a treat as he came right up to the lens! He swam under me and continued, what I thought along the wall. I was the last diver in the group, and what I didn't see was that the eel doubled back. I felt something bump my leg, and when I looked down, it was the moray coming up between my legs! He swam up to my chest before heading back towards the rest of the group. Not too scary, just startling when you aren't expecting it!
He headed over to Marco and then lost interest. We continued our dive to the point, and turned around and came back on the top of the wall. Fish were everywhere!
We all got back on the boat, and did our surface interval in the bight at Parrot Tree. After the interval we headed to Newmans Wall for the dropoff. Back we went to the docks after all of the divers were safely in the water.
Lunch was cheese burgers and fries with chocolate chip cookies.
After lunch, we reloaded the boat and headed out to First Bight Wall. By this time the winds had died down, and the ride was much calmer. We dropped in and were immediately treated to another turtle. He swam around for a while before getting bored and swimming off. This was another site with seahorses and loads of fish. On the way back to the boat, I even saw a school of permit! Another great dive!
We did our surface interval in First Bight, and then readied the guests for their drop off on Coco View Wall.
We headed back to the docks to get everything cleaned for the day. Wow, what a day!
Dinner was lasagna and garlic bread with tiramisu. What an end to the day!
Just what will tomorrow bring?!
Tuesday.....
I know, the time stamp says Wednesday, but I forgot to hit post.
Got up and got the boat loaded for the morning dive. Headed out for Iron Shore. This is a great dive site. Lots of fish and corals. Started out at 50-60' along the wall, and came back across the top of the reef at 35'. It was a nice, relaxed paced dive. I think on this dive, we saw at least 5 seahorses!
We did our surface interval in French Harbour and dropped our divers on Newman's Wall. The boat crew and I headed back to the dock to get the boat ready for the afternoon dive.
Lunch for me was a BBQ pork sandwich and the freshest pineapple!
I headed back over to the docks and finished getting the boat loaded. We were heading for the Valley of the Kings. This is another great dive site with lots of hard and soft corals. Fish are abundant here too.
While we were cruising the top of the wall, we had a great oppertunity to swim with a 3' Hawksbill sea turtle! What a thrill! When the turtle came up from the bottom, a green moray decided he wanted in on the party, and came up and swam behind the turtle. A hawksbill and a free swimming moray at the same time, the divers did not know what to keep their eyes on!
The surface interval was in French Harbour again, with the dropoff on Coco View Wall. We took the boat in, and I got showered for the Tuesday night trip to Sundowners.
We had a great time, and I met some great Roatan people last night. The Roatan Marine Park people have some great things in the works.
We finished the night off with pizza and wings at the Pizza Inn.
I know, the time stamp says Wednesday, but I forgot to hit post.
Got up and got the boat loaded for the morning dive. Headed out for Iron Shore. This is a great dive site. Lots of fish and corals. Started out at 50-60' along the wall, and came back across the top of the reef at 35'. It was a nice, relaxed paced dive. I think on this dive, we saw at least 5 seahorses!
We did our surface interval in French Harbour and dropped our divers on Newman's Wall. The boat crew and I headed back to the dock to get the boat ready for the afternoon dive.
Lunch for me was a BBQ pork sandwich and the freshest pineapple!
I headed back over to the docks and finished getting the boat loaded. We were heading for the Valley of the Kings. This is another great dive site with lots of hard and soft corals. Fish are abundant here too.
While we were cruising the top of the wall, we had a great oppertunity to swim with a 3' Hawksbill sea turtle! What a thrill! When the turtle came up from the bottom, a green moray decided he wanted in on the party, and came up and swam behind the turtle. A hawksbill and a free swimming moray at the same time, the divers did not know what to keep their eyes on!
The surface interval was in French Harbour again, with the dropoff on Coco View Wall. We took the boat in, and I got showered for the Tuesday night trip to Sundowners.
We had a great time, and I met some great Roatan people last night. The Roatan Marine Park people have some great things in the works.
We finished the night off with pizza and wings at the Pizza Inn.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday.....
Today was a great day. I arose feeling good and headed to get my cup of coffee. I then proceeeded to the boat to get it loaded up for the morning dive. All is well.
At breakfas and headed back to the boat. The morning dive was to Mary's place. This is one of my favorite dive sites. We dropped in and Mark led the dive. The entrance to the crack is in 75'. We entered the crack and swam through. At the other end, we made the left turn to finish with an overhead swim through. We then headed to the point and found a white seahorse. Working our way around the point we then headed back into the crack to see it from the opposite direction. It was almost like a different dive!
We went into French Harbour for our surface interval and dropped the divers off at Newmans Wall.
Back at the docks, we emptied the boat and headed in for lunch. Lunch today was grilled chicken with a jalapeno sauce and macaroni and cheese. Dessert was chocolate and peanut butter cookies. What a good lunch.
After lunch, I headed over to the dive shop. Patty said she needed a divemaster to assist her advanced open water class on navigation. I told her I would love to help. She needed me to set up the training site and monitor the students throughout the exercise. I went to 45' and set up a 100' tape so they could get their time and kick cycles for 100'. They got their distances, and we then moved onto compass navigation. The students first shot an azimuth and then did a reciprocal heading. The next was a 20 fin cycle square. The students did fairly well and were soon heading back to do their safety stop. I had to go and recover the tape and I got back to the buoy as they were leaving. I did my 3 min at 15', and headed back up the chain to join them.
Patty did an after action with them and did one with me as they headed to the lockers. The only thing I needed to correct was to be closer to the students as they were navigating. I was too far back on the first run but was where I needed to be on the second. Not too bad.... I learned something about supervising students today. Patty is a great teacher and is really helping with my growth as a divemaster. I know I will rely on her mentoring in the future.
Tomorrow will be another set of dives with my boat, and some more great experiences!
White Seahorse
Today was a great day. I arose feeling good and headed to get my cup of coffee. I then proceeeded to the boat to get it loaded up for the morning dive. All is well.
At breakfas and headed back to the boat. The morning dive was to Mary's place. This is one of my favorite dive sites. We dropped in and Mark led the dive. The entrance to the crack is in 75'. We entered the crack and swam through. At the other end, we made the left turn to finish with an overhead swim through. We then headed to the point and found a white seahorse. Working our way around the point we then headed back into the crack to see it from the opposite direction. It was almost like a different dive!
We went into French Harbour for our surface interval and dropped the divers off at Newmans Wall.
Back at the docks, we emptied the boat and headed in for lunch. Lunch today was grilled chicken with a jalapeno sauce and macaroni and cheese. Dessert was chocolate and peanut butter cookies. What a good lunch.
After lunch, I headed over to the dive shop. Patty said she needed a divemaster to assist her advanced open water class on navigation. I told her I would love to help. She needed me to set up the training site and monitor the students throughout the exercise. I went to 45' and set up a 100' tape so they could get their time and kick cycles for 100'. They got their distances, and we then moved onto compass navigation. The students first shot an azimuth and then did a reciprocal heading. The next was a 20 fin cycle square. The students did fairly well and were soon heading back to do their safety stop. I had to go and recover the tape and I got back to the buoy as they were leaving. I did my 3 min at 15', and headed back up the chain to join them.
Patty did an after action with them and did one with me as they headed to the lockers. The only thing I needed to correct was to be closer to the students as they were navigating. I was too far back on the first run but was where I needed to be on the second. Not too bad.... I learned something about supervising students today. Patty is a great teacher and is really helping with my growth as a divemaster. I know I will rely on her mentoring in the future.
Tomorrow will be another set of dives with my boat, and some more great experiences!
Brittlestar on Sponge
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday...
Another not so difficult day, other than still not being 100%.
I got up this morning and still feel sluggish. Patty said that it is not DCS. Good for me! She told me I just need to get a little hammock time. I told her I would see how I felt after breakfast.
I ate some french toast, and went to load the boat. Got the boat set up, and decided that I would go out, but not dive.
That was a mistake..... The seas were 4-5' and the boat was rocking. I helped get all of the divers into the water, and sat on deck. It was all I could do to not feed the fish my breakfast.
After the dive was done, we took the divers to the drop off and came back in. We unloaded the boat and had lunch.
I decided after lunch that I was going to take Patty's advise and do some hammock time. I went to the boat and loaded up and then looked for my hammock. I spent 3 hours listening to Jimmy Buffet and watching the growing waves. It was a great decision. I hope I feel great in the AM.
Dinner was roast pork and rice, with cake for dessert.
After dinner I went upstairs of the clubhouse and watched the Penguins game. I came back to the room and I am listening to the OT as I am typing this.....
Here's to a great day tomorrow....
Another not so difficult day, other than still not being 100%.
I got up this morning and still feel sluggish. Patty said that it is not DCS. Good for me! She told me I just need to get a little hammock time. I told her I would see how I felt after breakfast.
I ate some french toast, and went to load the boat. Got the boat set up, and decided that I would go out, but not dive.
That was a mistake..... The seas were 4-5' and the boat was rocking. I helped get all of the divers into the water, and sat on deck. It was all I could do to not feed the fish my breakfast.
After the dive was done, we took the divers to the drop off and came back in. We unloaded the boat and had lunch.
I decided after lunch that I was going to take Patty's advise and do some hammock time. I went to the boat and loaded up and then looked for my hammock. I spent 3 hours listening to Jimmy Buffet and watching the growing waves. It was a great decision. I hope I feel great in the AM.
