CHADS SCUBA RAMBLINGS

Conformity hits bottom

2010-01-28T19:55:00.000Z

Having been out of full time work for a couple of months and just ticking over, I am finally back to full time work in pump engineering. Which is just what I thought I wanted, until today. It happened when I was contemplating the last year of my life. From being in a position of somewhat power on water construction sights and contracts management, then to the Caribbean for 4months living a life of utter leasure. Becoming a scuba diving instructor and diving in the deep blue Caribbean sea everyday and drinking beer whilst watching the sunset every evening was a dream. Then to return to the Uk and spend another 3months on the road touring every music festival going and leading dozens of people and once more living a drunken carefree lifestyle is a dream for some people. But now back in the rat race I have come to the conclusion that the rat race and conformity SUCK. I am just not capable of taking orders from people. No I don’t want to become a dosser who does nothing because I love money too much and enjoy the finer things in life. However I need to find my own destiny once more. Having been in the Caribbean, the time there has refueled my travelling bug and if not one thing reminded me that money is not happiness. To scuba dive in a beautiful deep blue ocean everyday with a hot sun beating down on you, then finishing off the day in the bar surrounded by pretty people drinking beer watching the sunset, well, that is really happiness to be honest. Fast cars and big televisions are nice but certainly not important in reality. Wear a suit for work? Give me board shorts and sun glasses any day.
So Im torn between trying to make a million quid here or just buggar off somewhere hot and forget the world?... Well, I plan to do both somehow. If the money and business plans don’t see fruition this year, I will just simply buggar off!.. Watch this space.

