Archive for October, 2009

Caribbean Diving: Turks and Caicos Islands

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on October 31, 2009 Rated PADI’s 7th favorite dive spot and among our ‘Most Rewarding Dive Spots in the Caribbean‘, the Turks and Caicos Islands is a magnificent natural wonder of the underwater world. A must-see for divers seasoned or new, Turks & Caicos is a top contender for some of the best unspoiled natural reefs and beauty that [...] [ This is an external blog. Read complete blog here... ]...

Posted under Scuba Views

Comments (0)

Saga of the new diver continued

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on October 31, 2009 Well, it was a beautifull October day. A lovely day for a quick shallow dive to do some pumkin carving. She was sooo looking forward to this, especially since it was the first time she actually gets to use her new "Malibu Barbie B.C." (yeah, she’s small) she was ready to go when I pulled in. Yeah, so, it was a little windy but that’s what wet suits are for right? We showed up at the Lake of Dreams campground (late of course) and pulled out are gear and started getting our gear ready. We made the short, duck walk, down to the water and in we went, out to the swim area bouys, hollowed out pumkin in tow, regulator in mouth she tucks and rolls under the rope....and comes up PURPLE!!! (I did mention it was a windy October day didn’t I....in a wetsuit?) "Holy frickin frack that’s cold!!!" "Well, um, yeah...it’s October." But, being the good parental type person I am, I let her decide. A decision made mostly by her inability to feel her lip when intentionally bitten. After the rest of the divers came out of the water (gleefully stripping off their dry suits) the judging of the pumkins was done while we packed up our wet but generally unused gear. Out of morbid curiosity I asked one of the guys what the temp was while carving....54 degrees at depth, pretty much what the air was outside and definately no colder than the water during her open water dive at Gilboa. But....at least she tried and was completely submerged before making the decision that it was too much for her, which is more than I can say for my other dive buddy..... CHRIS!!!! ...

Posted under Scuba Views

Comments (0)

Mother Nature Network: a change of pace in conservation news

Posted by DiveBuddy.com on October 31, 2009 Do you find yourself getting a little overwhelmed with the weighty subjects and seriousness on many of the conservation sites (this one too sometimes, although I try to keep it in check)? Well, here’s an interesting change of pace. . . My friend Charlotte Vick, communications director for Dr. Sylvia Earle’s Deep Search Foundation, brought a web site to my attention: the Mother Nature Network. This site is a patchwork ranging from current conservation news issues to environmental, organic, and green fluff. Want an organic pumpkin pie recipe mixed in with your latest briefing on Washington DC energy policy? Then this just might be the place for you. Of note is Mother Nature network’s Earth Matters department which not only contains the primary big issues but also included a section titled "Translating Uncle Sam." Here you will find many hot button issues and topics spelled out in layman language, devoid of the heavy jargon you sometimes find in detailed press releases; a good way to get a quick grasp on an issue or provide you with some simpler talking points when discussing the issue with others less well-versed as yourself. Content contributors run the gamut from The Nature Conservancy to professional bloggers to student contributors; so there’s something for everyone here. I am new to the site so I will be checking it out carefully; I noticed some of its sponsors are major energy, technology, and pharmaceutical corporations, so I will be watching for potential bias - let’s hope not. Check it out. [ This is an external blog. Read complete blog here... ]...

Posted under Scuba Views

Comments (0)