Dinner was roast pork and rice, with cake for dessert.
After dinner I went upstairs of the clubhouse and watched the Penguins game. I came back to the room and I am listening to the OT as I am typing this.....
Here's to a great day tomorrow....
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Saturday
Today was a strange day. I awoke this morning and still didn't feel well. I went over to see Patty and had her check my blood pressure. 120/80 that's great! I told her how I was feeling, and she said that it sounds like I have DCS! She sent me to my room with an O2 bottle and told me to empty it. I was feeling a little better after 45 min of oxygen. I'm still feeling just OK. I guess I'll be out of the water for a few days.....
Greg and I had breakfast and had time to ourselves the rest of the morning.
At 11:30, Patty and I went out to lunch at Herby's at the Pineapple. We had a relaxing lunch and took the the time to chat. Patty is a great person! We had a good time. She took me over to Eldon's and I bought some candy bars for my flight home.
We got back around 1 and I went to work in the weight room. We got to meet all of the newly arriving guests and got them the weights they needed. This group seems to be another good one. :)
I ate a late dinner with a couple of guests from Georgia. We discussed the upcoming week of diving.
I'm coming in early tonight, getting the blog done early and getting much needed rest.
I'll update you all tomorrow.
Thank you all for reading the blog.
I love you, DawnAnn and Sarah. You are my world.
Today was a strange day. I awoke this morning and still didn't feel well. I went over to see Patty and had her check my blood pressure. 120/80 that's great! I told her how I was feeling, and she said that it sounds like I have DCS! She sent me to my room with an O2 bottle and told me to empty it. I was feeling a little better after 45 min of oxygen. I'm still feeling just OK. I guess I'll be out of the water for a few days.....
Greg and I had breakfast and had time to ourselves the rest of the morning.
At 11:30, Patty and I went out to lunch at Herby's at the Pineapple. We had a relaxing lunch and took the the time to chat. Patty is a great person! We had a good time. She took me over to Eldon's and I bought some candy bars for my flight home.
We got back around 1 and I went to work in the weight room. We got to meet all of the newly arriving guests and got them the weights they needed. This group seems to be another good one. :)
I ate a late dinner with a couple of guests from Georgia. We discussed the upcoming week of diving.
I'm coming in early tonight, getting the blog done early and getting much needed rest.
I'll update you all tomorrow.
Thank you all for reading the blog.
I love you, DawnAnn and Sarah. You are my world.
Friday....
Today was a weird day. Things are slow because everyone is getting ready to go home. We had 8 people go on the AM dive to Calvin's Crack. One of the customers want to use my Octomask, which has a GoPro mount built in, so we swapped masks. Also, another guest forgot her fins, and none of the spares fit her. My fins are very adjustable, so I lent her mine.
So, this leaves me with someone elses mask, and a set of breakaway fins to use. I entered the water and the mask strap broke. Not too bad.... but as I was dealing with it at 30', I did a frog kick, and the fins broke away! Now here I am with a broken mask strap, and fins that don't work! I decided to call my dive and get back on the boat. Normally, this would be no problem but, the seas were 3-4' and the rolling did not agree with me. After evacuating my stomach, I felt a little better.
The ride in wasn't too bad, and 4 people did the drop off dive coming back in. We docked, and got the boat all cleaned up. I had a quick lunch, and relaxed for a while.
Dinner was steak and lobster with key lime pie for dessert!
The entertainment was Brion James, and as usual, he put on a great show. I headed back to the room around 12, with a head full of Jack Daniels.....
Until tomorrow.....
Today was a weird day. Things are slow because everyone is getting ready to go home. We had 8 people go on the AM dive to Calvin's Crack. One of the customers want to use my Octomask, which has a GoPro mount built in, so we swapped masks. Also, another guest forgot her fins, and none of the spares fit her. My fins are very adjustable, so I lent her mine.
So, this leaves me with someone elses mask, and a set of breakaway fins to use. I entered the water and the mask strap broke. Not too bad.... but as I was dealing with it at 30', I did a frog kick, and the fins broke away! Now here I am with a broken mask strap, and fins that don't work! I decided to call my dive and get back on the boat. Normally, this would be no problem but, the seas were 3-4' and the rolling did not agree with me. After evacuating my stomach, I felt a little better.
The ride in wasn't too bad, and 4 people did the drop off dive coming back in. We docked, and got the boat all cleaned up. I had a quick lunch, and relaxed for a while.
Dinner was steak and lobster with key lime pie for dessert!
The entertainment was Brion James, and as usual, he put on a great show. I headed back to the room around 12, with a head full of Jack Daniels.....
Until tomorrow.....
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wow, it's Thursday again....
Today started out with wake up at 6. I got up and showered and realized I'm not feeling 100%. I'm still trying to figure out why. I'll have Patty check my BP in the AM.
Got the boat loaded up at 7, followed by a breakfast of french toast.
At 8:30 the boat pulled out for another great day of diving. I told Patty I would tough it out and go with the boat.
The seas were flat and the first site was Mary's Place. This is one of my favorite dive sites. The conditions were awesome. We met at the mooring line and descended over the side of the reef to the crack in the coral. Everyone lined up to start through. I was in the rear. For this dive, you swim through the crack to the other side, and then another crack starts off on the left to go back to the wall. It is kind of like a check mark. After everyone was through, we headed to the top of the wall to look at the abundant fish. This was a great dive. the sun was just right to light up the site, and the colors were spectacular.
We did our surface time by tossing bags filled with candy and toothbrushes and toothpaste to the local kids. It is sad to see the poverty that some of them live in. Every bag was accepted with a big smile and a wave.
Our next dive was to Valley of the Kings. This site consists of a wall covered with soft corals that has sand chutes swifty heading into the depths. We descended to the wall and swam along admiring all of the little critters along the way. We then headed back up to the top and spread out to see what we could find. We found seahorses, sand dollars, flamingo tongues,and decorator crabs. Another great dive!
We headed back to the dock at 12, and got the boat unloaded for lunch.
Instead of going to lunch in the clubhouse, I was asked if I wanted to go to Cal's Cantina, by Patty. Sure, let's go. A short boat ride to the landing, and we were headed East to Cal's
Cal's is a little eatery about 4 miles from Coco View. It sits atop a hill, offering one of the best views on the island. We sat down and had a cocktail and ordered an appetizer of spicy fried shrimp. This dish was delicious! We washed it down with another drink, and ordered the spicy fried lobster for lunch. I was surprised that this was even better than the shrimp! I think there were 4 split tails on the plate, with steamed veggies, and new potatoes. This was the best meal I have ever eaten on this island. Patty said we will return next week. Mmmmm, I can't wait.
The afternoon was spent trying to get myself feeling right, to no avail.
Dinner was fried snapper, ham, mashed potatoes, and apple pie ala mode for dessert. I didn't eat much, but did keep room for the pie.
I hope I feel better in the morning.....
Today started out with wake up at 6. I got up and showered and realized I'm not feeling 100%. I'm still trying to figure out why. I'll have Patty check my BP in the AM.
Got the boat loaded up at 7, followed by a breakfast of french toast.
At 8:30 the boat pulled out for another great day of diving. I told Patty I would tough it out and go with the boat.
The seas were flat and the first site was Mary's Place. This is one of my favorite dive sites. The conditions were awesome. We met at the mooring line and descended over the side of the reef to the crack in the coral. Everyone lined up to start through. I was in the rear. For this dive, you swim through the crack to the other side, and then another crack starts off on the left to go back to the wall. It is kind of like a check mark. After everyone was through, we headed to the top of the wall to look at the abundant fish. This was a great dive. the sun was just right to light up the site, and the colors were spectacular.
We did our surface time by tossing bags filled with candy and toothbrushes and toothpaste to the local kids. It is sad to see the poverty that some of them live in. Every bag was accepted with a big smile and a wave.
Our next dive was to Valley of the Kings. This site consists of a wall covered with soft corals that has sand chutes swifty heading into the depths. We descended to the wall and swam along admiring all of the little critters along the way. We then headed back up to the top and spread out to see what we could find. We found seahorses, sand dollars, flamingo tongues,and decorator crabs. Another great dive!
We headed back to the dock at 12, and got the boat unloaded for lunch.
Instead of going to lunch in the clubhouse, I was asked if I wanted to go to Cal's Cantina, by Patty. Sure, let's go. A short boat ride to the landing, and we were headed East to Cal's
Cal's is a little eatery about 4 miles from Coco View. It sits atop a hill, offering one of the best views on the island. We sat down and had a cocktail and ordered an appetizer of spicy fried shrimp. This dish was delicious! We washed it down with another drink, and ordered the spicy fried lobster for lunch. I was surprised that this was even better than the shrimp! I think there were 4 split tails on the plate, with steamed veggies, and new potatoes. This was the best meal I have ever eaten on this island. Patty said we will return next week. Mmmmm, I can't wait.
The afternoon was spent trying to get myself feeling right, to no avail.
Dinner was fried snapper, ham, mashed potatoes, and apple pie ala mode for dessert. I didn't eat much, but did keep room for the pie.
I hope I feel better in the morning.....
Humming Birds
Blue Tang
Wrasse
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
How about some pictures?
I have to give credit to Greg, Barry, and Rebecca. Without them I would have no pics to post. You see, as a divemaster, I have to keep an eye out for the customers, not take photos.
