Well, we left a little later Friday than planned. Unfortunately work comes first.
We arrive at the hotel late needless to say. Saturday morning we headed to EE. Needed to get fills, pick up the twins -- I was so excited - what 'til you see them, and SeaJay needed new spring straps. We arrived at Ginnie at almost 2 PM. It was great seeing everyone, those we already had meet before and many we had not met. Of course we got the initial riving for being last. Hahahaha. We arrived, said a few hellos and there was a group gearing up to do a drift dive from Little Devil all the way around and of course we geared right up. I will say that my rushing for this trip began on Thursday and besides the feeling of not being in control or organized enough the trip went well considering. But, this was a crazy trip for me. First issue, I left my boots and gloves at the dive shop when sorting through my gear so I had to purchase a new set of boots. That wasnt so bad as I needed new boots anyway. I just thought I was going to miss the first dive. I sent the group on to Little Devil without me and raced to the shop to grab a set of boots. All my other gear was setup and I was dressed. I came back and grabbed my gear, tossed it in the trunk and managed to get to Little Devil just before everyone got in the water. Shuuhh
I was really lucky and so very glad to make it. There were two groups of divers total I think 11 in all. The group I was with SeaJay, 8Buck, Unruly wench (I think sorry), and Virus. BTW, thanks to Virus for tugging the dive float. We started the dive with several swimmers and rafters overhead. It was nice to get to the deeper areas where we didnt have to worry about being clobbered by those having fun above. The viz was remarkable considering all the people in the water. Once we passed over into the river section the water became dark and the bottom was brown and green. Not really thinking, I began my usual clean up as I went along and quickly realized I didnt have enough hands to clean up the stuff down there. We saw several turtles and quit a few little flounder along with the typical fish. I was surprised to see a very light colored catfish. Not an albino, just a light one. Usually they are dark in coloration and this one was almost transparent. I hit it with my light and it looked slightly iridescent. It just hung out near and old log as if they were having a conversation about all the large black sea creatures with one big eye in the water that day. Most of the turtles we saw were large but there was one tiny little guy near the end of the dive who was adorable. Only approximately three inches from the tip of his out stretched nose to the tip of his stiff little tail. His little legs were kicking so fast in order to keep out of our way. I found a pair of goggles, two baseball hats, a bandana, two shirts, two masks - one with a snorkel attached that someone later brought to the pavilion, and a fin. BUT the best most valuable find was my very own depth gauge. At one point we were all together and then suddenly two from our group were not with us. SeaJay and I stopped to wait. We had met up with the second group and sent them ahead. After a couple minutes, we decided to surface and found that one in our group was having leg cramps and needed to end the dive sooner so she and her buddy were headed to the main ballroom. SeaJay, Virus and I told them we would stay with them in case they needed assistance. We took a bearing and descended to the bottom to swim over to them. On the way I was exploring the bottom which really helped me later. When we reach the other two, we surfaced. I immediately told 8Buck I just lost my wrist gauge. How frustrating. Four of us began searching the bottom for the gauge. Luckily a very short time later I was able to dive a reverse pattern and back track my path. I found my gauge and was so excited. I surfaced waving it back and forth hollering, I found it. I dove down to the bottom again to rejoin my group. I was so happy. As we swam closer to the main ballroom the water began to get so much clearer. Not at all like the greenish brown muck my gauge was lost in. The bottom became covered the in white sand and the number of people in on the surface began to increase. We reached the ballroom to find a slew of divers, snorkelers, and swimmers. I exited the water having had a great dive and feeling good about finding my wrist gauge. Oh Happy Day! Hahaha
SeaJay got to play Santa Clause and I was his helper as we pulled out a bag full of dive gear and let anyone who wanted it to help themselves. It came at a good time as Ken had a blowout and needed new boots. Hahaha Isnt it funny how things work out?
I was bummed that we missed the large group night dive but Floyds was callin and he was busy. It took a little while. After dinner Genesis, OBG, Tracy, Kimberly, Sarah, Cody, SeaJay and I returned to Ginnie to find most everyone heading in for the night. He promptly geared up and headed in for a night dive. Mental note: Cody has grown and needs a larger wetsuit and booties.
We enjoyed meeting more people. Genesis, Tracy, Kimberly, Sarah, Onebrightgater, 8Buck, Smokeaire, Madeline, H2Andy, Scuba Fool, WildBill pleasure meeting your family, CBulla I think that you and DSW laughed more than anyone the entire time, Holly you must be a very patient woman, KBulla getting daddy and Xavier to smile and hold still for a moment to take a picture, Simon, Tao of Savannah
, Gibbon, Lisa, and KBeck such pretty ladies, Oh my gosh I know I am leaving people out. As always it was a pleasure meeting new faces and reuniting with old friends. Then we add diving and make it even better. Thanks to my dive buddy for lots of fun and for not getting us lost on the way home. YOU ROCK! Heehee Big hugs. And, to my dearest son, what a good boy -- A mother couldnt ask for a better kid. I am glad you meet and made new friends and enjoyed yourself.
Sunday morning we returned to Ginnie only to be saddened that we couldnt dive with 8Buck as planned next OK? But Virus was ready to go for a short dive before heading home. When looking for the owner of the lost boots and saying BYE we were joined by Dutchfin. He bounded into the campsite asking if we were with Scuba Board. Everyone said, Yes! with a smile and he introduced himself and said he was looking to dive. We immediately told him to join us and he did. The four of us headed into the main ball room for some close exploration of the cavern and had a great dive. Toward the end of the dive we were observing lots of scuba standers at the entrance. Hahaha
What an awesome pleasure to dive with some excellent divers. People we chat with here on the board and occasionally get the pleasure to meet in person. Thanks everyone. I look forward to seeing you all again.
And Dutchfin, you really are welcome to look us up on your way up north. We can get in the ocean and have lots of fun. Ill dive with you any day if the opportunity allows. I feel like I should be thanking you for allowing us to dive with you.
PS: SJ got to demonstrate the over-the-head flip for all those who wanted to see. Hahaha