Honduras Earthquake. May 2009

2010-01-20T23:34:00.001Z

A few days before I was due to leave the Bay Islands, The Hondurus area was struck by an Earthquake. Something which the locals had never experienced before, neither had I for that matter. It measured a very powerful 7.3 on the Richter scale. . The epicenter was reported to be only 20 miles away from the Island of Roatan, which is frightening close to Utila. (the next Island), originated 10km below the surface.
At approximately 02.24 local am I was awoke rather suddenly with the thought that somebody had broken into my room and was shaking my bed. My sleepy subconscious mind told me to wake up as I was being attacked by an intruder! I opened my eyes and saw all the furniture shaking backwards and fourth, an unearthly rocking to and throw that I had only witness previously on television. A few seconds later when my body was vibrated off the bed I realized I was in the midst of an Earthquake. I struggled to stand and didn’t really know how to act. The sound of the locals outside screaming and the sounds of glass being thrown everywhere was only dulled out by the deafening rumble that filled the air. The furniture in my room was really being slammed into the walls as I struggled to stand up. Just as my thought process was slowly coming to the realization that I really should get out of this building before it collapses the whole thing suddenly stopped. Like a Hollywood movie there were ornaments mysteriously swinging backward and fourth whilst making that eerie creaking sounds. I could hear the Island was in a state of panic. I could hear the shouting all the way from the sea front. I immediately went out on to the balcony of the `Monkey Tail Inn` Where I was staying for my last dew nights. A couple who were staying came rushing out of their room with all their backpacks on looking rather urgent. They said we should all go to high ground immediately as there would be a Tsunami. With that they run off. The reality of the situation suddenly dawned on me and realized that this tiny Island was not a great deal higher than sea level and that a Tsunami would be bad news indeed.
Just as I was about to pounce into action this hysterical woman ran up the stairs asking if I had any water she could have. She was obviously terrified. I said sorry no. At witch point she asked if she could take other peoples. I refused. Angrily, she rushed past me into our communal kitchen and proceeded to help herself to other peoples water and supplies out of our refrigerator. This enraged me instantly as I thought of remaining house mates who hadn’t come out of their rooms. To be quite honest I had no idea what was going to potentially happen and was feeling a little scared. I grabbed the water out of her hands and rather rudely asked her to leave. How dare she steal water from people that were still their beds or would possibly get left behind. I guess people act differently when in moments of panic. Self preservation kicks in. I just couldn’t allow it to happen I’m afraid. You know who you are lady. Shame on you.
I rushed to my room to grab my shoes and a bag to put some water in and suddenly remembered my 2 fellow instructor graduates were sleeping away in a drunken slombre and had miraculously slept through the whole thing! Unbelievable.
I had to make a rapid decision. (bearing in mind that there may have been a large Tsunami imminent) do I try and wake my friends and risk leaving it to late? Or do I run to safety and leave them? I knew that if I left them and they died it would haunt me forever. So I banged and shouted on their doors so hard I almost broke them in. Once they knew what was happening I rapidly left. My conscience was clear. The decision of their fate was theirs again. Interestingly, I wonder how many people have been killed in natural disasters because they were to intoxicated to wake up?.. hmm.
I joined a group of people and we sought the highest ground we could. The rest of the Island went to Pyramid Hill, which is the highest point on the Island. But we didn’t have time to make it that far. We found the highest spot and stayed there for about 6hours. A local with a laptop and internet dongle kindly let us check the web for information. Although we were still feeling constant after shocks the Tsunami warning had been lifted much earlier. We decided to go back.
I remembered that I was due to go diving in a couple of hours and made my way to the dive centre to cross my name off the list and to see if anyone needed help. I just didn’t like the idea of scuba diving near the epicenter of an earth quake when there were recent Tsunami warnings in place. The sea was a little choppy and quite frankly, I just wasn’t that desperate to dive. The dive centre was ok apart from all the tanks that lie everywhere and a few things casually fallen on the decking. Amazingly, the dive centre staff were going round gathering people to go diving. I guess nothing stops business… I would say it was 50/50 the amount of people that continued to dive that day. It was fascinating listening to people describe the sensations they experienced when after shocks were happening on the dive. I told myself it really wasn’t worth the risk. However I did feel a slight sense of envy at having such a thrilling diving tale to tell…
The actual main Quake only lasts for 30 seconds, the after shocks continued well into the next night. But it is incredible what can happen in those 30 seconds. It is incredible how human beings can change. Not always for the better. I feel a sense of warmth though in my own believe that I acted accordingly.
I find it truly amazing that only one building fell down on the whole Island. There was indeed a Tsunami according to the scientists. However it went the direction of open sea instead of to land. I wonder what would have happened if it did come our way? The terrible Earthquake that destroyed Asia in 2004 was a 9.0 and ours was a 7.3. So it was up there with the big boys. Thankfully we all lived to dive another day.

2010-01-20T12:00:00.002Z

Apoligies for not posting for such a long time. Admitedly the blog died abit of a death whilst in Utila. The main reason for this, quite simply, is that I was having too much fun! Then since returning to the UK I was thrust out to work again and didnt have computer access for months. So over the next couple of days I will post a few items to really summerise and conclude the whole expirience. Another reason for this is that I want to keep the blog running. I have several scuba diving trips in mind this year and also a potential business opportunity may arrise, so hopefully the blog will grow and serve a few different purposes.
Stay tuned.

Weather

2009-04-28T18:20:00.001+01:00

Being as I came from a dull and cold England I have found the weather here to be scorching hot!
The other day out on the dive boat all of our dive computers were claiming 33°C in the shade! Super hot day. Infact for the first few weeks it just seemed to get hotter and hotter and apparently, it will keep getting hotter over the next couple of months. That’s damn hot let me tell you. We had a sudden rain blast the other day, but only for one day. There is a big storm of the Gulf of Mexico somewhere so we are in the path of some strong winds this week, and the sea is quite choppy. From my apartment its great as there is a constant cool breeze sweeping through the room. You cant notice the wind at the dive centre though and it just feels hot as normal. This week we are seeing some overcast mornings here, but the sun is soon beating the clouds away. I can see the ocean from my apartment and the sea does look quite choppy today indeed but it is not stopping anyone from diving.
After weeks of blistering sun the cool breeze is quite welcome as far as I concerned. As long as it doesn’t last too long!

