Wreckmania II Key Largo

[Natasha]

Hello Divers!
Are you ready to "Sink into History" ? The details for WMII are here!

*
Place:
4 nights @Holiday Inn Key Largo www.holidayinnkeylargo.com
Dive Op:
Sea Dwellers www.seadwellers.com
Includes:
3 days of 2 tank morning dives
Monday afternoon "Buy 1 tank get 1 free Day"
Daily continental breakfast
Group Dive Collectors T shirt
Chance to earn your YMCA Wreck certification with your instructor Walter
Opportunity to dive with the one and only "Pete" AKA NetDoc
Dates:
May 31st 2003 to June 4th 2003
Price:
Alumni Wreckmaniacs
524.00 per person based on double
Wreckmania II divers (earning certification)
649.00 per person based on double
Deposit of 200.00 per person due now.
Final payments due March 1, 2003
I can pair divers up for shares. Divers wanting their own room, add 200.00

PS Photomania will be given by Cathy Church in Grand Cayman.
Dates: March 29th to April 5th 2003

[Spectre]

What do I have to do to get on the list [well, aside of writing a check... ]...

[NetDoc]

there is that application fee that you send directly to me that Natasha forgot to mention :tease: Oh, $50 will do nicely...

We will be doing research on the NitrOx situation before wreckmania... not sure if we can come up with a NitrOx fill station (or borrow one) by then, but we want to make sure it is available. I think I will be looking into a trailer for this year for all of the tanks, and fill station if possible.

Dave and all, shipping tanks to me is a great option and I would be happy to oblige... if they need to be hydroed allow at least a week (it cost's me $10 to do down here) and I can also do the visual and/or Oxy cleaning too if needed... just give me enough lead time to accomplish this!

[Walter]

Wreckmania was tons of fun! Wreckmania II promises to be just as good. MB will (OK, he has to check with work) be joining the staff again this year. The wrecks will be different. We have worked out a schedule, but possible dives include: Spiegel Grove (almost like a wall dive), Duane, Benwood, City of Washington, and the Eagle. All of these are different from each other and should provide some variety for us.

I'm looking forward to seeing Wreckmania alumni and students for a blast in Key Largo!

[WisGal]

And of course, learning from the best you can't go wrong!

Now where did those calendars go..... :)

[Spectre]

NetDoc once bubbled...
there is that application fee that you send directly to me that Natasha forgot to mention :tease: Oh, $50 will do nicely...


Hmm... Howsa about a beer instead?


We will be doing research on the NitrOx situation before wreckmania...


I assume there is a place where one can rent tanks?

[scuba-sass]

I'll check the dates with Lyd, and get back to you.

Scuba-sass :-)

[Walter]

Tell Lydia I have a video for her to watch.

[scuba-sass]

Lyd's been talking more and more about making herself match the person mentioned in that video. Luckily, I think it will have to wait until we can afford another trip to FP for her to do it, since she was so enamored with the Tahitian body art.

Scuba-sass :-)

[Walter]

Washington crossing the Delaware? Andrew Jackson? A view of Niagara that nobody has? Buffalo Bill with his lasso? Surely not her social security numba! Godiva but with her pajamas on? The wreck of the Hespherous too?

[scuba-sass]

The particular Tahitian design she favors was a Manta Ray, with a styalized Sea Turtle within the body of the Ray. Or maybe it was the other way around. Can't quite remember....

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

Tanks, weights, and weight belts if needed are included. No need to bring tanks down. There will be no difference in the price if you do, but if anyone wants to, of course it's OK.
So just to keep it straight here's the list so far.

Walter Pete and MB (All the instructors)
Heather and Jeff ( KCScubabunny)
Susan and Lydia (Scubasass)
Charlie and Pam ( livestodive) Pending graduation dates
DaveO ( BigO) pending vacation date changes
Jeff (Specter) Do you need a roommate?
Bob ( Bob)
Beverly & Sister (BeverlyinCA)
Dennis (pending)
Did I miss anyone?
Yes Jeff, sending the check now will secure the spot 100%. I do need to send money onto the resort.
200.00 per person
Make Checks to
Coast to Coast Travel
1135 Elder Road
Homewood, IL.
60430
Please tell me when checks are sent so I can be on the lookout.
Thanks. It's going to be a great trip .. again!

[scuba-sass]

Isn't Heather known as KCSubabunny?
You may be confusing her with SunshineFish... :-)

[Natasha]

Thanks, changed it.

