Wreckmania II: On the scene!!!

[NetDoc]

Hey all, just a quick report on doings down here in sunny Key Largo! A group of us went out and destroyed Molassas reef this morning. Warm water (though Spectre INSISTS on a dry suit) and fair vis made the diving fun and easy.
STROKE ALERT!!! Spectre did have an altercation with his long hose and is sporting a nice cut above his eye!!! STROKE ALERT!!!
Lots of fish, a baby sea turtle and a few bugs showed us quickly what diving in the Keys is all about. Both dives had a max depth of close to 30' or so and lasted an hour each.

There has been discussion of who amond us is the biggest Geek... One of us has been nicked "Yo Geek Boy" but I am not allowed to reveal who until the contest is over (wouldn't want to prejudice things against JS). :tease:

[KyMermaidDivr]

sounds like you guys are trying to get my guy in trouble down there. :mean: ;) Jeff, I'm sorry to hear about your :booboo: from your long hose, or um, reg. Hope tomorrow is a better day. ;) Just have a few drinks tonight and it will feel all better. "Yo Geek Boy", eh? Hmmm ... I can only view the results, I'm afraid. :D

Keep having fun and be safe,

Monica

[Big-t-2538]

you dern geek....now get ya a cold frosty beverage or 12 and contemplate your actions.....

warm water dry-suit....not only is he geek boy...he is wuss boy too...

And Spec...there is no "race" diving like there is skiiing...slow down...relax...enjoy...look at the fisheis...or if you're at the hotel the ladies...

[bwerb]

Oh the shame...smacked by the longhose...will you ever live it down.

;)

[KeyLargoBrent]

I saw you guys underwater at the Winch Hole... did a double take at the drysuit... hope there's a pee valve in that thing! Be good... I'm keeping an eye on you guys (maybe I'll learn something)!

[FLL Diver]

bwerb once bubbled...
Oh the shame...smacked by the longhose...will you ever live it down.

;)



And I can post the picture of the wound it caused. :D

[Big-t-2538]

I would be worried about what happens to you if you don't post the wound....

[KyMermaidDivr]

well, the "accident prone" aura is rubbing off on Spec from the KPP I'm afraid. ;) I do feel for him.

But the poor guy has a legit reason for the drysuit. I was going to give him a hard time too, but thought I'd ask first ... for once. I'm sure he's a bit uncomfortable in it with water temps ... or I would think.

I'm just looking forward to pics! Nice pics guys. ;)

[NetDoc]

So far, Melissa (FLL Diver's daughter) got to be Walter's DPV for a bit, while I used CKHarlan66 as my way to save some gas!!! Pictures hopefully to follow...

First dive was on the Benwood to a depth of 40 ft and was phenominal. Tons of creatures, including morays, bristle worms, a HUGE bait ball, cuda, Jaw fish... you name it, it was there! I got 70 minutes (With a lot of air left!!!)

Second dive was the wreck on Molassass reef. We saw lobster, a huge green moray. We tested our DPVs and they worked well! Pictures soon to follow!

[Spectre]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...
warm water dry-suit....not only is he geek boy...he is wuss boy too...


I had a choice. No diving until september, or dive dry with no flutter kicking...

What would you choose?

Isn't it all about who looks the coolest???

[Spectre]

Now Chad.... he's not the coolest; but he's getting there!

We'll have to wait until I get back to post the videos of Netdoc... right now I have them in the hotel safe before he tries to destroy the evidence!

[Spectre]

Regarding the poll. Friday night. Netdoc was on his way down, Chad and I were hanging out.

I left to go check out one of the bars at 10:30. I got back about 11:15.

In that time, Netdoc had gotten down, setup his laptop, and was on SB.

So I'm out drinkin', and King Geek is on the computer.

Saturday morning I'm getting up. I check Chad and Pete's room. Pete's checking his e-mail at 6:30 AM.

So; you folks can vote in the poll all you want.. I safely know the true answer!

[jbd]

don't spoil the Jr Geek while he's down there. He looks far too comfortable in that picture.

[pdoege]

About a month and a half ago or so.

