Count Down to Wreckmania!

[Natasha]

Wreckmania is now just one month away!
Let's talk about all the last minute updates here.
I will be arriving with Marci on American Airlines. We land at 12:06 on the 19th of July. We will pick up a car at Budget, and head out to Deerfield Beach.
I would like to know when each person lands, and who is driving.
If you have room to bring extra chairs and you're driving.. let me know.
We are still looking for a diver to share a room with Bob. And we also have one more room left.. for a couple or a single. Hope to hear from everyone soon!

:sunny:

[scuba-sass]

Lyd and I arrive at FLL on Friday the 19th at about 11:15 via Delta Express, # 2431. We rented a car from Alamo, and will head out for WreckCentral from there.
We depart :-( on Tuesday the 23rd at about 2:00 pm via Delta Express # 2394.

We're REALLY excited about this! The only thing we're sad about is that we have to leave our new puppy at home....

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

I love that. Maybe you can pack the puppy up and bring him/her with?
Should we ask the resort? Our first WreckmaniaPup.. could be a mascot ..or watch puppy ..what the doggy's name?

[DivingGal]

Well I am leaving here on the 15th, arriving in Florida sometime on the 16th. Joining Pete and Mike for diving and arriving at "wreck-central" on the 19th.

Then it's wreckmania, and heading home sometime or other -- I don't have to be back until 27th.

See you all soon!

[TexasMike]

I'm leaving out the afternoon of the 16th to Orlando (linking up with Pete and June). D(r)iving with them until we link up with the rest of youse guys.

[livestodive]

Pam and I are arriving at Ft Lauderdale at 1:45 PM, getting our vehicle at alamo and will proceed to deerfield beach.

Mom is there anything other than what Walter has listed that we need to bring?

[scuba-sass]

The new Pup's name is Tucker. He's an "American Bread Dog", meaning we don't have a clue. His mom looked like a Sheperd/Dobie mix, but he has a very square face, and is a beautiful brindle color. Best estimate right now is he'll reach about 90 pounds, so we're thinking dad might have been a mastif mix. Yupp, he's gonna be a Big Ol' Boy.

He has been simply GREAT so far, and I'm sure we'll rave about him endlessly in person, and yes, we'll bring pictures. Both of the pup, and Tahiti!

I can't imagine making him fly at only 4-5 months old, but thanks for the offer, Natasha. He'll just have to suffer throught staying the weekend with loving aunts and cousin-canines that will keep him heartily entertained.

Happy Diving,

Scuba-sass :-)

[herman]

I will have the beer cold and the grill warming for you guys. Kathy and myself arrive at FLL at 8:40 am, it was either early or late and I hate to getting a late start. Natasha, do you know if there is a place we can hang out until checkin time? I have a large car from National. Small, med and large were the same price so what the heck.

It might be good for Walter to repost what he wants/needs us to have....reels-lights-ect.

Hummmm.... speaking of reels, may throw in a fishing reel as well.

[NetDoc]

but should be back in touch with reality by then. Did someone mention cold beer???

[Natasha]

Ok I'm starting to make the lists of what to bring ..
I will be bringing all the files. Those that have sent me their C card info ..I'll have them with me. The rest of you will need to make the copies and bring them for Walter's files.
So here is a small first list.

#1 C card copies and C cards
#2 I'll let Walter post all the dive equipment needs. And of course you can rent down there from Dixie Divers if you need to.
#3 While I'm on the dive stuff.. Walter we still need the tank sizes available and such.
Now on to the frilly... stuff AKA my job
# 4 If you can bring your own plate and silverware it could be fun to see all the different "china" on the table. If this is a hassel do not worry. The resort has informed me there is enough plates and silverware in the rooms with Kitchenettes to accommodate all of us.
#5 You will need to bring whatever you want to drink, to your meals. (There are stores to shop at close to Wreck Central)
#6 Bring any photo albums of your trips and underwater shots you would like to share with us. (I'm bringing two albums)
We will pass them around the tables!
#7 Bring your Favorite Cd's. We will have a CD player out there for our musical pleasure.
#8 I have several " give away" prizes for Wreckmania. We will be doing a sort of "Survivor" type thing so be ready! Hehehehe
#9 What have I forgotten? Help me out.
# 10 Looks like we will have a few 'one day drop ins' by some surprise guests. Be ready!

PS Herman and anyone that gets to the resort early, if your room isn't ready .. you can relax by the pool or beach until the rest of us get there. But chances are good your room will be ready after 11:00 AM or so.

[DivingGal]

Small list??? hehehehe

# 1 check
(wait to verify #2)
# 3 check - bringing own tanks --- benefit of driving
# 4 check - unique plate and cutlerly coming
# 5 check
# 6 check - already "tossed" into the trip corner, along with an album that I'll be able to fill with pics taken & developed there
# 7 check - a necessity with the travel
# 8 hot dang
# 9 gosh girl if you don't know how are we to know?
# 10 oh really -- do tell ;)

[KC_Scubabunny]

Jeff and I arrive a 1:10 pm on 7/19 via Vanguard. I think I was under the impression that it was a quick cab ride from the Ft Lauderdale airport to the hotel because I didn't book a rental car.

Since so many of the rest of you did, I think now I might have been wrong. Does anyone else remember us discussing early on that rental cars were not necessary? If not let me know and I can still get one.

We depart at 2pm on 7/23 :(

Natasha,
Am I still bringing an assortment of KC BBQ Sauce to complement some of the meals you are preparing? I know we talked about it but I don't think I ever saw the final list of what was on the menu. I actually have to go around this Friday to get catering quotes for a work function so it would be a great time to pick up the sauces if they are still desired.

Counting down the days!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Yes, bring da sauce! And I hope Herman will bring a sample of that North Carolina BBQ too.
I'll post some of the final menu selections next.
The airport is only 22 miles away from the resort. So no, you don't need a car.
The only reason I rented one is because I will need to go back and forth to the store, and I don't want to have to bother anyone to help with this.
22 miles shouldn't be a very long/ or costly cab ride. If you do think you want to leave Wreck Central, and see a bit of the area at night, or in the afternoon, if you're not diving, then a car would be handy.

[C2CMarci]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say Hi. I am Natasha's partner and sister. I am very excited about meeting everyone at WRECKMANIA!
Marci

[scuba-sass]

Looking forward to having you along!

I hear you don't dive, so - Happy Sun Bathing!

Susan :-)

[Natasha]

No she's not really my twin. But we have had people ask us that.
One of the Survivor trivia Questions will be to guess the age difference between us. Hehehehe
As for the sunbathing part ..no way I'm putting her to work!