[scuba-sass]

Since WreckMania II is now earlier than we had thought it would be, Lyd & I will not be able to attend. For her school, Graduation is May 31st, and she has to be in administrative meetings most of the following week.

I'm Really Bummed. :-(
Scuba-sass

[Natasha]

This is always the hardest part of my job. Picking a date that will work for a group is tough!
I'm personally so sorry you two can't make it.
The reason this date was picked is because the Resort and Dive Op were wide open then. This will accomodate more people and be less crowed then the deeper into June dates would have been.
Again, so sorry to anyone that wanted to come and won't be able to.
But then again ..there's always WMIII to hope for.
:)

[Spectre]

Natasha once bubbled...
Jeff (Spectre) Do you need a roommate?

Yea, no plans for a buddy as of yet...

[NetDoc]

The beer sounds great! I'll cut you some slack this time! BTW, I am thinking that pre-class dives be in the central Florida area... I think that is still lobster season, so we can do Daytona for some killa crustaceans... Of course, I just can't remember when the season ends... and that really ticks off the game commission... :tease:

[Walter]

Wreckmania is not during lobster season. The last day of lobster season is March 31.

[Natasha]

I had a PM and I thought I'd share the answer.

May 31st, Saturday, will be the day everyone needs to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale, to make their way down to the Keys. Or of course you can drive down.
The earlier you get in, the better.
Walter will plan on starting the pool work, and book work, that day. Again as soon as everyone is in, he will want to start.
No later then 6PM for this. 5PM is better.

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, will be the dives needed for Wreck Certification to be earned.
Hope that helped.
Walter, of course feel free to add anything I missed.

[raviepoo]

Why can't you schedule these things for holiday weekends?!?!?!?

I would really like to go but I don't have enough vacation days.

[Natasha]

Ravi:
So sorry. Like I said it's very hard to pick a date. I do however stay away from holiday's because it is the busiest, and most expensive time to travel.
I know that leaves a lot of good people out, though.
Once again, I'm very sorry to those that wanted to go, and cannot.

[Big O]

Pencil me in Tasha!

Things looked pretty good after checking the vacation schedule today. I will wait a week or so for supervisor approval before I send in a check Natasha.

Pete, If we do any additional diving, It will have to be after the class days for me not before. Am I assuming correct that Sea Dwellers doesn't have Nitrox? Certainly has to be available somewhere close.

Has anyone heard from Mike? Texas Mike that is? How about Miss Fish? How about the Cunnuck, June?

Sass, sorry you and Lydia can't make it. Itwould be nice to see you folks again.

I may bring along a room-mate but I don't know for sure yet.

Maybe Spectre/Jeff and I could room together, after looking at his profile, he likes diving, tatoo's and beer. And what do you know, I like diving, tatoo's and beer also.

Ill be we could get along!

Dave

[Big O]

GRUELING phone test again! I passed that sucker once, but I don't know if I could do it again!

Dave

[Natasha]

Dave:
LOL you kill me. Glad things are looking up. I told Walter last night how bad I would feel if you couldn't get the vacation time changed.
As for the phone test ..guess what?
First off, Jeff passed it today. Congrats, Jeff.
Secondly .. Alumni's don't have to retake it. Yes, it's one of the benefits of all ready being a Wreckmaniac. So Dave, relax. Have a beer. Get a tatoo. It's only 213 more days to go!
Hey, can Scott make it, and bring those American Flag Speedos again?

[Spectre]

Big O once bubbled...
Maybe Spectre/Jeff and I could room together, after looking at his profile, he likes diving, tatoo's and beer. And what do you know, I like diving, tatoo's and beer also.


Well, Bob and I already hooked up for roommateship...

But that doesn't mean we can't get together, drink a few wobbly-pops, ***** about our roomies and show all the ladies our ink!


Natasha once revealed...
First off, Jeff passed it today. Congrats, Jeff.

Doah!! That was a test?!! Woah... cool :)

[Natasha]

Jeff:
Yes. Remember I said as long as you're really a man when you said you were, and women are really women ..
It's the men that said they were a woman, that flunk. You know like their screen name is ..Misshotpants ..and when I talk to them on the phone, they sound like Joe the truck driver.
Follow me? Ha!

[Big O]

Still 7 months away, and I lost a roomie already...

Maybe Me and the Doc can hook up.....