Go Spectre Go!

Peter

[scuba-sass]

I hope you all have a fabulous time, but I'm really envious reading these posts! I so wanted to be with you again this year, but Natasha had to go and plan the trip for Graduation Weekend!

Have Fun, Dive Safe, and keep those updates coming!

Scuba-Sass :-)

[Kosh]

Man, this is tough to call. However, I voted for Spectre. Diving dry in the Keys.

However, I did see someone on the dive boat this morning almost choke himself with his long hose. That was pretty geeky!

And now I can comment on NetDoc's email to the Wreckmaniacs: Yeah, Pete, I guess you are pretty cool.


Having a good time so far. One day left. Hopefully they saved the best for last!

[NetDoc]

Sunday... "If I had known the divemaster wasn't going to be here, I would have slept in!" ckharlan66

Monday... "I've got it made! If I get in any trouble, she's going to blame you guys!" ckharlan66

"I don't penetrate anything without doubles!" Spectre

Seen today... that rare scubadiving flamingo!

[Spectre]

NetDoc once bubbled...
"I don't penetrate anything without doubles!" Spectre


Nope... that was Chad also...

I don't think you collected any quotes from me that were appropriate for a family board.

[FLL Diver]

First on the list - Spec's wound after he tried to perform minor surgery on himself with his long hosed reg. :D

[FLL Diver]

A motley crew if I've ever seen one.

Back: Jeff, Pete
Mid: Chad (seated), Melissa, Marc
Front: Walter

[FLL Diver]

Melissa in front of coral.

[FLL Diver]

Chad, Pete and Walter

[FLL Diver]

My buoyancy seems off. I better let some air out.

[FLL Diver]

Thanks for the lift Chad.

[FLL Diver]

It beats a hood or beanie.

[FLL Diver]

The rest of the pictures can be seen
here. (http://groups.msn.com/FaubertsInFlorida/wreckmaniaiiinkeylargo.msnw?albumlist=2)

Marc

[KyMermaidDivr]

Looks like you all are having so much fun. Thanks for posting the pics. Looks like Chad's still alive. ;)

Oh and NetDoc, Chad's a big boy ... if he gets in trouble, he's going down, also! BWAHAAHAAA! :joke: He knows I trust him.

Walter, you're looking out for me, right?? :)

Keep having a great time and sending those wonderful pics!

Monica

[Spectre]

So Pete spent one night in Chad's room. Chad spent most of the night with an eye-dropper dripping Kool-Aid on his lips.

[Spectre]

Unfortunately Chad didn't really have enough time to complete the transfusion...

That hat is a definate rule 6 violation!

[Spectre]

Spectre once bubbled...
That hat is a definate rule 6 violation!

Ok... Just showed Dave this picture.

The quote of the day:

"That boy ain't right" - Big O

[Big-t-2538]

That may be, but pete sure is a fine lookin specimen.....you think he'll let me borrow that hat for DIR-F next week?

looks like you guys are having a blast....

BTW...spec...why does it matter if you dive wet....I don't follow that at all, are you not allowd to shower either?

And Spec...if you're only spending 45 minutes at the bar, there was either
A - No beer
B - You were the only person there
C - No Girls...(but that would be reason forme to stay)
or
D - The bartender was gay and hit on you....

which one is it?

[Big-t-2538]

KyMermaidDivr once bubbled...
Looks like Chad's still alive. ;)


you mean he hasn't called???? what kind of a guy is that....one who is having too much "fun" I guess....


Oh and NetDoc, Chad's a big boy ... if he gets in trouble, he's going down, also! BWAHAAHAAA! :joke: He knows I trust him.

Ahhh what am I saying...he's too mu8ch of a goodie goodie to get into any real trouble.....I can't wait to exploit him and embarass hium during DIR-F....there has to be something he hasn't converted yet...the poor guy must like kool-aid and he hasn't even taken the class yet....sheesh

[Spectre]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...
And Spec...if you're only spending 45 minutes at the bar, there was either
A - No beer
B - You were the only person there
C - No Girls...(but that would be reason forme to stay)
or
D - The bartender was gay and hit on you....