Ear infection

2009-04-28T18:19:00.001+01:00

Ive never had an ear infection before, but I have now found my self with one, infact I have never seen so many people with ear infections! Everybody has them. They say its quite natural here, after all, I have been diving everyday in warm water for a month so it is bound to happen.
It has given me a chance to stay out of the water and study and catch up on some theory.
So word to the wise, bring some things for your ears. Although you can get medication here easily enough.

PADI Dive Master

2009-04-26T19:24:00.000+01:00

I am also a DMT. (Dive Master in Training) Actually I have around a week to go until I become Dive Master. What does Dive Master in Training mean on an internship? Well, it basically means you go back to the bottom of the social ladder! The DMT’s load all the boats, clear the docks, look after the boats, book in and out all the scuba gear, give boats briefings and are basically responsible for everything that is wrong with the dive centre! Even if you are not there on the day, it is still your fault. All niceness stops and you are now dog droppings on the bottom of the instructors shoes. Some people say its hard work and don’t like it, but I don’t think it is really, it doesn’t take that long to load a boat and its good experience for the real scuba world. After all, loading a boat with scuba gear and having a laugh with people whilst scuba diving in 33°C heat is hardly my idea of hard ship!
Knowledge wise, the most testing course so far, with lectures to attend and more exams than any other course so far. Which is understandable as once you are a Dive Master you have achieved a professional rating. Learning to tie decent rope knots, decompression theory, Role modelling its all there.
Us DMT`s are a closely tied bunch, and we stick together. We work hard and party hard…. God do we party hard… Until the final exam, which is the ancient tradition of… “The Snorkel Test”.
We have also just had a DMT fun dive. (Which was really an early graduation dive purely for DMT’s)
There was a professional film guy there who recorded the whole thing. This guy has now left the Island for the job of his (and everyone else dreams) So we were privileged to be the last DMT video ever made here. The contents of this DVD are highly secretive and can only be watched an elite few.
So if you see me in the street, whisper in my ear and maybe, just maybe….
Cheers Dan!

PADI Rescue course

2009-04-26T19:23:00.002+01:00

I have been here a while a now and haven’t managed to post as often as I would like too. So I thought I better mention a bit about the courses them selves. I am currently a Master Scuba Diver after having completed the Rescue course. (Which was a right hoot let me tell you.)
The Rescue course was fantastic, and one of the most valuable courses in terms of knowledge you can do in my opinion. For example, I had to retrieve a non-responsive diver from the sea bed, get him to the surface, remove all his gear whilst giving rescue breaths and get him out of the boat all by myself. I though it was a revelation! And he was a big guy. A great skill to know. The final day of examinations was nothing short of a global disaster. As you can imagine, the busiest dive centre on the Island first thing in the morning is a very busy place. People loading boats, tanks everywhere. It was mayhem! People were falling over every 5minutes, tanks falling on them, people jumping in and drowning!
And we hadn’t even got on the boat yet. Once we were on open water it didn’t get much better. People drinking beer on the boat (Pretend beer) Falling in, drowning, then other people jumping in to save them. By the end of the day I was exhausted. We had saved a lot of people.
The Rescue course is a must for every diver in my opinion. The knowledge it gives you is confidence inspiring and could one save your life or some one else’s.

Cigarettes

2009-04-26T19:23:00.001+01:00

I cant believe how many people smoke cigarettes here, Everybody smokes! The instructors, the students even some of the fish! Well maybe not the fish. As I originally quit smoking to come here it has been quite difficult to say no to the temptation. To be honest, everyday I have thought about having one, especially chilling out with a cold beer at the end of each day. However, by some miracle I have still managed not to have had a single cigarette! I don’t know how I have done it, but somehow I have! So I am very pleased with myself. I think the cigarettes here are about 40pence a packet so its understandable why everyone smokes like chimneys. I am just amazed that they are all scuba divers. Especially the instructors. So that must be nearly 2months without a cigarette, maybe this time I have finally cracked it? Fingers crossed.