Later,

Dave

[Spectre]

Big O once bubbled...
Maybe Me and the Doc can hook up.....


Hmm... Natasha might let you hook up with Misshotpants!

[ckharlan66]

I won't be in the office again until next week but I am going to check into the dates. I hope I can go (if you all will have me).

Chad

[Big O]

Anything associated with hotpants scares the bejeezus out of me!


Jeff, I think you and me are gonna get along fine. Do you plan on flying into Miami? If so, maybe we can hook-up, and share a taxi to the joint.

Later,

Dave

[ckharlan66]

What's wrong with hotpants? I find they show off my butt nicely.:D

Chad

[Spectre]

Big O once bubbled...
Jeff, I think you and me are gonna get along fine. Do you plan on flying into Miami? If so, maybe we can hook-up, and share a taxi to the joint.


Not quite sure where I'll be flying into yet... I looked at flights today, and it's about $50 cheaper to fly into Ft. Lauderdale... *shrug* lots of things to decide... I might just end up renting a car [I like to be able to escape if I can't find good coffee on sight! :)]

However yea, I'm definately thinking hooking up for the drive down with some people is the way to go. We'll stay in touch as we get closer!

[Dee]

It's too soon after our Roatan trip for Beast to get more vacation time.

Maybe next year...

[DivingGal]

It does not look promising.... as I'm working at getting a new dive vehicle and that will put trips out of reach until me and the bank are in agreement with things. Until that's settled, I really shouldn't plan anything that I can't commit to.

Though I am trying to plan to have at least one or two trips someplace warm -- I just have to persuade someone to take the time off.

[chepar]

Again, I'm jealous. Not enough vacation to go that far next year.

:(

[Natasha]

.

[KC_Scubabunny]

So you could say that us Wreckmaniacs are kind of like official NDI Goodwill Ambassadors? I see a monogrammed polo shirt in our future!

Seriously, I think Wreckmania and any other like such trip that is conceived, planned and carried out by divers who would not have otherwise met had we not been part of the Scubaboard is a true testiment to the hard work of King Neptune and LadyDiver!

Let's hear it for our fabulous hosts!!!! :cheer: :bounce: :cheer:


Sorry to hear that Susan and Lydia won't be back with us this year. It won't be the same but understand that they frown on teachers missing their students graduation. DivingGal will have to come up with a better excuse than a new Scubamobile to get out of this one. What better way to break in that new car than to drive it to Key Largo? Maybe you could pick up some Wreckmanic hitchhikers along the way an help pay for the trip!

BigO - I may have the perfect roomie for you. I told Natasha when I talked to her on the phone the other day that I have a single female friend who might want to make the trip with Jeff and I. How do you feel about a girl roommate as long as she likes diving, beer and tatoos? Seriously, Tami is a long time friend of mine from the Air Force who started diving with Jeff and I about a year and a half ago and would love to come to Wreckmania if she isn't in Iraq fighting the bad guys. I am going to talk to her about it this weekend.

Sounds like WMII is shaping up to be another awesome time. 212 days to go!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[DivingGal]

KC_Scubabunny once bubbled...
.... DivingGal will have to come up with a better excuse than a new Scubamobile to get out of this one. What better way to break in that new car than to drive it to Key Largo? Maybe you could pick up some Wreckmanic hitchhikers along the way an help pay for the trip!

It would be a good excuse, but don't forget the other bit of me persuading someone to take some time off too.... some things are just too hard to plan.

[raviepoo]

I wish I could go but the trip won't fit in to my schedule. However, I have this peice of culinary wisdom to offer.

Eat at Hobos at mile marker 105. Just do it. Trust me.

[livestodive]

Pam and I won't be able to attend this years wreckmania. Our youngest is graduating from HS on 6/02.

On another note are there going to be any maniacs staying and diving after 6/4? We may make a 4 or 5 day run if others are going to be there.

[KC_Scubabunny]

Charlie,

Jeff and I are planning to make it a full week trip. We will probably fly in on 5/31 and out on 6/6. Depending on flight times, we will probably need to stop diving on 6/5 to get our surface interval. I think Dave and Pete were talking about diving before or after in the springs. Hope you guys can make if only for a few days.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[FLL Diver]

Looks like I'll be there. After the change in dates I had to do some checking, but unless I hear differently I'm in.