E: A & C.... and almost B. That was only the 'scoping out' trip... I didn't return. Last night however, we ended out way way too late [but poor Chad fell asleep and missed the festivities!]

I think he's planning on holding down the fort again for our last night... Oh well, I'm headed out drinkin' with the boat crew.

[jbd]

having an effect on Chad. The pics look nothing like the Chad I dive with. There must be some alien compound in the kool-aid.

[Walter]

Monica,

I'm looking out for you and your interests. As much as I wanted to cut Chad's hose, he's just too likeable, i couldn't bring myself to do it. He was really paranoid and aborted all the deep dives (claimed he couldn't equalize), I'm guessing he didn't realize I'd changed my mind about cutting his hose.

I left the Keys this afternoon, but don't worry, Jeff said he'd take good care of Chad.

[NetDoc]

Walter has left...
I have left...

So Chad is left all alone with Jeff... does anyone else smell trouble a brewing? :tease:

Quote of the day... "AIIIIIIIGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH... you're dead!" Spectre (as he got doused with ice cold water while he was a sunnin' himself)

Second Quote of the day... "I could have gone ALL day without seeing that" Walter & Chad (After Spectre pulled NetDoc's bathing suit down around his ankles in retaliation)

Third Quote of the day... "Nothing finer than a full moon over Florida"... NetDoc (same incident)

[NetDoc]

The nine dives were all fabulous, but the night dive on the Duane was absolutely spectacular!

Everything went ultra smoothly (not even any currents to battle). I met some really cool people (including Spectre and ckharlan66) and renewed aquaintances with some good friends. Dave and I FINALLY got to buddy together and it was the best dive for both of us! Walter is still anal in a great sort of way. I had a wonderful time and am looking forward to next year!!!

To do differently? Some shallower wrecks that can be penetrated easily. Group the class together (if at all possible) in the motel. Hire Chris to be our resident masseuse... :tease:

[KyMermaidDivr]

Walter once bubbled...
Monica,

I'm looking out for you and your interests. As much as I wanted to cut Chad's hose, he's just too likeable, i couldn't bring myself to do it. He was really paranoid and aborted all the deep dives (claimed he couldn't equalize), I'm guessing he didn't realize I'd changed my mind about cutting his hose.
I left the Keys this afternoon, but don't worry, Jeff said he'd take good care of Chad.
Thanks, Walter, you're such a good friend. :) But him being left in Jeff's care ...

All I can say "UH-OH! :eek: " Now Jeff, "Hun", take good care of Chad, especially since he doesn't feel good. ;)

Glad everyone had such a great time and I hope to be able to meet you guys sometime. You all sound like such fun.

Have a safe trip home and of course, there's one in particular I'm looking forward to seeing. :angel:

Monica

[KyMermaidDivr]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...


you mean he hasn't called???? what kind of a guy is that....one who is having too much "fun" I guess....
[B]

Ahhh what am I saying...he's too mu8ch of a goodie goodie to get into any real trouble.....I can't wait to exploit him and embarass hium during DIR-F....there has to be something he hasn't converted yet...the poor guy must like kool-aid and he hasn't even taken the class yet....sheesh


you mean he hasn't called yet???

Yes, Big-t, several times. :out: And he's having fun, but not that kind of "fun". No, I think the DIR class will be an equal opportunity embarrassment thing. Maybe they should have a side class ... DIRFE. :D

[Big-t-2538]

Spectre once bubbled...


E: A & C.... and almost B. That was only the 'scoping out' trip... I didn't return. Last night however, we ended out way way too late [but poor Chad fell asleep and missed the festivities!]

I think he's planning on holding down the fort again for our last night... Oh well, I'm headed out drinkin' with the boat crew.

Poor chad, doesn't he know that the best cure for a little head cold is a few finely brewed frosty beverages.....or if you're looking for the quick fix...a shot of tequila and a vodka chaser......

This trip sounds like something I should be scoping out next year so Spec has someone other than the boat crew to hang out with in the evenings, and so he doesn't have to drink by himself.

