Although only a couple months had past since our good friends (and scuba instructors) Joe Bass, and Dave Meinert, had packed their bags and made the long trip to their new home in Key Largo - from the Great Pacific NW, we just couldn't wait to drop in on'em and make sure they hadn't already succumbed to the 'Keys Disease'.
It took nothing at all to persuade the crew here to hop a flight down to South Florida for a bit of R&R. Nikoal and I met up with Joe and Dave in Miami, and only after putting in the Key's compilation CD, featuring Michael McCloud's hit "Key West Florida's My Home", could we actually drive into the Key's. Joe wouldn't have it any other way... the mood was set. Ahhhhh... the Keys Baby!!
Wayne and Craig showed up later the next day, but this didn't stop us from getting in some No Name Reef dives, and a few 'Bugs' in the cooler before they showed up. We gave Nikoal's OW certification a shot too, but after a bumby ride out to the reef and a bit of nerves setting in on her, we had to postpone this for a later date.
Once the boys made it in to town the real diving began. We donned the 3mm suits in 78˚F water and descended on the USCGC Duane, and the LDS-32 Spiegel Grove. Numerous reef dives on both French and Molasses reefs introduced us to surge, and to vibrant colors underwater, which we don't see so much of here in the PNW. We touched the hand of Christ... of the Abyss... and watched as Wayne leapt from the waters into Cpt. Scotty's vessel at the first sight of reef shark. (HeeHee)
We took to hours of Spiny Lobstering, including a one hour and a half stint using the "hooka"... snuba style. Can't tell you how much fun that was hunting them down in and amongst some of the most beautiful reef the States have to offer. Great tasting 'Lil' Bugs' too. We feasted!!
All in all... not a bad trip.
Okay... so I understate it. Honestly, it was more fun than we could have ever imagined having going into this trip. We knew it would be a good time, but this was beyond.
A special thanks to our hosts for taking us into their home and allowing us to be part of the family for a week or so. Joe, Lisa, Dave, Meghan, Ricky... thanks for everything.
I can't forget the shout out to Wayne and Craig as well, without whom we all would have gotten much more sleep, and probably would have laughed a whole lot less. Thanks guys... see you in the Sound.
It took nothing at all to persuade the crew here to hop a flight down to South Florida for a bit of R&R. Nikoal and I met up with Joe and Dave in Miami, and only after putting in the Key's compilation CD, featuring Michael McCloud's hit "Key West Florida's My Home", could we actually drive into the Key's. Joe wouldn't have it any other way... the mood was set. Ahhhhh... the Keys Baby!!
Wayne and Craig showed up later the next day, but this didn't stop us from getting in some No Name Reef dives, and a few 'Bugs' in the cooler before they showed up. We gave Nikoal's OW certification a shot too, but after a bumby ride out to the reef and a bit of nerves setting in on her, we had to postpone this for a later date.
Once the boys made it in to town the real diving began. We donned the 3mm suits in 78˚F water and descended on the USCGC Duane, and the LDS-32 Spiegel Grove. Numerous reef dives on both French and Molasses reefs introduced us to surge, and to vibrant colors underwater, which we don't see so much of here in the PNW. We touched the hand of Christ... of the Abyss... and watched as Wayne leapt from the waters into Cpt. Scotty's vessel at the first sight of reef shark. (HeeHee)
We took to hours of Spiny Lobstering, including a one hour and a half stint using the "hooka"... snuba style. Can't tell you how much fun that was hunting them down in and amongst some of the most beautiful reef the States have to offer. Great tasting 'Lil' Bugs' too. We feasted!!
All in all... not a bad trip.
Okay... so I understate it. Honestly, it was more fun than we could have ever imagined having going into this trip. We knew it would be a good time, but this was beyond.
A special thanks to our hosts for taking us into their home and allowing us to be part of the family for a week or so. Joe, Lisa, Dave, Meghan, Ricky... thanks for everything.
I can't forget the shout out to Wayne and Craig as well, without whom we all would have gotten much more sleep, and probably would have laughed a whole lot less. Thanks guys... see you in the Sound.
Pictures taken by: Brandon Hall, Wayne Parr, Joe Bass & Craig Miller