If anyone want to do pre/post in Fort Lauderdale, and/or needs a hotel room, let me know. I have contacts. ;)

Marc :jester:

[Natasha]

Marc:
I'm very happy you can make it. Although I personally invited you, in a PM awhile back, you still need to pass the phone test. Ha! ;)
When can we talk?

PS What if you're really some sweet old lady from Pasadena?

[FLL Diver]

What? The profile picture with the neatly trimmed moustache doesn't convince you? :D

You have a PM. And I pay commissions with a bona fide IATA #. ;)

Marc :jester:

[Spectre]

KC_Scubabunny once bubbled...
How do you feel about a girl roommate as long as she likes diving, beer and tatoos

Doah! Sounds like BigO got to trade up!

[Natasha]

Chad and Marc both passed the phone test today. See, it can't be THAT hard, right?
:)

PS They both seem to be REAL men, and not those kind that eat quiche. ( More the red meat steak type)

[scuba-sass]

Natasha,

What's that Quiche comment about? Some of my best friends eat quiche! In fact, if you had served quiche at WreckMania I, I bet everyone would have eaten it! Of course, we would have eaten just about anything by that time, 'cause we worked so hard fightin' those currents!

Scuba-sass :-)

[Natasha]

Sass:
It's good to know you're still reading these Wreckmania threads. Looks like you'll be there in spirit this time.
Give Lydia a hug for me.
:smooch:

[NetDoc]

oh, I thought that meant "quicky" in French... sorry! :tease:

[KC_Scubabunny]

scuba-sass once bubbled...
What's that Quiche comment about? Some of my best friends eat quiche!


Natasha,

I am with Susan, quiche is a manly food. In fact one of the first breakfasts that Jeff ever made me when we were dating was quiche. He has only made it about 3 times in the 8 years since but he is capable of not only eating but preparing quiche and he is definitely a red meat and powertools kind of guy!

I am glad to hear that more people are passing the phone test. Welcome to the Wreckmania Club Chad & Marc!

How many people are we up to now? I am still trying to convince my friend Tami to come with Jeff and I. Are we getting close to capacity?

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

I must be showing my age. Could some of the old timers step in and help me out?
I guess you two don't remember the book fom the early 80's?, or was it late 70's called, " Real men don't eat Quiche", eh?

PS. There is still plenty of room for new Wreckmaniacs to join the trip.

[Natasha]

Real Men Don't Eat Quiche
Bruce Feirstein Lee Lorenz (Illustrator)

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0671492284
Publisher: Pocket Books
Pub. Date: September 1983



By the way I'm off the board for the weekend, in Shipshawa, Indiana.

[Kosh]

I just spoke with Natasha, and she said to tell everyone I passed the phone test! Let me tell you, that was tough. So, it looks like I’ll be attending Wreckmania II. I’m looking to share a room if anyone needs a roomie. PM me if you are interested.

Thanks.

[DennisW]

In any case, I need to work out the finances, but I plan on coming to Wreckmania II. I will need a ride from Fort Lauderdale airport and a room mate since Donna isn't planning on attending.

[SunshineFish]

Hello! Sorry I have been MIA lately - haven't had time to log on as much anymore. Still trying to keep up with the board tho.

I am not sure if I can make this trip next year. I would love to see everyone again. Long story short - I have decided that I absolutely abhor my job and am giving my 2 weeks in 3 weeks. So I will be unemployed thus pennyless. Especially with the holiday season coming up. Although, I have been toying with the idea of getting a new job that gives me the weeks of WMII and Cayman week off. :tease:

On another note - my marathon is TOMORROW!!! Woo-hoo! I'm so excited. I am aiming for a time of between 4.5 and 5 hours. Hope I make it.

Sandy

[Bob]

Sandy,
I know you'll do well! Would you post how well you finished? Sandy, you'll be missed if you can't make the Caymans. :tree: Bob

[Natasha]

Hi Sandy:
I was wondering where you have been. It's good to see you're still thinking "Dive Trips." We'll cross our fingers you can make the Cayman trip and this one.
Dennis:
Hi! In case anyone read your post before you edited it, (I did) I think we should tell them a few things.
Dennis is Walter's Big? brother. So if he seemed like he didn't want to take the phone test, that could be why.
Ha!
But Pete will tell you, he even took it.
Don't worry Dennis you have a 50/ 50 chance of passing.
I think I may change the room sharing buddies around a bit.
So anyone needing a buddy, just post that, and after talking to each one of you, it's best I pair you up.
OK?
PS Walter will vouch for me on this. I gave him a great room mate for Bonaire.