I hope spec has recovered from the ice bathing....and that Chad and walter's eyes have recovered from the blinding white light they saw.....

[Big-t-2538]

jbd once bubbled...
having an effect on Chad. The pics look nothing like the Chad I dive with. There must be some alien compound in the kool-aid.

I think the DIR nazis had a conspiracy hit on Chad sometime over the winter.....I'm not sure how exactly...maybe he's been hanging out at GUEDiver's shop too much and they got him there.

I think Chad is moving in to the final stage of convertism....he is now changing people's gear (poor netDoc...at least he has that cool hat), probably going to be totally veg, and he is skipping out on the opportunities to "cut-loose" in FL. I really hope we get to have the dive on Friday before class....he needs to dive with a true stroke again one last time before he is molded and blessed by MHK and accepted into the DIR world....is there going to be a ceremony?...are strokes invited?...will they be sacraficed?

[ckharlan66]

but I just wanted to say how great it was to meet each and everyone of you. The diving was great but I wish I could have cleared and done all the dives. The company made the trip great though even though I had to call a few dives.

Key Largo Brent,

I wish I had got the chance to meet you while we were down there but I will take care of that on my next trip.

KyMermaid,

Everything they said about me is a lie.....well some of it might be true. :D

Chad

[seaangel]

All I can say is boys will be boys, and I enjoyed diving with them. You are all a bunch of nut cases, but that makes it more fun. Inspite of all the jokes and wise cracks you are all good divers and I am glad to have been in the class with you.

I made it home at 8:45pm, not bad for pulling out of Key Largo at 8:00am this morning, huh?

I will be posting my pictures as soon as I unpack and can get set up. I have to work tommorrow so it may be a day or so.

It was good to meet everyone, and hope we meet again sometime.

[Kosh]

Great to finally meet you guys in person. I did enjoyed diving with you all as well. The dives were nice, but I’m still regretting not going on the night dive to the Duane. Of course, we did have a pretty good time shooting pool and drinking beer that night. At least Spectre, Kris, and I did. Where was Chad? – sleeping! :snore: At least Big O showed up after the night dive and had a beer with us.

[hydrophilicity]

Great meeting the few that decided to do the Duane night dive - It really was spectacular!

Sorry I didn't get to hang out more....Maybe on another trip?

Jen

[DennisW]

I had a wonderful time on this trip. I got to meet several really great people and have some very memorable dives. My only regret is not being able to make the night dive on the Duane. But, I made the right choice, my head was really hurting and yes, it seems as though I may be catching a cold. The sudaphed on Tuesday allowed me to make the dives.

I'll buddy with any one of you Wreckmaniacs. Even the semi-DIR guys. That's saying a lot for a stroke like me.

[Spectre]

DennisW once bubbled...
Even the semi-DIR guys. That's saying a lot for a stroke like me.

Yea... Chad really was a pain in the butt, wasn't he?! :)

Considering the 'shootin-pool-n-drinkin-beer' night was the best one down there, I gotta say I don't regret missing that night dive!

I'm just about done getting my pictures prepped for the web; I just have to find someplace to stick 'em.

[seaangel]

I have been on my surface interval long enough, when do we dive again. Seriously though it is great to be home but not near as much fun as we had.

I guess if there is anything that I regret or wish I could have done different was to have made the night dive on the Duane. I would have been feeling bad though for leaving my friend alone, she did fine during the am dives on her own, but her vacation would have been very boring if I had gone off diving at night too.

We went down to Marathon that night, and then Tuesday we went to Key West. Played tourist and had a terrific time. Checked out Sloppy Joe's Bar, walked around Duval Street and I gave the tour guide routine around the island for her.

It is good to be home with my husband and family. I am already looking forward to next year. I won't miss the night dive then.

I would like to thank, Natasha for setting up these trips, Walter for being patient and such a good instructor (I promise when I am diving July 4th weekend in WPB I will keep using my frog kick/sculling) I am going to stop flutter kicking, and of course Pete for being Pete. You look great in all of your hats, personally I like the Pink one best.