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by C2CMarci
Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say Hi. I am Natasha's partner and sister. I am very excited about meeting everyone at WRECKMANIA!
Marci

You have been listening to Natasha --- excited about meeting us? I'm not sure about that :tease:

Just kidding. By the time I arrive at "wreck-central" I'll have met 4 of the participants. Not bad for a gal that doesn't live any where near any of them. I'm really looking forward to meeting every one else!:D

[Walter]

6/7/7

[Natasha]

Ok So there goes that question. Walter was smart enough to look up my profile for my Birthday, and Marci's for hers. So yep the Master Math brain has it right. I almost forgot what I was dealing with here.
I'm going to have to toughen up these questions I see.

Ok question #2

How many beers can Mike and Pete drink during Wreckmania?

[Dee]

'Tasha, Dahlink....you should never underestimate dear Walter! ;)

[Dee]

Since this is the spot for last minute stuff I'll post this here....

This is the last call for Wreckmania Dee-Rags. I've got:

NetDoc
Diving Gal
Herman - 2
TexasMike
Big O
Charlie & Pam - 2

Since I can't make it, TexasMike will bring them to you. Net Doc and Herman have paid and the others can pay Mike or send me a check for $15 per rag.

To see what they look like,
CLICK HERE (http://www.scubadiving.com/members/memberimages/5797_1612_1.jpg)

If anyone else wants one, I need to know ASAP.

[Walter]

A better question would be, "How much older than either of you am I?" The guess closest to the right decade will be considered correct.

[NetDoc]

Can we use the fingers and toes of ALL the participants to count them on??? :tease:

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by Natasha
How many beers can Mike and Pete drink during Wreckmania? I don't know about Pete, but I'm a very low volume consumer on dive trips....especially when there's lots of multi-dive days going on. I prefer to be well hydrated and unbent.

Dee..When you're ready to send the rags to me, use the return address on the evelope from the salvage yard. Check from me for the FG trip is in the mail box now, so you should have it by the weekend.

PS. Ronbo loves his TSDT rag.

[Dee]

Originally posted by TexasMike
....Dee..When you're ready to send the rags to me, use the return address on the evelope from the salvage yard. Check from me for the FG trip is in the mail box now, so you should have it by the weekend.

PS. Ronbo loves his TSDT rag.

Good...I'm glad he liked it. I still have a few extras.

BTW...can you email me a good copy of the finished TSDT logo. We're gonna paint it on the side of the bathhouse at TL and I need to make some stencils.

[C2CMarci]

Hi, Its true that I am not a diver....but I am married to a diver! (LOL)
I have some experence as a bubble watcher with Natasha. I have been on the boat in Roatan, Xcaret in Mexico and in Cozumel.

Sea Ya all soon,
Marci

[Walter]

Sorry Pete, but there are only 20 signed up for the trip. Better break out the slip stick.

[Walter]

Everyone wants reminders and details on the trip.

While the many threads and hundreds (literally) of posts about this trip have been fun they do make it difficult to find all the info you might need.

I need some current info from each of you.

Send me an e-mail to waterknife@aol.com Please tell me:

1. Are you diving nitrox?
2. What size tank do you prefer? (I'll get the closest available)
3. Are you planning to dive morning and afternoon (nitrox
only) on the wrecks? If yes, is this every day?
4. If you are not planning to dive morning and afternoon would
you rather dive AM or PM? (If possible, you'll get the trip you
want. If too many choose morning, I will have to assign some
to afternoon)
5. When are you flying in? out?
6. Do you have a reel?

Info you need:

Required equipment:

Mask, snorkel, fins, SCUBA cylinder, valve, BC, LPI, regulator with 2 second stages, SPG, weight system, timing device, depth gauge(or computer), light, reel (may be shared), signaling device (whistle, mirror or safety sausage), knife or shears and slate.

Nice but not required:

Compass, computer and pony bottle or doubles.

Dive Schedule: (Wreck info taken from http://www.dixiediver.com/shipwreck.htm )

7/20 Dive 1 - Ancient Mariner 70 ft

Lat 26 18.110 Lon 80 03.700 Location: Almost a mile offshore inside the third reef line. The former Coast Guard Cutter Nemesis served as a sub chaser during WW II; she was launched in 1934 from Point Pleasant, Virginia. The 337 ton, rivet steel ship was permanently stationed in St. Petersburg, where she served and protected Florida. Although not the fastest ship in the fleet, she was perfectly designed for search and rescue missions in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. The constant battering of hurricanes kept the Nemesis busy picking up survivors from disabled and weather-beaten ships and towing stricken vessels to safety. From 1934 to 1942, she saved hundreds of lives as well as millions of dollars worth of property. During world War II, the Nemesis was used for an entirely different purpose. As 1942 rolled in, German U-boats were putting tremendous pressure on commercial shipping off the coast of U.S. These warships target oil tankers making their way from Texas and South America. The cutter was used for hunting down Nazi subs, and prove very good at it. After the war, she was again stationed in St. Petersburg, until her decommissioning in 1964. In 1979, a local business bought the vessel and converted into a floating restaurant and bar. The owner ran into financial problems and sold the vessel.

The new owner renamed the ship/restaurant as the Ancient Mariner and were scheduled to reopen in 1981. This is when the story turns bizarre. Just before the reopening in 1981, she capsized and sank at the dock, for no apparent reason. It took more then $85,000 to re-float and renovate the water damaged restaurant. Once again open, the Ancient Mariner became popular eatery in the Fort Lauderdale area. In 1986, however, an event still remembered by locals sealed the ship's fate. More than 100 customers and restaurant employees contracted hepatitis A from an infected salad maker employed at the restaurant. This was the largest outbreak of hepatitis A in Florida history. The running joke among divers is to not eat any fish caught on the wreck just in case some of the virus is still around. She was sunk as an artificial reef in June 9, 1991 as part of the Broward Reef program. The 165-foot Cutter rest in 70 feet of water. A steel-hulled work boat named the C-Note sits 60 feet West of her bow.

Dive 2 - United Caribbean 70 ft

The United Caribbean is a 147-foot steel cargo ship sunk as part of the Artificial Reef Program of Palm Beach, in August 22 2000 just a mile south of the Boca Raton Inlet and 3/4 mile of the cost at a depth of 70 feet. The ship had been built in 1969 and had a Panamanian registry to operate only in waters around Singapore. But by the early 1990's, it was being used by smugglers to illegally ferry people and drugs. in 1993 the smugglers stuffed 300 people to cramped quarters in the belly of the freighter, all hidden under a tarp. Some boarded in Kenya; it was the second leg of the trip that began on another ship in Thailand.

The passengers, yearning to reach the United States and paying smugglers $30,000 or more to be on board, were forced to subsist on a diet of rice, dirty water and spoiled food, as the ship sailed from Kenya in March 1993 to New York. The plan was for the crew of mostly Burmese and Indonesians to ram the ship into the bridge or dam so the passengers could escape to shore. But the crew instead steered it in circles until the vessel beached off Queens. After a four month voyage, ten people died trying to swim to shore.