[DennisW]

My post before I edited it was a bit facetious. I was trying to be funny and I really and truly don't mind taking the phone test at all. Walter thought I wasn't funny, go figure. In any case I'll take any phone test required for any dive trip. The real clencher is getting the finances straight so I can take the trip. We just bought a house in an area that is at least 50% higher for real estate costs than Melbourne, FL. Donna has had to have her Airplane Engine rebuilt unexpectedly, which costs the same as a moderately priced new car. And, Donna is still looking for a job. Anybody need a professional pilot?

[Natasha]

Well, I did think it was funny before you edited it. So chances are pretty good, you'll pass my test. I seem to like dry humor. :)
So whenever you're comfortable committing to the trip let us know.
We have 5 rooms left as of today.
While I told some of you in PMs, and some on the phone, here are the cancellation polices.
Of the 200.00 deposit, 150.00 is refundable. So there is a 50.00 charge to cancel while under deposit.
This time, after full payments the trip is 100% non refundable. Last trip, I gave back refunds, and it wasn't easy. The dive shop and resort want the money to hold very prime spring space.

[KC_Scubabunny]

DennisW once bubbled...
My post before I edited it was a bit facetious. I was trying to be funny and I really and truly don't mind taking the phone test at all. Walter thought I wasn't funny, go figure.

Dennis,

I saw it before you edited and thought it was funny too so I am sure you will pass! What kind of airplane? My husband Jeff and I met in the Air Force and are both "wing nuts". Jeff is actually also an A&P licensed commercial mechanic so it is too bad he wasn't around to assist with that engine rebuild. My knowledge is limited to Air Force A-10's which I worked on and around for almost 11 years. Bob, a fellow Wreckmaniac, is a corporate pilot so we should have a fair amount of aviation speak around a Wreckmania II. Hope you can make it!

Natasha - my check is going in the mail tomorrow and my friend Tami sounds like she is going to be a Wreckmaniac as well. She will be in contact with you soon about her phone interview.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Heather:
You're awesome. Thanks. Glad to hear Tami wants to make it too.
Will she be able to sign on as a scuba board member and introduce herself?

[DennisW]

At least someone appreciated my attempt at humor. I will know more about my status by the end of the week. I'll let you know.

The following is for Heather and Jeff:

Donna owns a 1973 Cessna Cardinal RG (C-177RG).
The engine on this airplane has a tendency to get close to max oil temperatures in the summertime in Florida. We have seen pretty high oil temps several times, which has, in my opinion, exacerbated the following problems. Unfortunately, the engine began to develop lower than normal power on takeoff and climb out. It was also using more oil than we liked. Still in specifications, but not good. We checked the compression and it was significantly lower than at the last annual. Still in specifications, but all of these things were indications of something wrong. So, we pulled the jug on number 1 and there was oil in the top of the cylinder. Not good, so we pulled another jug, same thing. Then as we were deciding on sending the cylinders off for honing and getting a new set of rings, we also inspected the cam. The number 1 exhaust lobe was worn below specifications. I suspect this was the main reason for the lower power. Since to replace the cam, you have to crack the case, you might as well do an overhaul.

We bought the plane in 1994 after a major overhaul, they installed chromed cylinders. Not this time. I have not heard one good experience about chromed cylinders. This engine only had about 800 hours on it.

So, in a couple of weeks, hopefully we wil be in the air again.

[NetDoc]

either is a saint or has a great sense of humor :tease: . BTW, did he count his peas before dinner every night??? Somehow I think that between you, MB, and me we will have a rather "humble" Walter at Wreckmania II... I just can't wait!

[DennisW]

Wally? I would never call him Wally. I did have him named before he was born though and his name wasn't Walter. We can discuss that over some beer if I get to go. I think I will, but I still need to check on a few things before I commit completely. By the way, I passed the phone test!!!

Thanks Natasha, I enjoyed the conversation.

[Walter]

I am compulsive, but not nearly as bad as I'd be if I didn't try to keep it in check. As for humbling me, give it your best shot. I need a little reality check now and then.

[Spectre]

DennisW once bubbled...
did have him named before he was born though and his name wasn't Walter. We can discuss that over some beer if I get to go.

Ooooh!! Embarrassing childhood stories of Walter for the cost of a beer??? Count me in!!!