Darryl, thanks for being my buddy. You can be my buddy anytime. Sorry your mask kept flooding that last dive. It was fun though you have got to admit. We found the wreck and some of the others didn't on that dive. What was that all about? The vis was not that bad.

Catch all of you later!

[Spectre]

Spectre once bubbled...
I'm just about done getting my pictures prepped for the web; I just have to find someplace to stick 'em.

http://www.scubaphotos.com/spectre/KeyLargo2003/

[KyMermaidDivr]

Spectre once bubbled...


http://www.scubaphotos.com/spectre/KeyLargo2003/

Great job, Jeff! Chad said you got some great shots and he was right. Really enjoyed the photos! :)

[seaangel]

Pics are great Jeff! I am impressed. My pictures are not nearly as good. I will be downloading and getting them on the board tonight, but they are not nearly the quality of yours. What kind of camera are you using? I also, need help with some of my macroshots they end up a blur. I also have several that are way too dark, needed to change my lighting too, much sunlight I guess.

[Spectre]

seaangel once bubbled...
What kind of camera are you using?


Canon A40.



I also, need help with some of my macroshots they end up a blur.


Are you shooting digital? Do you have a macro mode? With the A40 I can zoom in on the subject, put it into macro mode, then hold the button down halfway until it 'locks' on the subject... then shoot.

[Spectre]

I started the following thread for pictures:

http://www.scubaboard.com/t28960/s.html

[ckharlan66]

all the photos guys.....even though I couldn't do some of the dives those pics make it seem like I was there. :)

Chad

[Spectre]

14-13....

Pete. If you take the sockpuppets out that you used to boost my votes; your in the lead.

[NetDoc]

that you would level at a fellow regulator? I would NEVER do such a thing... I promise! :tease: Accept your geekiness as it is!

[ckharlan66]

better not figure out who voted for me....it won't be pretty if I do. :D

Chad

[FLL Diver]

ckharlan66 once bubbled...
better not figure out who voted for me....it won't be pretty if I do. :D
Chad

As a regulator can't you tell? ;)

Marc

[ckharlan66]

FLL Diver once bubbled...


As a regulator can't you tell? ;)

Marc

Don't have access to finding that out....and it is a good thing too. :D

Chad

[FLL Diver]

ckharlan66 once bubbled...


Don't have access to finding that out....and it is a good thing too. :D

Chad

[FLL Diver]

ckharlan66 once bubbled...


Don't have access to finding that out....and it is a good thing too. :D

Chad

Well if memory serves me correctly that one vote came at the same time as the first reply to Pete's post.... hmmm... :D

Marc

[Walter]

Nope, it came later. I was tempted to add a 2nd, but as yet, I can't decide if I should vote for Pete the geek or Jeff the geek. Both are more geeky than Chad, but ya gotta admit, Chad looks more geeky than either.

Choices, choices...............

[Big O]

Damn, what a good trip!

I roomed with Spectre, and we had a adjoining room with Chad.
This was like a week long "in school" suspension with Beavis and Butt-head! Them boys ain't right.

Id like to ditto everyones posts, I had a great time. Bob, thanks for buddying up with me. Hope to do it again soon.

Pete, Was that a TREMENDOUS night dive or what? Glad It was me and you sharing the time underwater dude! After 200 dives, I can't remember which of the 2 was my best dive, either my night dive at the Flower Gardens, or my night dive on the Duane. I would need videos of both to try to determine number 1.

Marc, Sorry I didn't introduce myself to you and your daughter, I assumed you would be with us several days and just didn't get the chance. I'll buy the first beer after our next dive together.

Many of you may remember that I was set up to do the SG the next morning. I did the dive and what a dive from hell that ended up being. Ill be more than happy to tell the story if anyone wants to hear it, but right now Im heading for the sack!

Later!

Dave

[Walter]

Dave, I want to hear the story.

[NetDoc]

Walter and I had discussed the SG as a possibility for WMII and had pretty much ruled it out. I like the Duane and Eagle far, far better.

[seaangel]

Glad you made it home Dave. How was your trip to Key West? Also, I want to hear more about the SG. The weather was looking like it was going to be rough when I left that am.