Don't Forget to read today's post too!
Thanks again!
I have to give credit to Greg, Barry, and Rebecca. Without them I would have no pics to post. You see, as a divemaster, I have to keep an eye out for the customers, not take photos.
Don't Forget to read today's post too!
Thanks again!
Pillar Coral
Decorator Crab
Squid
Flamingo Tongue
Octopus
Me pointing out a seahorse!
A close up of the seahorse
Wednesday......
Well it was a slow go for me this morning. I got up at six and had to do my blog for yesterday. I know it was a quick one, but I had to get it done. I am bent on getting a daily blog for you the reader, and for me to have everything documented.
At 7, I headed over to the boat and we worked on getting it ready for the morning dives. Breakfast followed and we were ready to go diving.
The first dive site today was Pond View Wall. We left out of the docks into an absolutely calm and beautiful sea. The boat ride was 18 min and we were soon diving into the water that looked like an aquarium. You could easily see the bottom at 35'. We are now seeing seahorses on every dive! Everyone is different, color, size, and even some pregnant males! We only had 8 divers on the morning dive, as most went to the shark dive.
The surface interval was spent on the glass like water at the mooring buoy. We had a nice boat ride to the drop off dive. We came into the docks and removed the empty tanks to have them filled.
Lunch was pork chops, squash salad, and lemon cookies. It sure hit the spot.
Our afternoon dive was to a new site called Tulios Reef. The coral was amazing. We saw five seahorses at this site along with a large school of permit. These are a sought after game fish. They look incredible in the water. Again we did our surface interval at the buoy. The drop off dive followed. We headed back to the dock to get the boat cleaned for the night.
Dinner was served at 6:30. Alfredo noodles, lasagna, salad, and tiramisu was the fare tonight. I ate my dinner and retired to my room to get the blog done and get to bed early.
Until tomorrow.....
Well it was a slow go for me this morning. I got up at six and had to do my blog for yesterday. I know it was a quick one, but I had to get it done. I am bent on getting a daily blog for you the reader, and for me to have everything documented.
At 7, I headed over to the boat and we worked on getting it ready for the morning dives. Breakfast followed and we were ready to go diving.
The first dive site today was Pond View Wall. We left out of the docks into an absolutely calm and beautiful sea. The boat ride was 18 min and we were soon diving into the water that looked like an aquarium. You could easily see the bottom at 35'. We are now seeing seahorses on every dive! Everyone is different, color, size, and even some pregnant males! We only had 8 divers on the morning dive, as most went to the shark dive.
The surface interval was spent on the glass like water at the mooring buoy. We had a nice boat ride to the drop off dive. We came into the docks and removed the empty tanks to have them filled.
Lunch was pork chops, squash salad, and lemon cookies. It sure hit the spot.
Our afternoon dive was to a new site called Tulios Reef. The coral was amazing. We saw five seahorses at this site along with a large school of permit. These are a sought after game fish. They look incredible in the water. Again we did our surface interval at the buoy. The drop off dive followed. We headed back to the dock to get the boat cleaned for the night.
Dinner was served at 6:30. Alfredo noodles, lasagna, salad, and tiramisu was the fare tonight. I ate my dinner and retired to my room to get the blog done and get to bed early.
Until tomorrow.....
Tuesday....
I know, It's Wednesday morning. I didn't have time before I left for the West end to do my blog, and was in no shape to do it when I got back.
So here it is....
Got up at 6 and got ready for the day. When we putted up to the bouy, I was the one to tie the boat up to it. I got it on the first try! The first dive was to First Bight Wall. The site was covered in soft corals and we dropped off of the wall to see more seahorses! Nice slow dive. the waters were very calm and the boat ride was great. After the surface interval, we headed to the drop off dive. We got all of the divers into the water and headed to the dock to get the boat off loaded for lunch.
Lunch was fried fish, BBQ beef, and brownies. Delicious!
After lunch, I headed back to the boat to get everything loaded for the afternoon dive to Ankas. The next dive was beautiful, but uneventful. This site is one that was effected by the earthquake a few years ago. The top of the reef had broken off, and had fallen to the depths below. It really makes you see how SLOW coral really grow. Other than a few sea fans, the reef looks like it just broke off yesterday.
We did our surface interval and headed to Cocoview wall for the drop off dive. We took the boat back to the dock, and got it broke down for the night.
I had 1/2 hr to get cleaned up for the trip to West End.
At 4:30 we headed to the landing to meet our driver. Mitch, Deb, Tim, Barb, Mike, and I headed off.
The first stop was Sundowners. Great view on the water, and cheap drinks. I had WAY TOO MANY JD's and we decided to stroll down the street to a place to eat. Nothing was found to our liking. We ended up stopping at a Pizza Inn for dinner. I know, drunk food....you would be right.
The ending of the night was kind of an AH HA moment for me. As we left the landing, I saw the Southern Cross for the first time! CSNY I get it.....
Pics, later today!
I know, It's Wednesday morning. I didn't have time before I left for the West end to do my blog, and was in no shape to do it when I got back.
So here it is....
Got up at 6 and got ready for the day. When we putted up to the bouy, I was the one to tie the boat up to it. I got it on the first try! The first dive was to First Bight Wall. The site was covered in soft corals and we dropped off of the wall to see more seahorses! Nice slow dive. the waters were very calm and the boat ride was great. After the surface interval, we headed to the drop off dive. We got all of the divers into the water and headed to the dock to get the boat off loaded for lunch.
Lunch was fried fish, BBQ beef, and brownies. Delicious!
After lunch, I headed back to the boat to get everything loaded for the afternoon dive to Ankas. The next dive was beautiful, but uneventful. This site is one that was effected by the earthquake a few years ago. The top of the reef had broken off, and had fallen to the depths below. It really makes you see how SLOW coral really grow. Other than a few sea fans, the reef looks like it just broke off yesterday.
We did our surface interval and headed to Cocoview wall for the drop off dive. We took the boat back to the dock, and got it broke down for the night.
I had 1/2 hr to get cleaned up for the trip to West End.
At 4:30 we headed to the landing to meet our driver. Mitch, Deb, Tim, Barb, Mike, and I headed off.
The first stop was Sundowners. Great view on the water, and cheap drinks. I had WAY TOO MANY JD's and we decided to stroll down the street to a place to eat. Nothing was found to our liking. We ended up stopping at a Pizza Inn for dinner. I know, drunk food....you would be right.
The ending of the night was kind of an AH HA moment for me. As we left the landing, I saw the Southern Cross for the first time! CSNY I get it.....
Pics, later today!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Monday..... A great day of diving!
This morning I got up and had my morning coffee and went to the boat to get it loaded up for the morning dives. We got all of the gear loaded, tanks cleaned, and lockers swept. It was then, I headed off for my breakfast of cereal.
The boat went out and the seas were still rough. While we headed to our first site, we ran into a pod of dolphins! The boat stopped and we watched them frolic all around us. There were probably 15-18 of them.
I was getting a little queasy when the captain said, "change of plans". We stopped and moored at a different site. It was Carib Wall. We dropped in and rounded up all of the divers and headed over the edge of the wall. This is a SLOW dive, as there are many critters to see. In the first ten minutes, we were treated to the sight of a beautiful white seahorse! We continued on the wall and saw three more!
While working the wall, we heard some clicks and squeaks The dolphins were coming towards us! We looked out towards the open ocean and they swam right by us! It was awesome! Words are hard to describe it!
Working the wall further we ran into, no less than, four free-swimming green moray eels. Could this day get any better? How about turtles?
The rest of the dive was pale in comparison but it was still good. Uneventful, but good. We did our surface interval at Parrot Bay and then headed towards the drop off. After splashing all of the divers, we went back to the dock to get ready for lunch.
After lunch we went to Iron Shore. This was a nice dive sight with lots of soft corals. The view was great. We rounded up the divers and headed back in to get the boat cleaned and ready for the PM.
was just about to go get a JD rocks, when Patty asked if I would watch the shop for a little while. I obliged and work for a 1/2 hour and then locked up. Another thing Patty asked of me was to take her advanced open water student out for his night dive. Well, there goes my thoughts of JD!
I said sure.....and she said she wanted to have us meet at 7:00. Kyle, the student, met me in the lockers at 7 and we got geared up. I was the first one in so I took the strobe and the #1 key into the water. Kyle had to do a little compass wook before we could enjoy the dive. After his required work I led him around for his first night dive.
We went over to the first coral head and what do you know, an octopus!
We watched him for a few minutes and moved slowly down Cocoview wall. A little farther down the wall, we see about four lobsters. There were all kinds of critters out. At one point, I turned out my light to admire all of the bio-luminescence. It looked like a field of fireflies!
We worked our way down the wall, and decided it was time to turn around. On the way back, we found two Flamingo Tongues. A short time later, more lobsters. While we were working back towards the 15' buoy, we spotted a Sea Wasp with a fish in it! It was way cool.
It was time to start back to the platform. We picked up our tags and headed back up the chain. About 50' up the chain, I spot another octopus and Kyle and I spend another ten minutes watching him. Farther up the chain, I found another lobster. This guy was huge!
Finally, back at the platform. While we were walking to shore, we found a THIRD octopus! We followed him around for another ten minutes. Alas, it was time to get out of the water.