[NetDoc]

You know that I am on "your side"... and I like the compulsive thing. Especially when it comes to diving! :tease: But getting to hear about you growing up... we might want to take up a collection for this.

[FLL Diver]

Spectre once bubbled...


Ooooh!! Embarrassing childhood stories of Walter for the cost of a beer??? Count me in!!!

A beer? Hell, put me down for a case! :D

And don't anyone worry about the phone test. If I can pass it, anyone can.

Marc the manly meat quiche eater :jester:

[Bob]

Dennis,
I had a '83 Turbo Arrow one time. To make a long story short, I wound up doing a TOH on it. The guys at the FBO talked me into a chome top and I've always regretted it. Sadly, I experienced the same thing you are dealing with now. It always used oil at a higher rate (and ran hotter) than I was comfortable with, but not quite enough for the engine manafacturer to fix the thing. I was never really at ease` with it after the TOH. I sold it before sinking any more money into the motor. BTW, I fully informed the new owner of my concerns. If I ever have another plane, and have to replace the cylinders, I'll replace them with regular steel lined jugs.That old adage is true, the happiest day in the life of a aircraft owner is the day he stands on the tarmac and waves goodbye to the new owner. At least it was for me. :tree: Bob

[DennisW]

Bob,

My wife owns the Cardinal. If I'm really nice, ... I get to fly it. Actually it is her plane and she loves it. The Cardinal is a very good airplane and comfortable to fly. Not trucky feeling like most Cessnas. It flys more like a Mooney, but the elevators are a bit heavier. The nice thing about the Cardinal over the Mooney is that it has a higher payload for about 5 - 10 knots less cruise. And, it is much more roomy. Same engine, too. I'll bet she never sells this plane unless she buys a new one. This time, it gets regular old steel jugs. Me? One day, I hope to build an RV-7 or -9 or something similar.

Everyone else,

As for humbling Walter, that's a big job. And, I don't think he's compulsive. I think he is a frustrated statistician or engineer or mathematician.

I just noticed, I just went over 300 posts.

[Bob]

Dennis,
I've flown a RG and they are a nice plane to fly. I have a friend up in Elizabethon TN. who owns a RG and I like everything about it except for those spindly main gear struts... If I buy again, maybe a Saratoga or a 210, something on that order. I won't fit in a Mooney, it has to be something larger than that. :tease: Hope to see you at Wreckmania.:tree: Bob

[Big O]

Other than Iv'e been up in two that I felt safer to jump out of.

I think thats half the key to get someone to skydive......

Get them up in a plane, that they think "there aint no way in hell this sucker is gonna land safely".....

Thats what I thought anyway, I fought to jump......!

Just my story.....

Dave

[Big O]

Poor attempt at humor shut down the replys on this subject!

Actually, I love flying, and Id love to get my P.L.

But the 2 small planes I've been in in life, I chose to jump out of.

Dave

[DennisW]

I don't think your attempt at humor shut down the thread. I thought it was a pretty good attempt myself. I, of course, would never jump out of a perfectly good airplane. If it still has wings, it is a perfectly good airplane.

However, this is the wreckmania thread, and I think I started the airplane stuff, explaining why I am pretty much broke right now. So getting off subject was my fault. I have yet to find a good forum for pilots and aircraft owners. There is Cardinal Flyers Online, but theirs is an e-mail forum. It's not like this one at all. Donna subscribes to it.

In any case, I guess we should get back to wreckmania business and if anyone wants, they can start another airplane, flying thread under Non-Diving Related Stuff.

[KC_Scubabunny]

Dennis,

I share fault. I asked what kind or aircraft Donna had because I thought it would be something that Dennis, Bob, Jeff and I could talk about at Wreckmania.

One last aircraft comment for you Dennis, you said that Donna's Cardinal had 800 flight hours on the engine when it needed the overhaul. That struck me as funny because my Air Force experience is that we do a complete rebuild on both engines every 400 hours during phase inspection whether they need it or not and we do engine service every 100 hours. That's your tax dollars at work! I am sure big turbine wheel engines probably wear differently but 800 hours still seemed like a lot to me.

Back to diving and Wreckmania!

Natasha - Tami will be logging on the board and meeting everyone probably this weekend. She works for the Department of Defense and they don't allow internet surfing during work hours so she has to wait until evenings and weekends to check out new websites. She has your email so she can ask you questions that I couldn't answer between now and then.