Jeff, yes I use a digital camera, SeaLife DC200. No, I do not have the macro lens set, need to get it. My pictures are better than I first thought they would be.

Check out this one. Should it be entered in the poll?

[seaangel]

I have uploaded a new profile pic of myself. We took it when I went to Key West after WWMII last Tuesday.

I have to attach photos one at a time. I don't have them set up in an album yet.

[FLL Diver]

Dave - sorry I missed you too. Actually there was a number of folks I didn't get a chance to say hello to since we only there with the whole group on Sunday. Be sure to let us know if you head down this way.

And I would like hear the story about the Spiegel Grove dive.

Marc

[seaangel]

I just noticed that I spelled squirrel wrong on my picture that I posted. I am not at a PC where I can fix it. I have more pics that I can upload later. I did those at 0'dark 30 this am before work.

[DennisW]

Jeff and Cindy, your pictures are really nice. I guess I have to ask permission since Jeff copyrighted your pictures and did something that will not allow viewing after a download. Who's the Geek? Jeff's the Geek. I would really like to get a copy of the picture you took of me underwater and maybe some of the others. Let me know will ya?

[NetDoc]

and don't forget those that are at WWW.Wreckmania.com !!!

[Big O]

Are there pics of this years trip at wreckmania?

D

[NetDoc]

but give 'Tasha time to unpack and they will appear!!!

[Big O]

Also, I just realized that nobody has posted who won the wreckmania teddy bears!

Cindy, I had a GREAT time in Key West. My favorite place was Sloppy Joes and Mel Fisher Foundation.

Im working on my pictures and trip report on the SG as we speak.

Pete, you and Walter made the right decision about not using the SG for WM!

Dave

[DennisW]

Downloading the pictures, that is. You have to open the file and then right click on the picture. Then you can save it as a .bmp file and then I can see the picture on my computer when I open it.

Jeff,

I still want permission to use some for my own purposes. Please?

[Dee]

For those of us who weren't there, how about a trip report for WMII? Who was there, what's the deal with the teddy bears?, what dives did you do, what's the story about the SG?, etc. I'm enjoying the photos as they come along so how about telling us about everything that went on?

[seaangel]

Dee, I think we need a new thread started to give trip reports on. This one started while down there and it has grown over into the post trip time zone.

[C2CMarci]

Hi Everyone,

The photos from Wreckmania 2 are now available at
www.wreckmania.com

The winners of the WMII bears were Pat, Jeff and Dave O! Everyone was great at the trivia!

It was really fun to meet all of you.

Marci

[Big O]

On the boat ride out there was only 5 divers which was cool for such a big boat. Myself, one couple, and 2 other male divers. I had already spoke to a guy in the parking lot and we agreed to buddy up before we even set foot on the boat. His name was Troy. The other male diver was a nice guy from LA, and the divemaster wanted to pair him up with Troy and I to which we all agreed. The guy from LA told us right off the bat that he was only OW certified, but had several dives to 100 feet, and that the dive operation had allowed him to dive the sight. He was concerned that Troy and I were going to go to the sand at 130 ffw. Troy and I had already set a bottom depth of 80 feet before we even stepped foot on the boat, so we advised him of that and all was cool.

When we got into the water everything was fine, as we descended the current got worse the deeper we went. We were tied off midship at about 50 fsw. In hindsight, if we were tied off at 100 feet Im sure we would all have aborted the dive, but the heavy current started at about 20 feet, and the wreck was only 30 feet below us, so we all pulled our way down. I have NEVER, EVER had to hold on and pull myself down so hard! By the time we got on the wreck I had used 1000 psi to get 50 feet deep, and Im not a heavy breather!

We all breathed for about 3 minutes to catch our breath, and then I motioned the hand over hand method to use the rail on the side of the ship to pull our way into the current and see if we could see some of the ship. We made it about 60 feet with me leading, then I turned the dive at 1500 psi. I was afraid that with the heavy current at our backs we would shoot right by the ascent line on the way back. We had to use the rail all the way back to make sure we didnt blow by it.

We all got on the line ok, with Troy in the lead, the guy in LA in the middle, and me bringing up the rear. Troy and I had agreed to keep the LA guy between us.