As we walked back to the locker room, Kyle remarked that this was definitely a memorable dive. I told him it would cost him a drink, however it would have to be tomorrow as I had to get back and do my blog.
A great day to be diving!
This morning I got up and had my morning coffee and went to the boat to get it loaded up for the morning dives. We got all of the gear loaded, tanks cleaned, and lockers swept. It was then, I headed off for my breakfast of cereal.
The boat went out and the seas were still rough. While we headed to our first site, we ran into a pod of dolphins! The boat stopped and we watched them frolic all around us. There were probably 15-18 of them.
I was getting a little queasy when the captain said, "change of plans". We stopped and moored at a different site. It was Carib Wall. We dropped in and rounded up all of the divers and headed over the edge of the wall. This is a SLOW dive, as there are many critters to see. In the first ten minutes, we were treated to the sight of a beautiful white seahorse! We continued on the wall and saw three more!
White Sera Horse
Divemaster Ray pointing out Seahorse
Divemaster Ray, Again!
While working the wall, we heard some clicks and squeaks The dolphins were coming towards us! We looked out towards the open ocean and they swam right by us! It was awesome! Words are hard to describe it!
Working the wall further we ran into, no less than, four free-swimming green moray eels. Could this day get any better? How about turtles?
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The rest of the dive was pale in comparison but it was still good. Uneventful, but good. We did our surface interval at Parrot Bay and then headed towards the drop off. After splashing all of the divers, we went back to the dock to get ready for lunch.
After lunch we went to Iron Shore. This was a nice dive sight with lots of soft corals. The view was great. We rounded up the divers and headed back in to get the boat cleaned and ready for the PM.
was just about to go get a JD rocks, when Patty asked if I would watch the shop for a little while. I obliged and work for a 1/2 hour and then locked up. Another thing Patty asked of me was to take her advanced open water student out for his night dive. Well, there goes my thoughts of JD!
I said sure.....and she said she wanted to have us meet at 7:00. Kyle, the student, met me in the lockers at 7 and we got geared up. I was the first one in so I took the strobe and the #1 key into the water. Kyle had to do a little compass wook before we could enjoy the dive. After his required work I led him around for his first night dive.
We went over to the first coral head and what do you know, an octopus!
Octopus!
We watched him for a few minutes and moved slowly down Cocoview wall. A little farther down the wall, we see about four lobsters. There were all kinds of critters out. At one point, I turned out my light to admire all of the bio-luminescence. It looked like a field of fireflies!
We worked our way down the wall, and decided it was time to turn around. On the way back, we found two Flamingo Tongues. A short time later, more lobsters. While we were working back towards the 15' buoy, we spotted a Sea Wasp with a fish in it! It was way cool.
It was time to start back to the platform. We picked up our tags and headed back up the chain. About 50' up the chain, I spot another octopus and Kyle and I spend another ten minutes watching him. Farther up the chain, I found another lobster. This guy was huge!
Finally, back at the platform. While we were walking to shore, we found a THIRD octopus! We followed him around for another ten minutes. Alas, it was time to get out of the water.
Cool Octopus
As we walked back to the locker room, Kyle remarked that this was definitely a memorable dive. I told him it would cost him a drink, however it would have to be tomorrow as I had to get back and do my blog.
A great day to be diving!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sunday...
The start of another week. We started today out with our first orientation dive in the front yard. I paired with Patty and had seven new guests to show the front yard. I gave them the briefing of the dive plan. I had everyone gear up and meet me at the platform. There, I checked them all to make sure that they were adequately weighted. We then headed down the chain to the 15' safety stop buoy. The group went through the mask clear and regulator recovery drill before we swam to the Prince Albert. Once atop the wreck, we headed over to the green buoy that leads you back to the ship. I showed everyone that it has a slate that tells them the compass heading to get back to the Prince Albert. After the green buoy, I took them over and showed them the end of Newman's Wall. I explained to them that after the dropoff, you need to keep the wall on your left as you head back to Cocoview.
At this point, I did a pressure check with the divers, and they were all in good shape. We then headed back to the shipwreck and used it as a reference to make our way over to Cocview Wall. I then showed the divers that when you do the dropoff dive on Cocoview Wall, you keep the wall on your right site for the trip in. I did another pressure check and everyone was still good.
I turned the group back towards the 15' buoy and did a slow swim back. We did our three min safety stop and headed back up the chain to the platform. I reminded the divers that the sand chute they saw on Cocview wall was NOT the way back. They need to continue back until they see the safety bouy.
One more thing I had to remind them of was the proper procedure for going out on the night dive. Everyone was happy with the orientation. As we were walking back to the shore, Patty asked the group if they thought it was a good tour, and should she give me a passing grade. Thankfully, this group gave me the thumbs up.
Patty and I did an after action review and the things she found fault with were fairly small.
One was that she thought I went too fast. This suprised me, as everytime I turned around to look at the group, they were hot on my fins.
Two was that she saw me finning while I was stationary in the water. I did not realize I was doing it. She is a stickler for neutral bouyancy.
Three was that she thought that my oral briefing was too long. Guilty. I find that it is much easier to communicate through air than water. Maybe it's just me...
After the orientation dive, we headed to lunch. Today was fajitas and tortilla soup. Chocolate chip cookies were our dessert.
At 1:00 I headed back to the boat and helped get it ready for the afternoon dive. We had our dive briefing with Kirk and left for Chimneys. This site is normally 5 min away, but with the ocean as rough as it was, it took us 15-20! I could not wait to get off of this boat! The rocking and rolling was getting me queasy! I jumped in and the surge was not making my stomach any better. We made our way over to the edge of the wall and descended 20' and things got much better. We followed the wall over to the chimneys and everyone took turns looking up through them. We followed the wall for another 200' and then turned around to head back.
As we headed back, we ascended to 25' and stayed off of the wall to keep us from getting jostled by the surge. When we came back to the point where we broke over the wall, we headed back into shallower water. Again the surge was moving us back and forth. I waited until those who wanted back on the boat had climbed the ladder, and took my turn. It still sucked on the boat. I stared at the horizon while the guy next to me hurled over this side. Oh no, this wasn't looking good..... I managed to keep my lunch, but was contemplating walking back. We did a 30 min surface interval, and then headed to Cocoview Wall for a drop off. I passed. I wanted off of that boat and dry land! We got back and I helped unload the boat and get it cleaned up. I got done around 4:30.
I stopped off at the bar to pick up a rocks glass for tonight. Once back at the room I fixed a nice Gentleman Jack.....on the rocks. While enjoying the JD, I had to make sure I called the two most important mothers in my life, mine and the mother of my 7 YO daughter. They were both happy to hear from me. Two more drinks, and I almost passed on dinner.
Dinner was roast pork leg, rice, gravy, and chocolate cake for dessert. As usual, it was great.
While at dinner I chatted with Mitch, Harold, Greg, and Deb. It is always great to laugh at the evening meal.
I found out that Mitch loves whole milk with Oreos. I love it with Chips Ahoys. I told him if he would make the milk ICE cold, I would treat the next time I got to Eldon's. I hope it happens soon....
Happy Mothers Day to all Moms!
Pics will be tomorrow, I promise!
The start of another week. We started today out with our first orientation dive in the front yard. I paired with Patty and had seven new guests to show the front yard. I gave them the briefing of the dive plan. I had everyone gear up and meet me at the platform. There, I checked them all to make sure that they were adequately weighted. We then headed down the chain to the 15' safety stop buoy. The group went through the mask clear and regulator recovery drill before we swam to the Prince Albert. Once atop the wreck, we headed over to the green buoy that leads you back to the ship. I showed everyone that it has a slate that tells them the compass heading to get back to the Prince Albert. After the green buoy, I took them over and showed them the end of Newman's Wall. I explained to them that after the dropoff, you need to keep the wall on your left as you head back to Cocoview.
At this point, I did a pressure check with the divers, and they were all in good shape. We then headed back to the shipwreck and used it as a reference to make our way over to Cocview Wall. I then showed the divers that when you do the dropoff dive on Cocoview Wall, you keep the wall on your right site for the trip in. I did another pressure check and everyone was still good.
I turned the group back towards the 15' buoy and did a slow swim back. We did our three min safety stop and headed back up the chain to the platform. I reminded the divers that the sand chute they saw on Cocview wall was NOT the way back. They need to continue back until they see the safety bouy.
One more thing I had to remind them of was the proper procedure for going out on the night dive. Everyone was happy with the orientation. As we were walking back to the shore, Patty asked the group if they thought it was a good tour, and should she give me a passing grade. Thankfully, this group gave me the thumbs up.
Patty and I did an after action review and the things she found fault with were fairly small.
One was that she thought I went too fast. This suprised me, as everytime I turned around to look at the group, they were hot on my fins.
Two was that she saw me finning while I was stationary in the water. I did not realize I was doing it. She is a stickler for neutral bouyancy.
Three was that she thought that my oral briefing was too long. Guilty. I find that it is much easier to communicate through air than water. Maybe it's just me...
After the orientation dive, we headed to lunch. Today was fajitas and tortilla soup. Chocolate chip cookies were our dessert.
At 1:00 I headed back to the boat and helped get it ready for the afternoon dive. We had our dive briefing with Kirk and left for Chimneys. This site is normally 5 min away, but with the ocean as rough as it was, it took us 15-20! I could not wait to get off of this boat! The rocking and rolling was getting me queasy! I jumped in and the surge was not making my stomach any better. We made our way over to the edge of the wall and descended 20' and things got much better. We followed the wall over to the chimneys and everyone took turns looking up through them. We followed the wall for another 200' and then turned around to head back.