Whale sharks!!

2009-04-14T21:38:00.002+01:00

I am very grateful that I am alive. I spoke to a student the other day who had just passed her open water course. When I asked her how she felt about it she said a statement that has stuck with me. She said: "She felt privileged to be down there".
That statement has stuck with me, the main reason for this is what happened to me the other day. We were on our way back from a dive when the captain pointed out a commotion on the sea surface. I have never seen anything like it! Mackerel and flying fish and just about everything else trying to jump out of the water. They call it "the Boil" because the Water literally looks like it boiling. Then there it was, a huge fin poked through the surface. At which point every bodies hairs stood on end!
The Dive leader said told us that we were about to snorkel with a Whale Shark. He gave us the safety talk and not to touch them etc. We cued up on the back of the boat and waited for the cue... then we were in. On this occasion all I managed to see was the huge tail fin disappear into the deep, literally for a few seconds.
I got back on the boat still very excited, although envious of some of the others who had seen more.
It was quite late in the afternoon so the water was getting quite dark and it would be hard to see anything, however the boat swung round for a second shot.. On my cue I jump in. They try and put you right next to the Shark, and I mean right next to the Shark. As I jumped in I wondered if I would see anything, as soon as the bubbles cleared I have to confess that my life flashed before my eyes. There it was. Right in front me. It was huge. With its big white spots. I froze with complete fear, I have never seen anything so big up close. Judging by the other peoples gasps and screams I gather I was not the only one! One guy jumped in straight in front of its mouth! you can imagine his reaction! (Especially as he had just completed his qualifying open water dives!) A day he wont forget in a hurry.
This majestic creature just swam past us and dived into the deep blue. It was incredible. So big and beautiful. It was too dark to get any could pictures but they are being spotted every week at the moment so I am hoping to swim with one in better light! Fingers crossed!!
I will never forget that moment when those bubbles cleared and that huge body was stretched out in front of me. It was definitely a life altering moment for me.
I have to say:
I felt privileged to have witnessed it.

Diving Utila

2009-04-14T21:17:00.002+01:00

It has been 32, 33 degrees in the shade here everyday since I have been here, so getting in the water for a dive is rather nice! Generally a short boat ride to most of the dive sites, (The longest being around 25 minutes) so it is quite nice. Reggae and various other music is blaring out on most days from the boats with somebody having a dance on the boat. It seems to be tradititon.
Although it is soooo hot, I am actually wearing a 3mm full length and it is very comfortable in the water. It varies in what people are diving in, some people are just diving in board shorts! and some people in 5mm full length!! which I find incredible! The water is generally a lovely temperature, but I have found some surprising thermoclines down there, and I have to say the odd dive has felt a "tad chilly" for a short period, but dont kidd yourself, its bloody scorching here!! 3mm max I say! My dive computer is telling me the water is 28 most days so make your own conclusions.
I have been on 2 drift dives since I have been here, which I have to say made me laugh, (The Maldives in January showed me what a drift dive was) So I would have to say that drift dives dont really exist here.
I wouldnt say that fish life is abundant here, dont get me wrong some great large Grouper, small rays, reasonable size Barracuda etc. You have to remember tho that most dive days are with students so they dont take you to the best places so they can concentrate on teaching. There are some great dives tho, some really interesting topography here, some spectacular swim throughs that make you think you are in a cave system. Visibility is generally 20-30 meters everyday although I had had a couple of dives where it is less. I think really it is quite diverse here with the passing tropical storms etc.
I wouldnt say this is the best diving in the world, far from it, but I am here to study and nothing else so that is what I tell myself. It is not fair to compare It to the Redsea for example as there is no competition. However it is early days and to be fair I have had a couple of spectacular dives so I am optimistic that the diving will improve. Of course there is one thing in the water here that has made the whole trip worth it so far, and thats is the..... Whale shark. Yes I have swam with a Whale Shark.