Althought the current was ripping at all depths other than the surface, it seemed to be the worst between 15 and 30 feet. Troy and the guy from LA did their stop at 30 feet while flapping in the wind like a flag and then went up. I, on the other hand stayed upwind of the line, and let the current blow me into the line, I did their stop at 30 ft and then did mine at 15 feet also. The guy from LA got out of the water as soon as he hit the surface, but Troy stayed in the water and kept a close eye on me as I did my stop and continued my ascent to him, then we both got on the boat together.

After the dive the guy from LA was seasick the whole time, although he didn't show any signs of it before the first dive.

Troy and I had a TREMENDOUS second dive on French reef at the Christmas Tree bouy, and I got some pictures of a 6-7 ft reef shark from about 4 feet away.

Without looking at my log book I guess the first dive was 55 feet for 25 minutes and the second dive was 40 feet for 45 minutes.

When Troy and I got back up, the guy from LA was still sick so we left him alone.

After 200 dives, this is the first one I probably should have aborted and didn't. It all turned out well, but I think my story is a common one. That rail that we pulled ourselves along with down there is much cleaner than the rest of the wreck. That tells me that heavy currents are common down there.

I don't mean for this report to scare anyone, but if you dive the Grove, and I WILL AGAIN SEVERAL MORE TIMES, Don't be afraid to abort it even though the wreck is only 20 feet below you.

Then go dive Frech reef and enjoy yourself. I damn sure did.


Later

Dave

[FLL Diver]

Dave - good report.

Thanks

Marc

[Natasha]

I made the move down to Texas. We're about 20% unpacked. My son was kind enough to set up my computer last night.
WMII was a blast. Great group!
I'm so glad I was able to meet all of you, have dinner with you, and even get a dive in, before I had to leave for the move.
Thanks for making this a wonderful event.

When do you want us to have WMIII?

[seaangel]

Glad you are moved in. Check out the photos on the photography
threads for WMII. I all ready for III whenever. It would be good next May, through Sept. for me. I am open then.

[FLL Diver]

Natasha once bubbled...
When do you want us to have WMIII?

Hmmm, I have vacation booked the first and last weeks this coming July. :D

I'm in for the entire stay next time.

Marc

[Spectre]

Can we do it somewhere a little cooler...

Are there many wrecks in Antartica?

[Big O]

but they don't sell beer there so we would be hosed!

D

[Spectre]

Big O once bubbled...
but they don't sell beer there so we would be hosed!


Ehh... next time I'm going to be prepared and bring my own! It was a good thing I found a quality liquer store when I got down there or I would have been miserable!

[No.. I wasn't drinking Heiniken at the tiki bar, I was running back to my room and refilling an empty with real beer ;)]

[seaangel]

And, just what brand of beer was that? You probably saved some $ too by refilling the empty cans. And, another thing why bother just bring your own and bring them out with you to the pool next time.

Heck, I had an empty coller on wheels you could have filled with ice and brought cold ones out all at once.

I don't care to dive at the Antartic, Alaska or another iceberg thank you. I think that would be some other type of mania trip.

[FLL Diver]

Spectre once bubbled...
Can we do it somewhere a little cooler...

Are there many wrecks in Antartica?

Nah - warm water only. That way there's no need for another suit other than my wetsuit.

People who dive drysuits in warm water are .....oops...er...never mind. :D

Marc

[Spectre]

seaangel once bubbled...
And, just what brand of beer was that? You probably saved some $ too by refilling the empty cans. And, another thing why bother just bring your own and bring them out with you to the pool next time.

There was a couple interesting looking brews across the street, but I ended up going with Sierra Nevada for the week.

I didn't bring any to the pool because that dude really didn't like us much and I didn't feel like getting in a confrontation about drinking a glass bottle at the pool [I'm not going to argue that I won't drop it when the reality is that it's likely I would].

[Spectre]

FLL Diver once bubbled...