As we headed back, we ascended to 25' and stayed off of the wall to keep us from getting jostled by the surge. When we came back to the point where we broke over the wall, we headed back into shallower water. Again the surge was moving us back and forth. I waited until those who wanted back on the boat had climbed the ladder, and took my turn. It still sucked on the boat. I stared at the horizon while the guy next to me hurled over this side. Oh no, this wasn't looking good..... I managed to keep my lunch, but was contemplating walking back. We did a 30 min surface interval, and then headed to Cocoview Wall for a drop off. I passed. I wanted off of that boat and dry land! We got back and I helped unload the boat and get it cleaned up. I got done around 4:30.
I stopped off at the bar to pick up a rocks glass for tonight. Once back at the room I fixed a nice Gentleman Jack.....on the rocks. While enjoying the JD, I had to make sure I called the two most important mothers in my life, mine and the mother of my 7 YO daughter. They were both happy to hear from me. Two more drinks, and I almost passed on dinner.
Dinner was roast pork leg, rice, gravy, and chocolate cake for dessert. As usual, it was great.
While at dinner I chatted with Mitch, Harold, Greg, and Deb. It is always great to laugh at the evening meal.
I found out that Mitch loves whole milk with Oreos. I love it with Chips Ahoys. I told him if he would make the milk ICE cold, I would treat the next time I got to Eldon's. I hope it happens soon....
Happy Mothers Day to all Moms!
Pics will be tomorrow, I promise!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Saturday
We get to sleep in this morning. It's a good thing, we were partying late with Brion James and band. We had a great time. Brion was trying to close his second set, and I started the "one more song" chant, so he played two more. After some Jim Beam, he decided to plug the guitar back in to figure out a song in his head. He worked on it for a while and was going to quit. As he was putting the guitar back in its case, I started, in my best squeaky voice, "Please don't put me back! It's dark in there! I want you to play me some more". This had everyone laughing. Even Brion thought it funny and kept his guitar out for three more songs. This guy rocks!
So after the concert last night, and 5 JD rocks, I needed to sleep in. Seven am was "sleeping in".
I went over to have breakfast. French toast and coffee for me. We ate with Patty and she told us that we were leaving at 11:30 for lunch at Herbie's. When we got to the launch to head over to the landing, I found out that Mitch and Deb were joining us. We had a good lunch and a lot of laughs.
After lunch, Greg decided to get his hair cut. We went to the salon and Patty spoke to the stylist. She was this tiny, pretty, island girl, who spoke no English. Patty went over and explained the cut he wanted. There was lots of giggling going on. Picture a 4'8" girl, wearing 8" FMP's trying to balance, and cut hair. She tried real hard to get Greg's attention while she was cutting, but Greg was having none of it! When she was just about finished, she asked Patty, in Spanish, if we were "Available". She needed a boyfriend! The shop was filled with giggles, as the clientele knew we couldn't speak the language. Patty told her that I was married, and Greg was in a committed relationship. Well, she tried.....
We then left and went over to Eldon's--The island's biggest grocery store. We picked up a few things and headed back to Cocoview.
This afternoon was spent greeting the new guests and getting them set up with weights. We spent some time with the guests that had never been here before, explaining how things worked here. Everyone is so happy to be here that it is a pleasure helping them.
I worked until 4:30 and then went and Skyped with my wife and daughter. They were having a neighborhood party at our place so I got to say hello to everyone. I sure miss them.....I can't wait to give them BIG hugs and kisses!
I went over to the clubhouse at 5 and got the Penguins game on the satellite dish. It was a great game, with the Pens heading to round 2 of the playoffs.
Tomorrow will be a busy day. Orientation dives, drop offs, and getting to meet all of the people assigned to our boat. It should be fun!
Wish me luck!
Baby Sea Horse
We get to sleep in this morning. It's a good thing, we were partying late with Brion James and band. We had a great time. Brion was trying to close his second set, and I started the "one more song" chant, so he played two more. After some Jim Beam, he decided to plug the guitar back in to figure out a song in his head. He worked on it for a while and was going to quit. As he was putting the guitar back in its case, I started, in my best squeaky voice, "Please don't put me back! It's dark in there! I want you to play me some more". This had everyone laughing. Even Brion thought it funny and kept his guitar out for three more songs. This guy rocks!
So after the concert last night, and 5 JD rocks, I needed to sleep in. Seven am was "sleeping in".
I went over to have breakfast. French toast and coffee for me. We ate with Patty and she told us that we were leaving at 11:30 for lunch at Herbie's. When we got to the launch to head over to the landing, I found out that Mitch and Deb were joining us. We had a good lunch and a lot of laughs.
After lunch, Greg decided to get his hair cut. We went to the salon and Patty spoke to the stylist. She was this tiny, pretty, island girl, who spoke no English. Patty went over and explained the cut he wanted. There was lots of giggling going on. Picture a 4'8" girl, wearing 8" FMP's trying to balance, and cut hair. She tried real hard to get Greg's attention while she was cutting, but Greg was having none of it! When she was just about finished, she asked Patty, in Spanish, if we were "Available". She needed a boyfriend! The shop was filled with giggles, as the clientele knew we couldn't speak the language. Patty told her that I was married, and Greg was in a committed relationship. Well, she tried.....
We then left and went over to Eldon's--The island's biggest grocery store. We picked up a few things and headed back to Cocoview.
This afternoon was spent greeting the new guests and getting them set up with weights. We spent some time with the guests that had never been here before, explaining how things worked here. Everyone is so happy to be here that it is a pleasure helping them.
I worked until 4:30 and then went and Skyped with my wife and daughter. They were having a neighborhood party at our place so I got to say hello to everyone. I sure miss them.....I can't wait to give them BIG hugs and kisses!
I went over to the clubhouse at 5 and got the Penguins game on the satellite dish. It was a great game, with the Pens heading to round 2 of the playoffs.
Tomorrow will be a busy day. Orientation dives, drop offs, and getting to meet all of the people assigned to our boat. It should be fun!
Wish me luck!
Barracuda!
Trunkfish
Friday, May 10, 2013
Friday, Week 2
Today has been a slow day in comparison with the last two weeks. We got up this morning and were assigned our boats for the next week. I will be on the Red boat with Mark and Kirk.
To get things started, they had me go out on this morning's dive. We took the 20 min ride and dove Calvin Crack. This is a huge crack in the reef that starts at 30' and goes down to around 90'. The top of the reef is covered in soft corals and is one of the guest's favorites here at Cocoview. We moored up at the site and got "into the Pool". Conditions were great. As a divemaster intern, I hung out in the back and made sure anyone's problems were taken care of. This was a well seasoned bunch, so it was an uneventful dive. I did a 65 min dive. NICE.
Our surface interval was the ride for those who chose to do the drop off dive on Cocoview Wall.
I chose to ride the boat back in and help get the boat cleaned up. I then went in to work the weight room. It is not what you think... It is the room where you get your dive weights.
We went to lunch around 12. Today it was fried chicken, tuna sandwich, macaroni salad, and tres leches! After lunch we finished up with weight return and I decided to come to the room to do today's blog.
Tonight we have Brion James coming to Cocoview. We stay after the show and have a few drinks with the band, so I figured it would be better to get the blog done early.
Here are some pics for all of you watching at home....
Today has been a slow day in comparison with the last two weeks. We got up this morning and were assigned our boats for the next week. I will be on the Red boat with Mark and Kirk.
To get things started, they had me go out on this morning's dive. We took the 20 min ride and dove Calvin Crack. This is a huge crack in the reef that starts at 30' and goes down to around 90'. The top of the reef is covered in soft corals and is one of the guest's favorites here at Cocoview. We moored up at the site and got "into the Pool". Conditions were great. As a divemaster intern, I hung out in the back and made sure anyone's problems were taken care of. This was a well seasoned bunch, so it was an uneventful dive. I did a 65 min dive. NICE.
Our surface interval was the ride for those who chose to do the drop off dive on Cocoview Wall.
I chose to ride the boat back in and help get the boat cleaned up. I then went in to work the weight room. It is not what you think... It is the room where you get your dive weights.
We went to lunch around 12. Today it was fried chicken, tuna sandwich, macaroni salad, and tres leches! After lunch we finished up with weight return and I decided to come to the room to do today's blog.
Tonight we have Brion James coming to Cocoview. We stay after the show and have a few drinks with the band, so I figured it would be better to get the blog done early.
Here are some pics for all of you watching at home....
Brain Coral
Pillar Coral
Elkhorn Coral
Arrow Crab
Thursday, May 9, 2013
It is Thursday!
Christmas Tree Worms
Started out the morning the usual way...Coffee and an omelette. What a way to get it going.
Went over to the dive shop to get the marching orders for the day. Alejandra tells us that we have a discover scuba diving student. Wow, a live one! As we wait for her to get all of her paperwork filled out, she answers yes to a couple of medical questions. This required further investigation with the nurse. It was determined that she needs to get a doctor's signature for her to take the class. As Patty puts it..."Change of Plans".