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Heather:
Tell Tami we're all looking forward to seeing her become a Wreckmaniac.
To the airplane wreckies:
We realize Wreckmania is over 190? or so days away.
Because of this, you are allowed to talk about whatever you like, on a Wreckmania thread. We know Wreckies can't just talk about Wreckmania for 190 more days!
So feel free to share your everyday lives with us. That's part of what Wreckmania is about.

Disclaimer:
This is not allowed on any other threads! Heheheheh

[Spectre]

I'm quietly sitting back and waiting until the airplane conversation turns towards airplane wrecks... to which I will then become interested again! :)

[DennisW]

I would love to dive an airplane wreck. That would be a real blast for me and Donna as well.

Heather,

Most piston engines for airplanes have a 2000 hour Time Before Overhaul (TBO) recommendation from the Engine manufacturer. Some have to be done early, some later than 2000 hours. I know of an old 6 cylinder Continental engine on a 1956 Cessna 172 that has well over 3000 hours and doesn't burn oil appreciably and has compression on all cylinders well above specifications. Unusual, but it does happen.

Your military jet engines are misused terribly and need overhauls at shorter periods than even commercial jet engines.

My Toyota Previa Mini-Van has almost 190,000 miles. If you assume an average of 45 miles an hour, that's over 4200 hours on the engine. Not too shabby.

[KC_Scubabunny]

DennisW once bubbled...
Your military jet engines are misused terribly and need overhauls at shorter periods than even commercial jet engines.


Dennis - You are correct. You should see the bozos that they let fly some of them! In the military the pilots only "borrow" the aircraft for missions but they are "owned" by the maintenance squadron so we tend to be a little protective of our babies. Very different from in the civilian aviation world.

Spectre - I have dove an aircraft wreck. An old broken up cargo plane in Roatan. If you ever stay at Fantasy Island Resort or CocoView on Roatan, there is an old shipwreck and cargo plane that are shore dives from both resorts. I have some pictures somewhere that I will try to find and post.

I have heard that there are some really nice WWII aircraft wreck sites off of Pearl Harbor. Obviously mostly Japanese fighters but also some US fighters that attempted to launch a counter attack. I was suppose to go to Hickam AFB out there in Oct 2001 but 9/11 caused the trip to be cancelled. That is on my short list of must dive sites but now that I am out of the Air Force, I guess I will have to pay for the travel myself!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

The very first Wreckmania check came today. It was from Beverly.
Thanks Bev.. and I bought some very special gifts for Wreckmaniacs ..you get one for being first!
( 2 checks for Cayman came too, I'll post it over there)

[Walter]

That's great news! Welcome to the trip Beverly, I know it'll be a joy having you with us!

[Bob]

Bev,
Happy to hear you're coming to Wreckmania. I look forward to seeing you again. For those Wreckmaniacs who don't know Bev, this girl knows what she's doing underwater! :tree: Bob.

[Natasha]

Are the Wreckmaniacs sleeping?

Maybe we need a new subject.
How about ..those that have already dove in Key largo, tell us your last dive experience there.
I dove there last ..gee, getting out my log book, 10/98.
I was the only diver on the boat, so I hired a DM to be my buddy for $40.00. My two sons were on top of the water snorkeling and I was under them with a tank. We were staying at the Westin Key Largo.
I think it was that time, that they both had their interest sparked to become divers. Now they have under 10 dives, but hey it's a start.

[KC_Scubabunny]

Natasha,

I have bad news for us, my friend Tami got offered a great new job but won't have enough vacation to go with us to Wreckmania.
I am happy for her because it was a large raise but I really wanted her to be my buddy during the Wreck Certification dives.

She is interested in future singles dive trips that you put together after checking out your website.

Also, did you get my check? I sent it Wednesday.

Jeff and I have never dove Key Largo but we have heard fantastic things. I would like to hear some stories or see pictures of others adventures in diving there!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[Natasha]

Hi Heather:
Yes, your check was in today's mail. Cute check, thanks.
That is too bad about Tami. But, tell her congrats on her new job.
It would be great if she can make the Cozumel Single's Trip, or WMIII. Tell her if she wants to get personal emails from me, to email me her address and I'll keep her on the "Preferred trip shopper mailings."

[DennisW]

Well guys, my daughter's car broke down and a large portion of my Wreckmania funds went to fix her car. Unfortunately, that's life when you have kids and especially when they are in college, it is expensive.

So, we'll have tell lies about Walter on another trip.