Nah - warm water only.
[...]
People who dive drysuits in warm water are .....oops...er...never mind. :D


Go ahead Marc... call me a wimp. Go ahead. The irony of making that comment in the same post that states "warm water only" would just be way too funny! ;)

[NetDoc]

I think the word he was thinking of was "Yo Geek Boy!" :tease:

[seaangel]

Yeah, I know confrontation over a beer, not much fun. What the heck. I went and got cokes from our room because the bartender took so long.

But, you are right probably not a good idea to be dropping glass around the pool. We will bring the plastic next year. Actually, I had a neoprene bottle cover and one for cans too in my car. Never travel without them. Also, had a wine bottle opener, and with a bottle operner on the other end in one of my bags. Never know when you might need those items.

I must say though that I was alcohol free until Tues. night when we went to Key West, had to go to Sloppy Joes Bar and have a drink.

I have been staying away from the beer and wine since I have been on Weight Watchers, it really helps too. I have lost more weight in the last two months. So, I guess when I get to my goal I will have to celebrate. Hmm, wonder how that will work. I will know by next year's wreckmania.

[scuba-sass]

PLEASE!!!!! Head for June - July - August. School Teachers like dive trips too you know...

Scuba-sass :-)

[ckharlan66]

I just realized I got another vote.......I am going to get a complex. :(

Chad

[FLL Diver]

Spectre once bubbled...


Go ahead Marc... call me a wimp. Go ahead. The irony of making that comment in the same post that states "warm water only" would just be way too funny! ;)

Nah - I'd never call you a wimp. I know you HAD to wear that drysuit becasue of your knee. I even felt sorry for you on the SI's.

I know that was reason regardless of comments made by others about Koolaid. ;)

Marc

[Big-t-2538]

FLL Diver once bubbled...

Nah - I'd never call you a wimp.

That's b/c you can't say what you really want to on a family board....

Rednundant inflation my hindside.....wussy <rhymes with>

[Spectre]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...
Rednundant inflation my hindside.....wussy <rhymes with>

I'll just keep thinking back to the thunderstorm where everyone was huddled together shivering; as I stood on the stern and used the rain to rinse my suit! :)

[NetDoc]

and shivering to boot??? Don't think so homey! :tease:

[Spectre]

NetDoc once bubbled...
and shivering to boot??? Don't think so homey! :tease:

That's right. You were the tree everyone was huddling under.

[jbd]

Chad paying to garner all these votes to be "yo! geek boy"?:D

[Spectre]

jbd once bubbled...
Chad paying to garner all these votes to be "yo! geek boy"?:D

We kinda had an agreement that we wouldn't screw with the poll results. Not that Pete hasn't been enjoying hiring sock puppets.

[seaangel]

Hey, Chad must not be paying enough is way behind some other unmentioned leader in this race.

As, for the huddling during the thunderstorm, who was huddled, I for one down right jumped and ran into Dennis when two bolts of lightening hit at the same time one right off the stern and one off the port side of the bow. They were alittle too close for me. I wasn't shivering from cold, but fear. I hate lightnening, especially what the results can be. I have had the unfortunate occassion as a nurse to see the burns on patients hit by lightnening. Not pretty. Not something I want to experience, nor any of my friends either.

The rain water was kind of nice for rinsing off in though. Better than the shower.

[DennisW]

Cindy,

The pleasure was all mine. I've never been afraid of lightning, just very wary and respectful. However, I've never been opposed to a pretty lady clinging when the thunder rolls. I for one enjoyed the warm rain.

[Kosh]

I don’t remember any huddling together either. Maybe Jeff was still a little narked there and hallucinated a bit. I do remember some water spouts before the dive.

[seaangel]

:blush: Thank you Dennis, what a nice compliment.

The rain was warm, and a bit refreshing too. Rinsed off all my gear quite well as an added benefit.

[Spectre]

Kosh once bubbled...
Maybe Jeff was still a little narked there and hallucinated a bit.

I'm always narced.

[jbd]

Chad must have handed out counterfeit money;) I see has dropped back to 2 votes--down from 22.

[SunshineFish]

Wish I could have been at WWII this year! I am glad everyone had such a great time and made new friendships.

Great photos! Keep them coming...

Sandy