It is sitting upright just 250 feet south of the wreck Sea Emperor. Excellent site for advanced class (wreck divers) for penetration on the wheel house and the engine room.

7/21 Dive 1 - Captain Dan 117 ft We'll stay at 100 ft or shallower

Lat 26 13.857 Lon 80 03.960 Location: Just south of the Jay Dorman Artificial Reef. 1 1/2 mile from shore, just outside the third reef line. The 175-foot Coast Guard buoy tender Hollyhock was sunk in February, 20 1990 in memory of Capt DAN GARNSEY, a long time Broward County resident and owner of the drift fishing boat Helen S. Garnsey died in the year Captain Dan was placed on the bottom. This ship spend most of her 53 years career as the Coast Guard buoy tender Hollyhock. The sinking was delayed for more than a month because, ironically, the high seas caused by January storms were too rough to sink a ship.

The wreck is still completely intact, but it is inundated with more than eight years growth. This growth was accelerate by the almost constant current that flows around it. The former U.S. Coast Guard vessel and treasure hunter has rapidly developed into an underwater treasure of its own.

The wreck emerges into view as divers descend just a few feet from the surface. Visibility at the site averages 50 to 75 feet, although there are days when it is so good the entire wreck can be distinguished at one glance. Captain Dan has been prepared with large access holes between the forepeak, cargo hold and engine room, providing certified wreck divers easy opportunity for penetration. It is definitely a jewel of Florida's ''Wreck Alley''. She lies upright in 110 feet of water in the rodeo reef site. This intact wreck is a great dive. Her wheelhouse is 70 feet below the surface.

Dive 2 - Jay Doorman 83 ft

Lat 26 13.857 Lon 80 04.027 Located 1-1/2 miles directly offshore from the Pompano Pier ( just north of Atlantic Blvd.). The 130-foot luxury schooner Panda was sunk in May 1987 as an artificial reef memorial for Jay Dorman. The beautiful sailing ship rests in 78 feet of water on her port side. The vessel was formerly owned by the Emperor of Vietnam and later used as a charter craft for Windjammer Cruises before fire damage in 1984. The schooner Alpha lies only 50 feet north.


7/22 Dive 1 - Captain Dan 117 ft We'll stay at 100 ft or shallower


Dive 2 - RSB-1 107 ft We'll stay at 100 ft or shallower

A 160-foot US Tender was sunk in 120 feet of water on May 14, 1994.

[scuba-sass]

Walter - thanks for the details! It was also great to speak with you in person on the phone last night.

Dee - I thought I'd said Lyd and I would each take a Dee-Rag, as long as you're SURE our masses of unruly hair will be contained. :-) Drop me a PM with your address and "real" name, and I'll put a check in the mail. OR, if you're short on time, we can live without them... :-(

Really excited about this trip!

Scuba-sass :-)

[Manogr]

hey Natasha...Walter...or any Wreckmania participant...


Is it possible to have a portable there and post here for us poor souls that will not be there ???

It will be far better than a trip report at the end of the trip!! More details...more enthusiasm etc etc

Think about it !!

Manogr

[Dee]

Sass~~ I must have missed it, sorry! Sending PM....

[NetDoc]

without a PC??? There will be gory details on a nightly basis

[KC_Scubabunny]

Pete,

I am so glad you are bringing your PC. I wasn't planning on bringing my laptop because I am calling this trip a homework free zone except for reading short magazine articles for my thesis. I could bring my laptop if I was the only one but since you are driving, I will let you lug the hardware.

I think a consolidated nightly report to the board would be in order though. I would even volunteer to be the designated typer since I will not be drinking!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[NetDoc]

PICTURES!!!


I would even volunteer to be the designated typer since I will not be drinking!
Ahhhh, that will take all of the fun out it. BTW, contrary to my obvious "party" reputation, I am not known for imbibing mass quantites of suds. However, a Pan Galactic Gargle blaster every now and then is cool... "I'll have whatever the guy on the floor is drinking..."

[DivingGal]

Any one else bringing a u/w camera?

I'm bringing mine, and plan to have the pictures processes ASAP during my stay. Then place the pics in small album for passing around. Of course once home, they'll be scanned in and shared for all.

[NetDoc]

I will try and bring a scanner too... anything else??? I could always bring those nude screen savers of Natasha... :tease:

[herman]

I will bring my MX-10 and a topside camera as well.

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by NetDoc
I will try and bring a scanner too... anything else??? I could always bring those nude screen savers of Natasha... :tease:

a truck for the scuba gear, and one for the computer stuff hehehe

[KC_Scubabunny]

Jeff and I have a brand new digital camcorder that also records still pics. We bought it to have when the baby arrives but are planning on using it the first time on our 4th of July trip. Hopefully I will be a pro by Wreckmania. So both photos and video will be available at the end of the week. I do not have a housing for the new camcorder (I think they are about $800 bucks!) but topside will be well documented.

BTW, Pete - I am a total novice to multimedia technology but am very interested in learning prior to our big arrival in December. Can you suggest any desktop software that is available at a reasonable price for editing and customizing video for a PC. I know Mac's are much more friendly in this area but don't know anyone close who owns one. Any books or resources you can steer me towards would be great. I am thinking about calling the local jr college and seeing if they offer classes but prefer a learn on your own in 21 days type of option.

:bunny: KC_Scubabunny :bunny:

[SunshineFish]

I will be arriving on the 19th via American @ 1:59pm. Any chance of hitching a ride with someone to the resort or sharing a cab? If not, I think that there is always Super Shuttle.

Pete - If I bring my digital cam, does your laptop have a USB port for uploading photos?

Sandy

[NetDoc]

I am bringing a PC with USB, s-video in and out, CaTV in and out, CD burner and DVD player. Pentium III 800mHz with 1 Gig memory and 38 Gig HD. I will install a modem prior to leaving (I might even test it :tease: ) so we will at least have 56K connects (how depressing to even think about). Will probably leave the 21" monitor and bring a 17" or so.

LET ME KNOW, if there is any software package you desire... the OS is XP pro, and I have Adobe Acrobat 5.0, Office XP and Snood installed (Snood is essential for any long downloads). The various interfaces mentioned earlier are through an All-in-Wonder card. I have not played enough with the various video capture/graphics programs to advise KCScubaBunny what to learn... I use MGI's Photosuite and it works for me. Clue me to what you want! I am a Network consultant... a marriage counselor for computers! I make them talk again!!! :tease: You can bring your dive computer interfaces if you want to download on site and see how you dove.

[Dee]

Hey Pete....You gonna have room for Mikey amongst all that computer gear???

[KC_Scubabunny]

Wow Pete, it will be just like home sans cable modem!

I am not sure what video editing and capture tools are available but I know that XP is suppose to come with one so maybe I will start with that. My laptop has XP pro.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Ah! Now that I have your attention ...
That is the dinner for Saturday night.