Alejandra changes things up and we are now headed for our deep dive this morning. We plan our dive for 100' and we were to remain there until our computers went into deco. Well, we went to 106' and did a few pressure related experiments. We brought with us a can of soda, an empty water bottle with cap on, a yogurt, and two raw eggs. The first up was the yogurt. It imploded somewhere around 90'. The empty water bottle was completely crushed. The can of soda was intact, but when we opened it there, was no fizz or pressure release. The CO2 was completely in saturation. The last one was the eggs. They were completely intact. We tried to break them by squeezing them, and they had to be broken on a rock. The whites and yolks floated like jellyfish.
Our computers started to beep and warn us of impending deco, so instead of listening to them beep, we headed up for our first safety stop. We hung for a while there and moved up a little higher. Soon we were at our final 15' stop and waited the last 5 min there before heading back up to the platform.
I was hoping to experience narcosis, to know what the effects are. Not this time. Maybe I'll go deeper next time....
We headed back to the lockers to get cleaned up for lunch. Today was shrimp stir fry with fresh cantaloupe. Great lunch!
After lunch we did a discover scuba simulation. We each took turns being the divemaster with "student" that were having difficulties. Alejandra started us out. We played the "out there" students to the point of hilarity! Thank God that you can laugh through a regulator. She was almost in tears from our antics. We all took turns correcting problems, and then headed out for the dive. Now we got to play the same student, only on a dive rather then in confined water! The comedy lasted for 10 min for each of us. Another requirement met!
After we got back from our dive we went to the office to find out what was going on for tomorrow. Alejandra told us that we will be assigned to a dive boat, and that we will begin the internship in the morning. The hours are roughly the same as class. 7-4:30. Only now we will be assisting customers, loading and unloading the boat every day.
A new chapter begins.....
Female Basilisk
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Flamingo Tongue
Wednesday.....another dive filled day.
Started the morning the usual, Coffee and breakfast.
Went to the diveshop and was briefed on today's activities. First up, a boat dive with the open water students. We boarded the boat and headed out to the dive site. We practiced skills in a sand chute for about 15 min, and then took the students to finish their last required dive. The soft coral at this site was beautiful! Too bad we had to watch the students. Oh well, we'll get two more weeks to dive the site again.
After the dive, we headed to the surface to practice "tired diver tow". The students did a good job. We went over to the harbor at Parrot Bay for our surface interval. The condos there are gorgeous! Too bad they START @ $450K!
After the break, the boat headed over to the drop off dive on Newmans wall. This was the students' first solo open water dive. We, as divemaster interns, were tasked with following along. I think we set a new record for the fastest drop off dive. They swam the whole wall in about 15 min. Add a 3 min safety stop, and the swim up to the platform, and it was a total of 25 min! It was a shame, because Newman's Wall is a great reef wall to dive. We congratulated them for their first dive and headed off to get cleaned up for lunch.
Today's lunch was cheeseburgers, french fries, watermelon, and lemon squares for dessert.
A tiny Nudibranch
Me taking picture of above Nudibranch.
After lunch, we meet Alejandra for our afternoon tasks. She informed us that we were going out to the safety stop buoy to get our final assessment on our skills. We described putting together our BCD's and regulators, and headed for the water. We did drills on mask removal, out of air emergencies, and gear removal and replacement. Alejandra gave us the all good, and we finished our tanks off with a dive at the Prince Albert.
We came in a little later, and Alejandra said that we did a great job with our skills. We then headed to the lockers and got our gear cleaned up for tomorrow. Cerveza Time!
The resort has a happy hour band come in on Wednesday. Chloe, the barmaid, made us some jalapeno popcorn. Dinner tonight was lasagna, alfredo noodles, steamed shrimp, garlic bread, and tiramisu for dessert. I have to slow down or I might gain weight....
I spent a couple of hours chatting with guests about diving. The greatest thing about this resort is that everyone is very friendly! (Except for grumpy)
I will catch up with you all tomorrow. Please post up some comments....Let me know that someone is actually reading this.
Baby lobsters.
Tuesday:
I started the morning with coffee and cereal. I'm starting to get over the Honduran revenge. Food here is great, but I needed something different.
At 8:30 we met up in the locker room with Alejandra and the open water students to discuss today's training. We then geared up and headed into the water. We swam out to the 15' buoy and practiced emergency ascents, gear removal and buoyancy. Of all of the skills, buoyancy is one of the most difficult to master. The student that I was paired with is having a difficult time..... Up and down....up and down....etc.
After the skills, we took them around Cocoview wall for a little sight seeing. It was great to see the look of awe on a new divers face! Now they can start to enjoy diving. Soon there was a signal of 1/2 air remaining, so we started back to the safety stop buoy for our 3 min safety. Soon we were headed back up the path to the platform.
We went back to the lockers and got full tanks and did about 30 min surface interval. Then it was back to the water for the second dive. We practiced tired diver tows and did some buddy breathing. Then it was a trip to see the Price Albert. This is a 140' wreck, not far from the training site. We did a leisurely lap around the ship and returned to the safety stop. 3 min., and we were headed to the platform.
We headed to our lockers quickly, as lunch was already 1/2 over. A quick bit to eat, and then I headed back to the room for a quick power nap. Why you ask? Because tonight we were invited to go to the west end of the island for dinner and drinks with Mitch, Debbie, Tim and Barb.
We started out having boat troubles, as Mitch's boat wouldn't keep an idle. We quickly change boats, and headed to the landing. Our driver was there waiting to take us to our first stop, Sundowners. We had a few cocktails and ordered dinner. We all had the bacon blu burger. Big and delicious! The sunset at this place was incredible! It truly made me miss my wife, as she would have loved to see it. The bar is right on the beach at Half Moon Bay. While we were eating, the guys came around with bootleg DVD's. All first run movies!
After dinner, we headed off to our next stop, Tranquil Seas Eco Lodge. Our island favorite was playing there, Brion James.
Another round of drinks and a set of music. We BSed with Brian after his set and then it was off to head home.
I got back to my room around 10:00, and slipped into a deep alcohol induced sleep.
I started the morning with coffee and cereal. I'm starting to get over the Honduran revenge. Food here is great, but I needed something different.
At 8:30 we met up in the locker room with Alejandra and the open water students to discuss today's training. We then geared up and headed into the water. We swam out to the 15' buoy and practiced emergency ascents, gear removal and buoyancy. Of all of the skills, buoyancy is one of the most difficult to master. The student that I was paired with is having a difficult time..... Up and down....up and down....etc.
After the skills, we took them around Cocoview wall for a little sight seeing. It was great to see the look of awe on a new divers face! Now they can start to enjoy diving. Soon there was a signal of 1/2 air remaining, so we started back to the safety stop buoy for our 3 min safety. Soon we were headed back up the path to the platform.
We went back to the lockers and got full tanks and did about 30 min surface interval. Then it was back to the water for the second dive. We practiced tired diver tows and did some buddy breathing. Then it was a trip to see the Price Albert. This is a 140' wreck, not far from the training site. We did a leisurely lap around the ship and returned to the safety stop. 3 min., and we were headed to the platform.
We headed to our lockers quickly, as lunch was already 1/2 over. A quick bit to eat, and then I headed back to the room for a quick power nap. Why you ask? Because tonight we were invited to go to the west end of the island for dinner and drinks with Mitch, Debbie, Tim and Barb.
We started out having boat troubles, as Mitch's boat wouldn't keep an idle. We quickly change boats, and headed to the landing. Our driver was there waiting to take us to our first stop, Sundowners. We had a few cocktails and ordered dinner. We all had the bacon blu burger. Big and delicious! The sunset at this place was incredible! It truly made me miss my wife, as she would have loved to see it. The bar is right on the beach at Half Moon Bay. While we were eating, the guys came around with bootleg DVD's. All first run movies!
Sunset at West End
After dinner, we headed off to our next stop, Tranquil Seas Eco Lodge. Our island favorite was playing there, Brion James.
Another round of drinks and a set of music. We BSed with Brian after his set and then it was off to head home.
I got back to my room around 10:00, and slipped into a deep alcohol induced sleep.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Monday:
Today was a slow day. Not because of training, but because of my bout with Honduran Revenge. Little sleep last night, slowed me this morning. I went for breakfast and coffee around 7:30. I figured I better have some shredded wheat today.
I headed over to the dive shop around 8:30 to help the students get their gear together. I must have done a decent job teaching them, as Alejandra was happy with them putting their BCD's together. I declined the request to accompany them into the water for training. Alejandra understood....
After they headed into the water, I headed to see the nurse. She and I discussed my problem and she gave me some advice and some antibiotics! I took the first dose and went back to my room to try and recover some of the sleep I had lost.
I got back up around 11:00 and headed over to see if the students needed any help with their gear after the morning dive. I watched them as they disassembled the gear and got everything rinsed for lunch.
Lunch today for me was an egg salad sandwich and some mac and cheese. Peanut butter cookies were for dessert. It tasted wonderful.
After lunch I headed back over to find out what was on the agenda for the afternoon. Alejandra told me that they were headed back out for more skills training. She asked if I was going, and I told her I was. We went out to the front yard into 6' of water and gave the students some new skills to master. Things went well at 6' so we moved out to the 15' saftey stop buoy for some buoyancy drills. For a new diver this is any exercise in
frustration. They did as well as could be expected. I think after we have them try a few more times, they will get the hang of it.
Once we finished with buoyancy, we took a small tour around some of the coral heads. We then headed back up the chain to the platform. One of the students needed extra help with the removal and replacement of her mask. Alejandra asked if I would work with her. We spent about a half hour and she was getting pretty good in that short of time.
