Thanksgiving Week, 2008
This year’s traditional Thanksgiving week dive vacation get-a-way was spent in Curacao at the Lion’s Dive Resort in the heart of Williamstad’s activity. The trip was a bit different in that diving was not the sole priority of our diverse group. Folks often went their own way after the two tank morning dives each day only to be seen again at the breakfast included in our vacation package. Being that meals were not included and as typical New Orleanians, all went in frequent search of food equal to standards of home cuisine. Ha! Not easily found. We folks from the south are a spoiled lot when it comes to flavor and variety.
Our week of weather was such that no-one got sunburned until the last 2 days. All dives took place as scheduled and were as relaxing as they should be. Each boat dive lasted 60ish minutes whereas the unlimited shore dives were totally up to the discretion of the individual. From shore is where we saw the squid squad and the Flying Gurnard. Naturally, we have photos to support our claim. Four of us went on a night dive from shore and had a great time. Two of my favorite photos of the week were from the night dive. Look at the trip photos to see the upside down jellyfish suspended mid-water. The comical crab, alive and left alone to mind its own business is also an interesting photo.
Four newly qualified divers emerged from this trip. We congratulate Nicole, Ashley, Rachel, and Terry (a guy). With the flexibility of NAUI and SSI, we were able to get all the required testing skills completed and out of the way early so as to make play dives yet still behave by going no deeper than 60 feet.
Our first boat dive and our last boat dive were to the same location. This worked out great for me because I was busy being an instructor observing skills the first time we dove the Tugboat. Though this site begins at 15 feet, it continues over the wall and down to depths unknown. Another of the best photographs of the week came from there. One particular photo has it all: man-made wreck, fish, underwater terrain, visible surface, divers and bubbles, floating dive boat above, terrific colors and marvelous water clarity. Again, check out the pix and you’ll see how much fun we had - even though you may not have been there.
Think about joining us next time. — Cindy