I'm working on the last of the details for the food.

Here we go.
Arrive Friday
Meals on your own
Friday night snack during the class by our own Wreckmania Chef features food from Canada . AKA June

Saturday lunch will be served at 12:00 noon
Menu
Hamburgers Hot dogs Cheese burgers
various chips

Staurday night 6:00 PM
Theme " Sauces from America"
Clothes: Casual
This will be our Bar B Que sauce taste tester night.
I have a prize for the winner.. so we will have a secret taste tasting so you won't know who brought what. If you want to enter the contest please post here.
These delicious sauces will be on chicken breasts and legs.
We will also have various Salads, Baked beans, fruits, and desserts.

Sunday
Lunch served at 12:00 noon
Hamburgers, Chesseburgers and Hot dogs. Chips too!

Sunday night dinner 6:00PM

Theme "Caribbean Night" Dress in your 'best' Caribbean garb
Grilled pork night .. pork chops and apple sauce
Jerk Chicken strips, salads, fruits and cookies
A prize for the costume winner (we will vote)

Monday lunch 12:00 noon

Same as above

Monday night (Our last night)

Seafood and fish Extravaganza!
Theme in honor of our Texas divers..
Cowboys and Indians
Wear your best cowboy get up ..or Southwestern Native American clothes... or Red White and Blue
This night will feature shirmp (from the gulf) Orange roughy, and Salmon. You will have your choice of which you prefer.
Various sides and desserts of course.
Another prize for the best dressed.

** Chef reserves the right to vary food according to what she finds available once in Florida.

:sunny:

[SunshineFish]

I will bring the Kodak install CD, camera, and docking station so that we can transfer top-side photos instantaneously.

I am using XP Pro also. Do you have MS Photo Editor installed as part of Office Pro? That would be helpful to resize and crop photos. If you have Adobe Photoshop, that will work too but I'm not as familiar with that program but I can usually wing it.

Natasha - everything sounds scrumptious! And I have a sauce to enter!

[NetDoc]

What program are you familiar with (not in a Biblical sort of way)??? I probably have it and can load it.

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Natasha
....
Arrive Friday
Meals on your own
Friday night snack during the class by our own Wreckmania Chef features food from Canada . AKA June

...

You see I was sort of going to surprise you all.... but with "Mom" saying Friday's meal is on your own, well I have a confession.

I'm not sure how much of a meal you're going to want.... you see Mom I totally ignored you (what kid doesn't?) and the snack idea sort of got out of hand. Honest Mom it's not my fault!

The snack is going to be the following: salmon pate, fiddlehead dip, cheese ball, and carrot spread (and crackers). I just couldn't help myself!

Then I just couldn't resist the idea of the maple ribs as I cooked up a batch the other weekend, and hmm-hmm-good. So I've got a small batch frozen in the marinade in the freezer and they'll be coming down with me - I figure I can con Pete & Mike into cooking the ribs (but don't tell them yet hehehe). That along with a pasta salad that could feed an army. If anyone wants to make it a pot-luck it could be an interesting meal.

[Walter]

Thanks to June, Herman, Susan & Lydia, Scott, Mike, Sandy, Charlie & Pam and Jeff for responding with e-mails answering the questions posed.

I do need to hear from the rest of you. If I don't hear from you I will assume You are diving air (not nitrox), you want to use an AL 80, you are NOT diving both trips each day, you have a reel and you're happy to take either the morning or afternoon trip as space permits.

Susan, I also enjoyed talking with you.

[Natasha]

Walter you just described what I hope to be doing. If possible I will want the afternoons, AL80's and air for now, unless I can get this Nitrox done before the trip. I'll send out a personal email to the rest of the group so they can respond back to you on all of this.
You still have not heard from Scott, Dave, Bob, or Steve, Herman, Jeff, Pete, or Mike on this, correct?

June:
You're a sweeetie. All that food sounds too good!
I'm going out today to buy more prizes. And the T shirts come back tomorrow! It's getting so close!
I'll explain a bit more about the " Survivor" type game soon.
Does anyone like the theme nights?

[DivingGal]

It is only 25 days before Wreckmania?
:D

[Natasha]

Herman and Jeff:
So sorry, my mistake. I see Walter does have your info.

[Walter]

Natasha,

I have received the needed e-mails from Herman, Jeff & Scott.

[Bob]

Walter,
I sent you a e-mail with the required information about three weeks ago. Do I need to send it again? :tree:Bob

[Walter]

I recently had to reformat my hard drive, so lots of information is missing. I saved what I could, but this information is gone. Please resend.

[KC_Scubabunny]

I just noticed that our favorite Wreckmania instructor is having a birthday today so I wanted to wish him a good day!

Looking forward to meeting everyone in less than a month!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[scuba-sass]

The Theme nights sound fun, although I don't think we'll have room in the suitcases for scuba gear AND "S _ _ t Kickers", so the cowboy/girl thing is going to be tough to pull off. Might just have to stick some feathers in my hair. Would that be too incredibly un-PC? :-)

Can't Wait!

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

I'm glad you notiiced Walter's B day today!

Happy Birthday old boy! Sea you soon!


:balloon:

:gorgeous:

[Manogr]

Walter--> Happy Birthday !!!!!!!!!!!

NetDoc--> Wow...I can't wait for your posts !!!! Just inform us to where you will make them... In the Group travel forum or somewhere else ??

Manogr

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Natasha

Theme "Caribbean Night" Dress in your 'best' Caribbean garb
Seafood and fish Extravaganza!
Theme in honor of our Texas divers..
Cowboys and Indians
Wear your best cowboy get up ..or Southwestern Native American clothes... or Red White and Blue


Natasha & Crew,

I am so bummed. I have great costumes in regular clothes. Not so great in maternity! I will do my best!

Count me in for the sauces contest of course. Do Jeff and I get only two entries or can I bring many bottles of sauces from our local resturants? I want to be fair but KC has about 20 different resturants that bottle their own. There are some that are not my favorite that others might light so I was going to get a variety.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

The more the merrier! Bring as many as you can carry. I am also bringing a famous sauce that has won many contests here in Chicago. I didn't make it of course, but I always buy it for my grilling. So far, Heather/ Jeff, Sandy, and Herman are in for the BBQ stuff? Nothing from Texas? And I thought they are the BBQ capital of the world ..

We will cover all the lables, and place them behind bowls that have the sauces in there. Then we will all taste and vote! The winner gets ... well you'll have to wait for that!

I just thought the theme nights would be fun for the pictures. So anyone can do the best they can with it. I figured we'd all wear our Wreckmania T Shirts the first night for a group Photo! I'll have them at 3:00PM today! Woohoo!