I went back to the lockers and got my gear put up before dinner. I stopped by the bar for an ice cold Coke, and went out to the end of the boardwalk and found an empty hammock. It was bliss. I just wish my wife was there to sit beside me. Oh well....
Dinner was steak, potatoes, peas, and fried shrimp. Dessert was coconut pie....Mmmm!
I am writing early tonight so I can get some needed sleep tonight. I need to get some photos that have been promised to me from others.....Soon.
Please sign up for Google and leave some comments. I want to hear from YOU!
Today was a slow day. Not because of training, but because of my bout with Honduran Revenge. Little sleep last night, slowed me this morning. I went for breakfast and coffee around 7:30. I figured I better have some shredded wheat today.
I headed over to the dive shop around 8:30 to help the students get their gear together. I must have done a decent job teaching them, as Alejandra was happy with them putting their BCD's together. I declined the request to accompany them into the water for training. Alejandra understood....
After they headed into the water, I headed to see the nurse. She and I discussed my problem and she gave me some advice and some antibiotics! I took the first dose and went back to my room to try and recover some of the sleep I had lost.
I got back up around 11:00 and headed over to see if the students needed any help with their gear after the morning dive. I watched them as they disassembled the gear and got everything rinsed for lunch.
Lunch today for me was an egg salad sandwich and some mac and cheese. Peanut butter cookies were for dessert. It tasted wonderful.
After lunch I headed back over to find out what was on the agenda for the afternoon. Alejandra told me that they were headed back out for more skills training. She asked if I was going, and I told her I was. We went out to the front yard into 6' of water and gave the students some new skills to master. Things went well at 6' so we moved out to the 15' saftey stop buoy for some buoyancy drills. For a new diver this is any exercise in
frustration. They did as well as could be expected. I think after we have them try a few more times, they will get the hang of it.
Once we finished with buoyancy, we took a small tour around some of the coral heads. We then headed back up the chain to the platform. One of the students needed extra help with the removal and replacement of her mask. Alejandra asked if I would work with her. We spent about a half hour and she was getting pretty good in that short of time.
I went back to the lockers and got my gear put up before dinner. I stopped by the bar for an ice cold Coke, and went out to the end of the boardwalk and found an empty hammock. It was bliss. I just wish my wife was there to sit beside me. Oh well....
Dinner was steak, potatoes, peas, and fried shrimp. Dessert was coconut pie....Mmmm!
I am writing early tonight so I can get some needed sleep tonight. I need to get some photos that have been promised to me from others.....Soon.
Please sign up for Google and leave some comments. I want to hear from YOU!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Here it is, Sunday again.
We started out this morning at 6:00 with coffee and a swing in the hammock until breakfast at 7:30. French Toast and bacon is what I went with this morning. Delicious as usual.
Went over to the dive shop to get ready for the orientation dive for the new guests. Went upstairs of the clubhouse for the briefing, and met the divers in the locker area for gear up. Gringo, Davidson and I were the divemasters for our group. We took them to the platform to check weight, and headed out to the safey stop buoy. There we did a skills check and gave the group a tour of the front yard. When we got over to the wreck of the Prince Albert, the visibility was about 5'! I have never seen it so bad. Usually it is at least 50'. Later we found out why.....there was a dive boat moored on top of the PA just 15 min before we got there. They obviously had some poor divers to stir it up that bad.
We led our group up and over the wreck and followed the chain over to Newman's Wall. We showed them the buoy with the compass direction on it to return to the wreck. We then turned and swam past the stern of the wreck, and made our way over to Cocoview Wall. From there we did a pressure check and found everyone in good shape. We slowly made our way along the wall to the safety stop buoy and did a 3 min stop. We then proceeded back up the chain to the platform. In all, a 45 min dive.
We got our gear cleaned and stowed just in time for lunch. We had stewed beef over rice, baked plantains, and chocolate chip cookies.
We met Alejandra at 1:30 and was told that today was the day for the 800 meter snorkel swim. Oh great, just what I was looking forward to..... We got our masks, fins, and snorkels and headed out to the cay.
We had to swim back and forth from the seawall to the green channel buoy eight times. I started out at a medium pace. One lap, two laps,.......this isn't going bad at all. When I turned at lap seven, I was feeling great. I kicked it up a few gears and finished great. I wish I had a better idea of how much it was going to take from me, as I could have swam faster and left nothing on the table. As it was, I swam it in 15:20 and earned 3 points for the swim. Much better that I thought I could do. Thanks to the elliptical I trained on for a month before my trip. Also, did I mention, that I lapped the 20YO who is also taking this class? Not too bad!
After the swim I was tasked with teaching two new studenst how to assemble and disassemble their BCD's and regulators. Davidson and I slowly talked them through it the first time and then had them do it a few more times. They were catching on at the end. I suggested that after dinner, they run through again. They seem like they will get the hang of it soon.
At 4:30 we called it a day and headed for a much needed cerveza. Two would be more accurate...
Dinner was roasted pork and rice and gravy. It was topped off with chocolate cake!
I spent 30 min with Deb, one of the managers, looking for some of the more unusual critters along the walkway. Baby barracuda, lobsters, octopus, shrimp, and crabs were plentiful on our walk. I went up on the deck and chatted with Alejandra and her boyfriend until blog time came. So here it is.
Tomorrow is open water classes for the new students. Maybe in the afternoon, Greg and I can get some time to work on our map of the front yard. Maybe......
We started out this morning at 6:00 with coffee and a swing in the hammock until breakfast at 7:30. French Toast and bacon is what I went with this morning. Delicious as usual.
Went over to the dive shop to get ready for the orientation dive for the new guests. Went upstairs of the clubhouse for the briefing, and met the divers in the locker area for gear up. Gringo, Davidson and I were the divemasters for our group. We took them to the platform to check weight, and headed out to the safey stop buoy. There we did a skills check and gave the group a tour of the front yard. When we got over to the wreck of the Prince Albert, the visibility was about 5'! I have never seen it so bad. Usually it is at least 50'. Later we found out why.....there was a dive boat moored on top of the PA just 15 min before we got there. They obviously had some poor divers to stir it up that bad.
We led our group up and over the wreck and followed the chain over to Newman's Wall. We showed them the buoy with the compass direction on it to return to the wreck. We then turned and swam past the stern of the wreck, and made our way over to Cocoview Wall. From there we did a pressure check and found everyone in good shape. We slowly made our way along the wall to the safety stop buoy and did a 3 min stop. We then proceeded back up the chain to the platform. In all, a 45 min dive.
We got our gear cleaned and stowed just in time for lunch. We had stewed beef over rice, baked plantains, and chocolate chip cookies.
We met Alejandra at 1:30 and was told that today was the day for the 800 meter snorkel swim. Oh great, just what I was looking forward to..... We got our masks, fins, and snorkels and headed out to the cay.
We had to swim back and forth from the seawall to the green channel buoy eight times. I started out at a medium pace. One lap, two laps,.......this isn't going bad at all. When I turned at lap seven, I was feeling great. I kicked it up a few gears and finished great. I wish I had a better idea of how much it was going to take from me, as I could have swam faster and left nothing on the table. As it was, I swam it in 15:20 and earned 3 points for the swim. Much better that I thought I could do. Thanks to the elliptical I trained on for a month before my trip. Also, did I mention, that I lapped the 20YO who is also taking this class? Not too bad!
After the swim I was tasked with teaching two new studenst how to assemble and disassemble their BCD's and regulators. Davidson and I slowly talked them through it the first time and then had them do it a few more times. They were catching on at the end. I suggested that after dinner, they run through again. They seem like they will get the hang of it soon.
At 4:30 we called it a day and headed for a much needed cerveza. Two would be more accurate...
Dinner was roasted pork and rice and gravy. It was topped off with chocolate cake!
I spent 30 min with Deb, one of the managers, looking for some of the more unusual critters along the walkway. Baby barracuda, lobsters, octopus, shrimp, and crabs were plentiful on our walk. I went up on the deck and chatted with Alejandra and her boyfriend until blog time came. So here it is.
Tomorrow is open water classes for the new students. Maybe in the afternoon, Greg and I can get some time to work on our map of the front yard. Maybe......
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Saturday...
Today I spent the morning sleeping in. The party didn't end until 11:30. The band finished around 9:30 and we stayed at the bar drinking Jim Beam and BSing. It was a great night.
I got up around 7:00 and headed over for some coffee. I really didn't feel like breakfast. I checked in with Patty at the dive shop to make sure we were still on for lunch at The Pineapple. She said yes and that we were leaving around 12:00. I decided, since it was a morning off, to go back to my room and catch some more ZZZ's.
I got back up around 10:30 and was amazed at how quiet the resort is after all of the guests leave for the airport. This is the only time it is this way. 3 hours of quiet each week for the whole year! I guess this is one of the things you have to deal with in the resort industry.
We left in the boat to the landing. Patty's diesel Hyundai was waiting for us in the lot. She drove us up to a sports bar located at The Pineapple resort and we had a wonderful lunch.When we arrived at the landing we spotted a Guatusa Rabbit. This is an endangered species on the Isle of Roatan! What a sight.
I was surprised that the pizza was quite good. We talked about everything under the sun, except diving. It was nice to get a break after 6 days of classes.