[Spectre]

DennisW once bubbled...
So, we'll have tell lies about Walter on another trip.

You'll have to seed us with embarassing questions to ask Walter to promote him having to tell the stories himself! :)

[Natasha]

Mail Call!
Lots of checks came in today. Wreckmaniacs Live on!
Chad, Jeff, and Daryl, I recieved all of yours today.
Thank you for being so prompt!
Heather:
How many more days?

[KC_Scubabunny]

199 more days until Wreckmania II and for those who are keeping track, 37 more days until my due date. Have I mentioned how much I want both to hurry up and get here?

Glad to hear so many of you new maniacs have secured your spots. This year's trip did not disappoint and I wasn't even able to dive so that had to be a good trip!

DennisW - Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it but on behalf of daughters whose dad's provided car maintenance thoughout college "Thank You". My dad and I still joke that my 85 Nissan Sentra made it to graduation with duck tape and bailing wire holding it together!

:bunny: Heather :bunny:

[ckharlan66]

Glad you got it.

Now that it is official what should I bring? If I bring my doubles will I be the only one with them? Should I bring my single rig?

Looking forward to the input.

Chad

[Walter]

Bring either rig. Doubles are not required, but they are welcome. I'll be diving doubles and Pete will probably dive doubles. Others may or may not.

[ckharlan66]

I can't wait to meet you and the rest of the group.

The other concern I have is that my doubles are steel so I would need my drysuit. Will the water be too warm?

[FLL Diver]

ckharlan66 once bubbled...
The other concern I have is that my doubles are steel so I would need my drysuit. Will the water be too warm?

Average water temp at the end of May - beginning of June is 78-79°. Is that too warm for a dry suit?

Marc :jester:

[ckharlan66]

I am a CAD tried and true. :D

Thanks for the reply.

Chad

[Big O]

How are you getting there? Driving? Flying? I went last year, and am going again this year. Im trying to figure out how to get my doubles rig down there also.

Gimme details Man!

Dave

[NetDoc]

You can always UPS your tanks to me... and I can do any VIS/hydro you might need as long as you get them to me early enough. Still trying to figure out the best way to deal with NitrOx.

[Natasha]

Chad the Cad has a nice ring to it.

[Big O]

Still looking into shipping them to you bud. If I do that, they won't need hydro'd or vised. Are you familiar with the shop Pete? Will they fill a empty cylinder without doing a vis?

Don't want to make this a PITA for you Pete!

Dave

PS, 'Tasha, if your wondering why I haven't mailed a check, there is still a VERY SLIGHT CHANCE I can't make it.

Is this years situation like last years that you would rather not have the deposit as opposed to having to refundthe deposit?

Dave

[NetDoc]

I would get your first charge of NitrOx in the tanks fro a shop I know before I left O-ville. :tease:

[ckharlan66]

I think I am driving, but, just because I want a car when I get there and if I have to rent one it will get real expensive.

Chad

[Natasha]

Chad I'll be renting a car with David. I'll let you know when it gets closer what I find for the best price. Then you can decide.

Also, I put a call through to the dive shop about the Nitrox, since I will want to dive Nitrox too.
They are getting back to me, but so far they said in the past they have been able to get Ocean Divers to fill people's own tanks. They also said we can probably get some Nitrox tanks from Ocean Divers, but it hasn't been confirmed 100% yet until I talk to Rob, and he is out on a dive boat as I type.
Does everyone want Nitrox?

[scuba-sass]

Just jumping in with my $0.02 worth....

I almost always use Priceline.com (http://www.priceline.com/) for car rentals. I research rates elsewhere ahead of time, and then make an offer. Since you can specify pick-up and drop-off times (unlike flight times with their airfare deals), what have you got to lose? I've used them for car rental and hotels 5 or 6 times, and never been dissapointed.

(Sorry, Natasha - I'm sure TA's hate this...)

Happy Diving!
Scuba-sass :-)

[ckharlan66]

Thanks Natasha. I will have to think about it some. The airfare should be free on freq. flyer but it depends on how much car rental and tank shipment will be. Oh well plenty of time to decide.

I think I will be Nitrox certified by then but I am not totally sure.

Chad

[Natasha]

When we hit 100 posts on a Wreckmania Thread Walter and I decided to close it, and start another thread.
So please sign onto the new thread to keep updated.
Thanks!

[Walter]

It slipped up on me, I didn't notice we hit 100.