[herman]

Well Mom, it's like this. I will be happy to bring a couple of bottles of the local "off the shelf" stuff but really the best is home made...and mine is not worth much. In addition, to do it correctly, it takes hours of cooking on a hickory wood coal fire, charcoal is a poor substitute and we tar and feather people for using gas. My dive bag already gets the "heavy" sticker at the airport and I suspect a cord of hardwood would put it over the limit a bit.

Just how big a grill you got anyway? I do have an idea for some hot wings if we got the grill space and time to cook them....about an hour or a little more.

Hummmmm, I just went back and looked at your last post and I may see a "procedure" problem. The correct way to do BBQ is to slow cook the meat and baste it every so often with the sause. Putting it on at the end or using it as a final dip simply will not do. And Texas BBQ? Shoot, those guys think you BBQ cows, they can't even get the correct animal!

Herman
Member- Western NC BBQ Snob Society
"If it ain't pig and hickory, it ain't BBQ"

[KC_Scubabunny]

Herman,

Kansas City must be where the two sides meet because we believe in pigs in hickory and cows. In fact, if we can catch it (beast, fish or fowl), we can grill it.

I am with you on adding the sauce as we cook. Maybe we could have plates or chicken each cooked in the different kind of sauce? Is that too much work Natasha?

Well all this talk of BBQ is making me hungry! I am off to pick up lunch for my whole staff at my favorite local mom and pop place. We are having a team builder in the park today complete with frisbees and scavenger hunt. It is suppose to hit 92 here today. Hopefully I bought enough bottled water!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Oh MY! I love it when we talk food! Well, we will have pork and beef on the grill, but sadly, they are both gas grills. I agree I prefer the old Webber.
It's going to be hard to flavor all the chicken differently. Maybe we can put more of the 1st 2nd and 3rd place on the chicken and do the Taste Test before we cook.
Herman:
I understand about packing HEAVY. So don't worry about bringing anything you're not going to be able to fit.
And like I said there are dishes and silverware in the kitchenette rooms, so you don't have to bring your own. (Borrow from your neighbor with the kitchenette)

[herman]

Heather, I know what you mean about BBQing almost anything. I use to me a vol fireman back home and I have seen every thing from bologna to rabbit to goat put on the fire. Seems like someone even brought a racoon one night. Them boys would eat anything.


Nat, how about some hot wings as horsedovers? I could make a batch and reheat them there on the grill. You don't recon that airport security would confiscate them!?.... The ones a buddy of mine makes do qualify as hazardous material! They are good but hot......On second thought, I am not sure wearing a wetsuit the next day is a good idea.

On a more serious note, a trick I have used to speed up the cooking process on chickens is to parboil them in a mixture of 50/50% water and BBQ sause for 20-30 mins and then grill them. It cuts the cooking time a lot and gets the flavor into the meat better.

[Natasha]

Very interesting method. Marci and I went around yesterday, bought the rest of the gifts for the future Scavenger Hunt team winners, and looked at food and food prices! Ouch! ..kidding ..
One thing we have decided is anyone that genuinely wants to help cook, prepare, or bring anything, we will not say NO!
And we decided for now to cut out the hotdogs for lunch. Too much money making them and buying the buns. We can stick to Hamburgers and then only need hamburger buns.
We also think we can buy a few bags of the extra large chips for lunches and have enough to but some fruit salads too then.
So now is the time we are getting down and dirty and making food lists.. like mustard, ketchup, salt and pepper so we don't forget any of that. And napkins too.
As you can see, any food you bring will be eaten, so let the food fights begin! The wings sound HOT, so maybe ask first who will eat them, so you don't bring too many, but we can add them to the 'meal' buffet June is setting up for Friday night, WreckCentral, during class.

[SunshineFish]

Originally posted by NetDoc
What program are you familiar with (not in a Biblical sort of way)??? I probably have it and can load it.

Pete - Microsoft Photo Editor would be nice. Simple program but it does the job.

Walter - Happy belated birthday!

June - thanks for calling! sorry I missed your message. I've just been released from a week of sunless hotel days and stale hotel air (and I caught a cold!). We'll talk soon!

22 more days!

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Natasha
I figured we'd all wear our Wreckmania T Shirts the first night for a group Photo! I'll have them at 3:00PM today! Woohoo!

Natasha,

Now that you have our t-shirts, do we all get to see what they look like or do we have to wait until we get there?

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

And yes, I was the kind of kid who peeked at my Christmas presents early!

[Natasha]

I now have 24 Wreckmania T shirts and 5 Bonaire T shirts to bring down to Florida. They are all packed up and ready to be shipped down UPS to the resort on July 8th. We're doing 2 day UPS. I also have the platters, the serving pieces, and tons of other stuff in the same box. So it's a very special box indeed!
We'll give the T's out during the 6PM Class.. along with another goodie we ended up making special for Wreckmania!
Heather how did you Scavenger Hunt go? Did you know we have the lists already made up for the one that will start at Wreck Central? Looks like we will have about 4 groups with 4 people in each group. Tell me about yours.

:sunny:

[Dee]

Originally posted by KC_Scubabunny


Natasha,

Now that you have our t-shirts, do we all get to see what they look like or do we have to wait until we get there?

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

And yes, I was the kind of kid who peeked at my Christmas presents early!

What about us poor saps who can't go? We wanna know what the T-shirts look like even if we can't have one!

And what about those surprises and secret plans? 'Tasha Dahlink....you can send me an email and tell me all about it, can't ya??? I promise not to squeal!!!

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Natasha
Heather how did you Scavenger Hunt go? Did you know we have the lists already made up for the one that will start at Wreck Central? Looks like we will have about 4 groups with 4 people in each group. Tell me about yours.


Natasha,

Ours focused primarily on KC landmarks. It was a photo scavenger hunt in a famous area of Kansas City known as the Plaza. Are you familiar with it? JC Nichols designed it in the early days of KC to mirror the shopping district of our sister city Seville, Spain. Anyway, my scavenger hunt participants had to travel from scenic landmarks and stores and collect various items or complete a task. They had to hula hoop in front of the most famous fountain in the city and play three holes of frisbee golf in Loose Park. For bonus points they could collect menus from as many resturants as they could along the way. One team came in with 27 menus. I saved them so I could hunt for good places to eat that I haven't been! I thought I might frame a collage to put in my kitchen since Jeff is ripping out the old paneling and wall paper after we get back from Wreckmania.

I have always wanted to be a corporate event planner but I am too scared to go into business for myself. It is a secret plan B that I have always had. So instead I just stay in IT and plan great getaways for my staff a couple of times a year. Not too many people in this industry do too much fun team building so I am kind of famous around work for it and get lots of requests to help other managers.

