This Saturday past a whole group of us headed out on an adventure that was most likely guided by Devine intervention. We stood on deck and discussed several off-shore sites. We needed a good place to begin our three-tank diving day. None of us had been to the Chippewa for several years so that seemed to be the best decision.
The seas were calm and the breeze cool against our faces as we sailed past the rocks. Then, almost as if in unison, the whole group decided that it would be better to hit bridge span thirteen first, then go to the Chippewa second. Following unknown instincts, we agreed on the span first.
Span thirteen, is so far out that few divers have experienced her. She lies in 103 feet of water and is way out in the blue Gulf. As soon as I entered the water, I could see the structure seventy feet below. My heart raced at the thought of a new and unknown location as I free descended in the warm, clear water
Almost immediately, scattered pieces of turtle skeleton reminded me of "Unlucky thirteen." We swam around the sand and as I rounded the corner I spotted an intact sea biscuit shell. I started toward it and Kathy scooped it up with my hand less than two feet away. Dang! I thought.
We looked at marvelous creatures and searched for more. Then Jerry saw her, a sea turtle, entangled in fishing line and struggling. She seemed to look at him through sad eyes that said "Help me please!" Jerry rushed to her side and began cutting her free. She swam quickly for the surface. Once, she turned and looked back as if to say, I'd like to hang around but I so need a breath!
I don't have any idea what brought us there first, I like to think that it was a guiding hand. Whatever it was makes no difference, what matters is that another of God's magnificent creatures lives and swims free. Thanks Jerry for your quick reaction and your heart of gold.