We headed back to the landing to get back to the resort before the next group of guests arrived. When we got back, Patty explained to us what was expected of us when we worked the "weight room". This is were everyone comes to get their weights for diving for the next week. We cheerfully met all of the new guests and not only got their weights for them, we answered most of the questions about how the resort does things and other diving related questions. This group seems a little younger than last week.
We had dinner of roasted chicken and citrus shrimp. A bread pudding was tonight's dessert.
Tomorrow we start with an orientation dive in the front yard with the new guests then on to assisting Alejandra with an Open Water Dive course. It should be a fun week!
Today I spent the morning sleeping in. The party didn't end until 11:30. The band finished around 9:30 and we stayed at the bar drinking Jim Beam and BSing. It was a great night.
I got up around 7:00 and headed over for some coffee. I really didn't feel like breakfast. I checked in with Patty at the dive shop to make sure we were still on for lunch at The Pineapple. She said yes and that we were leaving around 12:00. I decided, since it was a morning off, to go back to my room and catch some more ZZZ's.
I got back up around 10:30 and was amazed at how quiet the resort is after all of the guests leave for the airport. This is the only time it is this way. 3 hours of quiet each week for the whole year! I guess this is one of the things you have to deal with in the resort industry.
We left in the boat to the landing. Patty's diesel Hyundai was waiting for us in the lot. She drove us up to a sports bar located at The Pineapple resort and we had a wonderful lunch.When we arrived at the landing we spotted a Guatusa Rabbit. This is an endangered species on the Isle of Roatan! What a sight.
This was the view from the bar.
The pool at The Pineapple
We headed back to the landing to get back to the resort before the next group of guests arrived. When we got back, Patty explained to us what was expected of us when we worked the "weight room". This is were everyone comes to get their weights for diving for the next week. We cheerfully met all of the new guests and not only got their weights for them, we answered most of the questions about how the resort does things and other diving related questions. This group seems a little younger than last week.
We had dinner of roasted chicken and citrus shrimp. A bread pudding was tonight's dessert.
Tomorrow we start with an orientation dive in the front yard with the new guests then on to assisting Alejandra with an Open Water Dive course. It should be a fun week!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Friday
Wow, what a day!
Photo courtesy of a new friend, Bruce Dickson
We got up at 6:00 and went over to the clubhouse for coffee and breakfast. I didn't have a big breakfast this morning due to a case of Honduran revenge. It seems that I had a salad on Wednesday that was contaminated....with what, I don't know. It looks like Pepto for me!
After breakfast we headed to the dive shop, and as I had guessed, we were give our written test. This is a 120 question test on all aspects of divemaster knowledge. We worked for about 1 hour and Patty graded our exams. I passed with a 91! What a great day so far....
Just as we were reviewing the missed questions, Alejandra came in and told us that there were some whales spotted by a dive boat, just up the shore from us. Would we like to go? I ran to the room for my camera, and jumped on the boat. This was a great way to celebrate our passed test! We ran up the coast for about 30 min, with no sighting of the whales. Damn... Oh well.
We got back to the dock just in time for lunch. Today it was fried chicken, cole slaw, and french fries. The dessert was awesome.....Tres Leeches! It was so good, I went back twice!
Once lunch was over, Alejandra had another surprise for us, we were going our to do our equipment exchange. Now for those of you who are not divers, this is a problem solving drill in which you have to do a full exchange of equipment with your buddy in 15' of water. No going to the surface! AND, you can only breath from ONE regulator! Can you say buddy breathing????
Greg and I went first. We started with the "Out of Air" signal. Greg then passed me his octo, and we started the buddy breathing. This is we took turns taking two breaths from the reg, and then passing it to the partner.
So far, so good. During our initial start, Greg got a mouthful of sea water. We had to stop so he could get himself back and breathing right. He was a real trooper! Not even a trip to the surface. In about 3 minutes, he was ready to start again.
We started our buddy breathing and did the easiest exchange...fins. This went great. 2 breaths, pass the regulator. Rinse-repeat... We then started loosening our BCD's and prepared for the switch. I took the BCD off that I was wearing, and sat it in the sand next to us. Greg then removed his and handed it to me to put on. Remember, all of this while sharing air from the same regulator! After I got my BCD on we put Greg's on and got everything properly adjusted.
Now for the last, and most difficult: the mask exchange.... This does not sound too bad, until you remember that we are still sharing air from the same regulator! This is where I remember that Greg can open his eyes underwater. Yes, Salt water. I take my breaths from the reg, and remove my mask. I pass him the regulator and mask and let him finish so that he can then help me.
Challenge Complete!
We went to the surface was congratulated by Alejandra! One more task completed. We then swam back to the shore and got our gear cleaned and packed for the night.
Tonight is celebration night! There is a classic rock band that is coming to the resort. They are rumored to be the best on the island. I now have a Jack Daniels on the rocks in my hand finishing this blog. I'll get dinner, and then it's party time!
I will add pictures to this entry in the AM, as I am late for dinner, and I won't be in any shape to do it tonight!
Wow, what a day!
We got up at 6:00 and went over to the clubhouse for coffee and breakfast. I didn't have a big breakfast this morning due to a case of Honduran revenge. It seems that I had a salad on Wednesday that was contaminated....with what, I don't know. It looks like Pepto for me!
After breakfast we headed to the dive shop, and as I had guessed, we were give our written test. This is a 120 question test on all aspects of divemaster knowledge. We worked for about 1 hour and Patty graded our exams. I passed with a 91! What a great day so far....
Just as we were reviewing the missed questions, Alejandra came in and told us that there were some whales spotted by a dive boat, just up the shore from us. Would we like to go? I ran to the room for my camera, and jumped on the boat. This was a great way to celebrate our passed test! We ran up the coast for about 30 min, with no sighting of the whales. Damn... Oh well.
We got back to the dock just in time for lunch. Today it was fried chicken, cole slaw, and french fries. The dessert was awesome.....Tres Leeches! It was so good, I went back twice!
Once lunch was over, Alejandra had another surprise for us, we were going our to do our equipment exchange. Now for those of you who are not divers, this is a problem solving drill in which you have to do a full exchange of equipment with your buddy in 15' of water. No going to the surface! AND, you can only breath from ONE regulator! Can you say buddy breathing????
Greg and I went first. We started with the "Out of Air" signal. Greg then passed me his octo, and we started the buddy breathing. This is we took turns taking two breaths from the reg, and then passing it to the partner.
So far, so good. During our initial start, Greg got a mouthful of sea water. We had to stop so he could get himself back and breathing right. He was a real trooper! Not even a trip to the surface. In about 3 minutes, he was ready to start again.
We started our buddy breathing and did the easiest exchange...fins. This went great. 2 breaths, pass the regulator. Rinse-repeat... We then started loosening our BCD's and prepared for the switch. I took the BCD off that I was wearing, and sat it in the sand next to us. Greg then removed his and handed it to me to put on. Remember, all of this while sharing air from the same regulator! After I got my BCD on we put Greg's on and got everything properly adjusted.
Now for the last, and most difficult: the mask exchange.... This does not sound too bad, until you remember that we are still sharing air from the same regulator! This is where I remember that Greg can open his eyes underwater. Yes, Salt water. I take my breaths from the reg, and remove my mask. I pass him the regulator and mask and let him finish so that he can then help me.
Challenge Complete!
We went to the surface was congratulated by Alejandra! One more task completed. We then swam back to the shore and got our gear cleaned and packed for the night.
Tonight is celebration night! There is a classic rock band that is coming to the resort. They are rumored to be the best on the island. I now have a Jack Daniels on the rocks in my hand finishing this blog. I'll get dinner, and then it's party time!
I will add pictures to this entry in the AM, as I am late for dinner, and I won't be in any shape to do it tonight!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Day 5
Here it is Thursday already! This week has been so busy. I think we take our written exam in the morning.
I started today with the usual coffee and breakfast. I then went and studied for the exams. I was having questions about the PADI dive tables, so I want over to see if Patty could help me. We spent a little while doing problems, and in no time she had it all making sense.
Around 10:00 Alejandra came back from her rescue diver class and informed us that we were going to do our 100m tired diver tow, for time. This event is timed as follows:
under 2:10 5pts
2:10 to 3:15 4pts
3:15 to 4:20 3pts
4:20 to 5:30 2pts
More than 5:20 1pt
Stopped 0pts
Well, this guy swam a tired diver in 2:20! The best part was, that it was the best time of our group! 4 more pts for me.
This leaves 2 more waterskills tests that need to be taken. 800m snorkel swim and an equipment exchange.
We had lunch and we were off to evaluate our diver rescue. We went out with the yellow boat and did our assessment at the divesite.the first skill was panicked diver at the serface. we took turns swimming with a buoyant object to rescue with, then to the tethered life ring. The second skill was a unresponsive at the bottom. The lady taking the rescue diver class had to try 3 time to get it right. We watched until it was our turn, then headed to the surface for our unresponsive diver at the surface drill. We each took our turn, and I needed a second try to get it nailed. the divemaster class boarded the boat and waited for Alejandra and the rescue student to return to the boat.
We rode the boat home and went for a beer. We saw 8-10 BIG lobsters hanging around the walkway in front of the clubhouse. I took some photos of the front yard and of the sunset.
After dinner of fish, ham, steamed veggies, and banana cream pie, I decided to come to my room and put out my blog.
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