Maybe we can compare notes at Wreckmania and I can give you some ideas for your future trips!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Dee:
Since we will be broadcasting LIVE from Wreckmania Central you will get to see the T shirts when we all wear them Saturday night for the picture! See we have thought of everything ..well at least I hope we have! Hehehe

Heather:
Like I said a few posts up .. I'll take all the ideas, and help I can get. I'm always willing to listen, and learn since I run anywhere from 4 to 5 groups trips a year ..and that's just the dive ones.
Marci and have have also done retired school teachers, and vitamin people, to name some recent ones.
What we have learned over and over is you can never pre- plan too much. Then cross your fingers and hope it all works!

I will tell you one secret ..and don't let this scare you ... this is the first trip I have ever cooked for! So hopefully I'll get a thumbs up when it's all done and over. But for now ..let the games begin!

[scuba-sass]

Mom - NOW you tell us you're practicing on us all?!?

Will you make us squeal for our supper?

Don't worry, we trust you!

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

Hello fellow Wreckies!
We just finished the itinerary for the 4 nights at Wreckmania. As soon as I go over it with Walter I will post it on my new web site. Have you been there yet?
www.scubamaniatrips.com
Things are going smoothly for Wreckmania.
The T shirts are packed up and ready to .. (Heather grey in color.. anchor on the front in blue and steel grey ..and the location also on the front.. back is blank .. but Wreckmania, Wreckmania II and Wreckmania Contiues, Photomania, and Cavernmania will all be on the back of next year's shirts)
Walter do we need paper and pens for the class? I forgot what you said about this.
Also who is bring the portable CD player?
And it's Bob, Walter, Pete, Scott, June, and Dave that are driving down?

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Natasha
Hello fellow Wreckies!
We just finished the itinerary for the 4 nights at Wreckmania. As soon as I go over it with Walter I will post it on my new web site. Have you been there yet?
www.scubamaniatrips.com
Things are going smoothly for Wreckmania.
The T shirts are packed up and ready to .. (Heather grey in color.. anchor on the front in blue and steel grey ..and the location also on the front.. back is blank .. but Wreckmania, Wreckmania II and Wreckmania Contiues, Photomania, and Cavernmania will all be on the back of next year's shirts)
Walter do we need paper and pens for the class? I forgot what you said about this.
Also who is bring the portable CD player?
And it's Bob, Walter, Pete, Scott, June, and Dave that are driving down?

Driving yuppers --- picking TexasMike up at the airport (can you imagine a Texan and a Canuck in the same vehicle?)

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Natasha
(Heather grey in color.. anchor on the front in blue and steel grey ..and the location also on the front.. back is blank .. but Wreckmania, Wreckmania II and Wreckmania Contiues, Photomania, and Cavernmania will all be on the back of next year's shirts)


Natasha - Oooh! I can almost see it in my head! Thanks for the description.

Walter - Can I sit in on the class on Friday night if I promise not to interupt and you can throw me out if I do? Pretty please! I realized that now that I am not a diver, I am also not a wreck certification student. If there isn't room that is fine but I would still love to sit through the classroom portion to learn the theory if possible.

Thanks!
:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Walter]

Of course you can. I'd be disappointed if you didn't.

[Natasha]

Have you always wanted to be a "Wreckie"?
Someone that has fun and loves to dive wrecks? Well, your chance to experience the first Wreckmania is here!
If you have been following along our trips posts, and been thinking to yourself .. "I want to be a Wreckmania Wreckie too".. This is your last chance.
We still have room left for a man to share a room with our very own Bob. Bob has become a very good friend of mine, and I highly recommend him as a roommate. ( No, not from experience)
So come one.. get out of the closest, and join Wreckmania!
The time is ticking and your ship has come in!

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by DivingGal
(can you imagine a Texan and a Canuck in the same vehicle?) We're just gonna have to figger up our own punch line after we go into the bar.

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Walter
Of course you can. I'd be disappointed if you didn't.

Also if you know of any decent snorkeling areas near the shore of our resort I would be anxious to try those.

I saw the dr yesterday and she said that I am as healthy as a 4 1/2 month pregnant women can be so I should do all the swimming, snorkeling and body boarding that I want while we are in Florida. I might even bring my MX-10 and try to get some photos if you think that the snorkeling areas will provide some opportunties for pictures.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Big O]

I just purchased my tickets, and Im arriving on the 19th @ 1215 pm. Ill either get a ride with Scott, who is driving or Ill share cab fare with someone or pitch in a few bucks towards gas for someone who has already rented a car.

Walter, you should be getting a email from me answering all your questions.

Dave

[Bob]

Natasha,
I'll be driving down and plan to arrive around 4 P. M. on Friday afternoon. It was only a three hour drive to Jupiter Fl last weekend and Deerfield Beach isn't that much farther south. Had a great dive last weekend. The water surface temp was 83 and 73 at 80 fsw. The diving should be wonderful at Wreckmania. See ya'll then. :tree: Bob

[Natasha]

OK Wreckies:
Most have you have now seen the new web site and the Wreckmania itinerary.
For all the Wreck Voyers out there here is the site we are talking about.
www.scubamaniatrips.com Click on Wreckmania
As you can see Walter now wants a quick turn around from the morning dives to the afternoon dives.
Of course he is right. ( Is Walter ever wrong? I think NOT)
Sooo since the quick turn around we will not have time to BBQ lunch. He doesn't really see a reason for the morning divers that are also doing the afternoon dives, to get off the boat. Just come back to pick up afternoon divers, change tanks and away we go!
Soooo we will bring lunch to the boat. Probably Sub sandwiches one day, maybe KFC another.
Just a little up date on the food stuff. Hey that's a MOM's job right?
Always keep the bellies full!

:sunny:

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Natasha
As you can see Walter now wants a quick turn around from the morning dives to the afternoon dives. Of course he is right. ( Is Walter ever wrong? I think NOT) Sooo since the quick turn around we will not have time to BBQ lunch. He doesn't really see a reason for the morning divers that are also doing the afternoon dives, to get off the boat. Just come back to pick up afternoon divers, change tanks and away we go! Soooo we will bring lunch to the boat. Probably Sub sandwiches one day, maybe KFC another.

Thanks Natasha, Walter for keeping us in the state we want to be - full, and diving.

Gosh I can't wait for this trip :D

BTW - Canadian nibbles all ready in the freezer for the trip down. A quick zap in the micro for one thing, and "forcing" the guys to do some cooking on the BBQ, and poof all done.

[Walter]

We have about 1 hour between the boat getting to the dock and the boat leaving the dock. That is time to take empty tanks to the shop and pick up full tanks, but there is not time to head to the hotel for a sit down meal. I expect to eat on the boat ride out to the wreck.

BTW, I made 6 dives off the Lady Go Diver this weekend, including two wrecks. I'll post a report later.

[Walter]

I have a dive schedule for you.

Certification dives will be in the morning for: Scott, Herman, Jeff, Bob, Steve Charlie and Pam.

Certification dives will be in the afternoon for: Sandy, June, Mike, Dave, Susan, Lydia and Natasha.

The afternoon divers will be diving for fun in the morning. The morning divers may opt for fun dives in the afternoon, but as of now are not scheduled.

We will be working with reels Friday evening around the pool deck. This will be practice so we don't screw up on the wrecks. We'll also work on kick styles. Most of our time in the water we will forget there is a flutter kick. We all need to be proficient in sculling and in the frog kick. We'll practice in the pool.

Pete (brand new NAUI Instructor) and MB (old and crafty NAUI Instructor) will be assisting with the class. The three of us will be making all certification dives. I will be assigning buddy teams for the class. If you will be attending with your regular buddy, don't assume I'm aware of the relationship - let me know. I want most of your dives to be with your regular buddy, but I want you to each make at least one dive with a different buddy (the change will do you both good) to get a feel for how other people dive.

All penetrations will be under my direct supervision.

Have you ever entered a compartment measuring approximately 8 ft by 8 ft and found you and your buddy were sharing close quarters with a 6 ft Jewfish? It happened to me on dive number three yesterday afternoon. What ever you do, don't spook him.

[herman]

Which one of the 3 of you made it to the exit first?? My bets on the fish! :eek:

[Walter]

What ever you do, don't spook him. That was the surprising thing, he never moved. Usually a big Jewfish will thump you if you get too close. This one was still there after we left.

[Natasha]

Today starts the REAL countdown!
10 days until Wreckmania. Whoo Hoo.
I can't wait to meet everyone!

Mom

[TexasMike]

FYI.... I already have my recreational Wreck Cert through SDI. Is this gonna goof things up for ya?

[DivingGal]

Like Mike, I've got a wreck certification with another agency. I still want to sit in on the class stuff though, I figure I'll pick up some more info. More knowledge never hurts.


Heck Natasha, I only have 5 days before I head south to Florida - two of which are diving so they don't count (right?) wheeee

[KC_Scubabunny]

I feel sorry for Pam being the only gal in her dive group. Also how did Mike angle himself into the afternoon dive group with all the gals? Inquiring minds want to know!

Walter - Jeff isn't planning to do afternoon dives at this point. He is planning on snorkeling with his dive/pregnancy challenged wife! If he decides after he gets there that he would rather be doing afternoon dives with you guys, can he make the decision then? I just don't want to hold him back if he has a chance to see something wonderful.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Walter]

Heather,

Don't feel sorry for Pam, she'll be the belle of the ball.

Mike needs all the help he can get.

Jeff can decide to dive either (or both) afternoon(s), if he'd like (provided there's room on the boat).

Mike,

It's not a problem, and I've been aware of it from the time you signed on.

[Natasha]

Marci and I sent 4 big boxes down to Wreck Central via Fed Ex gound. All the T shirts and prizes along with tons of serving pieces and stuff. June maybe you can check on it, since you're arriving early. But Don't open it up! You have to wait to be surprised like everyone else ;)

To the divers driving down:
Is anyone bringing a boom box so we can play my John Melencamp Cd's?

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by Natasha
Marci and I sent 4 big boxes down to Wreck Central via Fed Ex gound. All the T shirts and prizes along with tons of serving pieces and stuff. June maybe you can check on it, since you're arriving early. But Don't open it up! You have to wait to be surprised like everyone else ;)

To the divers driving down:
Is anyone bringing a boom box so we can play my John Melencamp Cd's?

I'll check for the boxes when I get there... and I promise not to peek (though I make no guarantee for the guys). I'll call only if they are not there.

Sorry no CD boom box. Though I'm bringing lots of CDs for the trip.

Anyone bringing a board game?

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by Natasha
To the divers driving down:
Is anyone bringing a boom box so we can play my John Melencamp Cd's?

Natasha,

I am bringing my CD Walkman, if Pete has speakers for the computer, we could rob them to hook up to my Walkman to listen to your CD. I love John Melencamp also. Jeff and I were listening to his greatest hits CD on our way to the lake this weekend. I am also planning on bringing a dozen or so CD's.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by DivingGal Anyone bringing a board game? Here's one...

Get a Twister game...weight the mat down in the deep end, and then 4 or 5 of us don our gear and play.

Would definitely make a good photo for the scuba mags!

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by TexasMike
Here's one...

Get a Twister game...weight the mat down in the deep end, and then 4 or 5 of us don our gear and play.

Would definitely make a good photo for the scuba mags!

I'll ask around here... see if I can borrow one. I only have the "usual" games: Clue, Monopoly, Risk, Trivial Pursuit. I can throw one or two in the car if there is interest.

[TexasMike]

by grabbing someone's power inflator and hitting the button!

Don't forget a deck of cards incase we wanna get a Spades tourney started.

[KC_Scubabunny]

I happen to be going to Toys R Us after work to return some stuff we didn't use from my Scavenger Hunt a few weeks ago. Do you want me to price a Twister game? If it is less than $20, I will go ahead and pick one up. I would love to be the photographer since I can't dive. I think I could probably get some good photos with my MX-10 in the pool on snorkel.

Is there anything else anyone can think of from Toys R Us that would be a good addition?

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by KC_Scubabunny
I happen to be going to Toys R Us after work to return some stuff we didn't use from my Scavenger Hunt a few weeks ago. Do you want me to price a Twister game? If it is less than $20, I will go ahead and pick one up. I would love to be the photographer since I can't dive. I think I could probably get some good photos with my MX-10 in the pool on snorkel.

Is there anything else anyone can think of from Toys R Us that would be a good addition?

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

Wait a day Heather -- I asked around the office, a couple of my staff might have one available for use (they just want a picture of us playing) They'll be letting me know tomorrow!

[Natasha]

Ok I admit it. I like to play poker. So does Marci.
Anyone up for a game with nickels and dimes?
Did I hear somoeone say," You mean strip poker, Ok I'm in".
Well, we'll see. Hehehehehee

:jessica:

[Walter]

I have a board game I'll bring. It's called Divers Down. The winner is the first person to successfuly complete any three of Night dive, a Deep dive, a Reef dive and a Wreck dive.

[NetDoc]

Now I am hurt... and a DVD/CD-ROM player built in... What movies we gonna watch???

[KC_Scubabunny]

Originally posted by NetDoc
Now I am hurt... and a DVD/CD-ROM player built in... What movies we gonna watch???

Okay I should have known but I wasn't sure if you were going to lug all that periphery equipment down with you.

Maybe after you survey the situation during Wreckmania I, you can network all the rooms into their own LAN for Wreckmania II?

All that an a NAUI instructor, what more could we ask for!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

BTW, congrats Pete!

[DivingGal]

What can I say, I have great staff! I have a Twister game on loan for Wreckmania.

[Natasha]

Thanks, to your staff. Twister should make for some great underwater pictures.

Do we need another list now that it's so close?
Not things that are obvious, like scuba equipment ..but help me think of the other stuff.


#1 Bug spray .. lots of it
#2 bring your photo albums
#3 Cd's
#4 sunglasses
#5 Water bottle
#6 suntan lotion and block
#7 light jacket
#8 lingerie ..oops how did that get on there?

[TexasMike]

Originally posted by Natasha
#8 lingerieI'll only bring mine if we're showing ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (but that corset don't fit like it used to in college)

[NetDoc]

little brass bells and pepper spray for saltwater gators.

You see there are some small gators and some really huge ones! It really helps to know their presence so you will know what to do. Make sure you clip the bell on your BC so you don't surprise any (yeah, they can hear it under water)... they get real onery when surprised, and keep that pepper spray handy too... it works really well under water.

But in order to figure out which size gators are in the vicinity, you have to inspect their scat, or poop as y'all nawtherners call it. As you probably know, gator poop is heavier than water, so it sinks nicely to the bottom in a neat pile. A small gator's poop will be small and only have small fish and a turtle or two in it. However, a great big salt gator's scat will also be replete with little brass bells and smells of pepper spray!

[DivingGal]

Originally posted by NetDoc
little brass bells and pepper spray for saltwater gators.

You see there are some small gators and some really huge ones! It really helps to know their presence so you will know what to do. Make sure you clip the bell on your BC so you don't surprise any (yeah, they can hear it under water)... they get real onery when surprised, and keep that pepper spray handy too... it works really well under water.

But in order to figure out which size gators are in the vicinity, you have to inspect their scat, or poop as y'all nawtherners call it. As you probably know, gator poop is heavier than water, so it sinks nicely to the bottom in a neat pile. A small gator's poop will be small and only have small fish and a turtle or two in it. However, a great big salt gator's scat will also be replete with little brass bells and smells of pepper spray!

This from the guy who told me not to worry about gators, and when we saw one, told "ah don't worry about that one it's too small to worry about" Oh sure... Pete, sure

((and I'm not sure I want to see Mike in a corset))

[Dee]

Other than the Dee-Rags I'm sending a CD, The Best of Scuba Do by The Barefoot Man. A must hear scuba CD. Think of me when you hear I Get High by Going Down!

[Natasha]

Dee:
Thanks, looking forward to it.
I talked to the resort yesterday. The T shirts and all the boxes we sent have arrived at Wreck Central!
To the surprise guests that are coming to Wreckmania:
Please email me now and let me know what your final plans are.
Thanks... I might even start to pack tomorrow.

Natasha708@aol.com

[livestodive]

Congrats Pete on your new status, instructor extrodinaire!!!

I hope you are only kidding about the gators. Pam absolutely will tell me where to stick her power inflator hose if she even sees one of them!

Hehehe but do tell her about the bells, and then ring one now and then :)

[scuba-sass]

Hi All!

Lyd and I were discussing exposure suits last night, and if we would need to rent something in addition to the 3mm full suits we currently own. Low and behold, she found this delightful web site which, among other interesting info, provides water temps all over Florida:

http://www.tropicsweather.com

Looks like we can expect temps in the low 80's. Does that sound reasonable to you Florida locals?

Walter - if we choose to do a shore dive, can we rent a Dive Float/Flag from the LDS, or should we pack our own?

Happy Diving,

Scuba-sass :-)

[Walter]

It all depends on how easily you get cold. I'll make 4 dives this time of year just wearing a swim suit. I saw 84 degrees on Friday.

I'll have a flag with me and I think Pete will bring a flag. I know we can borrow a flag from MB. We might be covered. I hope anyone driving will bring a flag.

[livestodive]

Walt I have a 3 mil shorty that I am going to bring but am wondering about whether I need something with full body coverage??

Any advice on this would be appreciated :)

Thanks sass for bringing this up

Charlie

[herman]

For what it's worth, I always dive with at least a skin for jellyfish and sunburn protection. Also, as we are doing some penetration of the wrecks, something on your legs and arms seems like a good idea to me.. Which reminds me, Walter, how about gloves? I intend to bring a pair.


Herman

...packed and ready to go!

[scuba-sass]

For the Temp Update, Walter!

We'll probably do most of the dives with just skins, but Lyd gets cold sometimes, so we'll bring the suits "Just In Case". I deffinately agree that skins supply much needed protection from sun, critters and scrapes. I certainly can't claim perfect boyancy, so I know I'll bump into those wrecks now & then!

All through the winter I have this habit of carrying my coat along with me in the back seat of my car, but never actually putting it on. Lyd teases that the extra insulation this provides from it's distance from my skin must keep me really warm. Think this applies to wet suits left in the suitcase?

Happy Diving,

Scuba-sass :-)

[Walter]

Charlie,

I'll be diving in a swim suit. You can bring a wet suit or not or a lycra (I hate calling it that, but since I'm in teaching mode, I'll be good) suit or not depending on your comfort level. It too warm for me to wear a wet suit (but some get cold easier than me) and I've never owned or worn a lycra suit.

Herman,

I always wear gloves on wreck dives.

Only 4 days....................

BTW, who's Walt?

[NetDoc]

but no gulls...

[SunshineFish]

I've actually started preliminary packing - which is a first for me since I always start packing 2 hours before my plane takes off (Mom - aren't you proud? I may even get to the right airport ;) )

As self-professed water wimp, I will be packing (and diving!) in my 3 mil full suit, hood, gloves, and booties. If I had a dive/lycra skin, I'd probably wear that too. (Hm... :idea: ) Back in May, while diving in the Bahamas, I remember thinking that I felt colder than my previous dives - boy was I surprised that the temp had actually gone up 3 degrees to 81 F.

Maybe (just maybe) I will try one shore dive in my bathing suit just to be daring.


Sass: Don't forget to bring your photos of Tahiti!

[scuba-sass]

Hey Sunshine!

The Tahiti photos will come, but it may put us over the Airline's Luggage Weight Limit! Just kidding, but there are nearly 600 shots.... :-)

Can't wait 'til Friday!

Scuba-sass :-)

[scuba-sass]

Well, we made our last minute trip to the LDS prior to WreckMania last night. Walked out "only" spending a little over $200. Pretty cheap, compared to some shopping trips!

I realize we probably could have gotten some of this stuff a lot cheaper on-line, but I don't mind supporting people who's advise may save my life. Here's a list of what's in the bag:

Reel - probably much better than we need for this trip, but I believe in buying stuff that will be useful in the long run.

2 Safety Sausages.

Medium-sized slate (already owned a small one), now we each have one.

Coil Lanyard to attach slate to BC, so when I take it out of my pocket, and drop it in the process, it won't be lost to the depths.

Happy Diving,

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

Hey Guys and Gals:
One last new thread before we go. This one is getting too long ..so go to :
The Last Days till Wreckmania ..for the last minute updates.
Thanks!