Utila!

2009-04-14T20:56:00.002+01:00

Ive been here for 2 weeks now so I thought I better post some detail. Not quite what I was expecting but still absolutely great! I was actually expecting quite a modern Island for some reason but I was quite wrong. Dont get me wrong, it has all the facilities you will need, laundry, internet cafes etc, but it still retains its old Carribean character. I have had a day trip to Roatan the next Island and was able to compare the 2, Roatan is much more commercialised with many families etc. Where Utila has managed to keep itself as a more speciallist "travellers community". I am sure this is purley due to the complications of getting here by ferry transfer etc.
However that is a great thing! The Island is full of like minded people from all countries who are just here to have a good time and dive, infact I havnt seen a single tourist family here!
My first night was awful, I was in free accomadation that was provided by the dive center for the first 7 days. It was a tiny little room with 2 bunk beds in it and no air con or fan or anything. With 4 guys in there it was hot, sweaty and I found it unbearable. I had to get out. By asking at the dive center I managed to get an apartment the very next day with a guy who works at the center. Air con, ensuite, and balcony it was great! I moved in the next day and intend to stay here untill I leave. It is slighly over my budget (250 dollars) at 300 dollars rent month plus around 20 dollars electricity. But my god is it worth it. It is so nice to have your own space and kitchin and bathroom. If you are comming here I would definately advise that you splash out on nice accomadation, it is so worth it. You need to be quick tho, as they dont hang around for long. The dive center has a notice board that people can leave messages on about rooms and dinner etc.
You can have luxury or sleep in a hammock if you want, there is a good choice here.
There are plenty of bars and resturants here to keep you amused when you are not studying!
I was really supprised at the locals, they just dont hassle you at all! Infact they completely stay out of your way! Its great and gives you a real sense of ease. Even if you try and speak to them in spanish they will answer you in English.
I am definately becomming a fan of Central America.

The Journey here

2009-04-14T20:43:00.003+01:00

Well just a quick note about getting here. It was a very long trip, over 40 hours in total, but it was surprisingly bearable. I have to say, that Continental Airlines were great. Infact one of the best flights I have had. Lots of leg room, free movies and great service. The only down side to the journey was the 8 hour stop over at New york (Newark airport) I basically slept on the floor as there is nothing to do there whats so ever. (The transit departure lounge wasnt open for several hours) Once it was I was able to have a nice meal etc.
Anyway once landing in Roatan, Within minutes I was able to get a taxi to the dock for the Utila ferry. Once there the ferry was clearly visible and managed to get tickets without any fuss whats so ever. All good so far. I was then informed that I would have to change ferries again at the mainland to get to Utila which I was annoyed about, how ever the ferries docked right next to each other and it was very easy to transfer. Once arriving in Utila a little tired I asked some one for Directions and was at my hotel within 5minutes of walking off the ferry.
So inclusion I have to say that the journey was really pleasant and didnt present any problems at all! How surprising and how unexpected! It was a real bonus I can tell you.

Time to go!

2009-03-26T23:15:00.003Z

Bags are packed now. I will be off to Heathrow first thing in the morning.
On the airline web page it states that I can take an extra bag in addition of the normal allowance for sports equipment. (In this case scuba gear)
However I have decided to condense this into the usual 2 bag scenario. One in the hold and the other as hand luggage. The weight limit is 23kg.
My dive bag is usually large enough for all my gear plus clothes, but on this occasion not 10 weeks worth. I decided to save the extra weight allowance for the return journey as I'm sure that I will have piles of manuals, instructor materials, gifts for people etc to bring back.
Clothes wise I have condensed it down to about a weeks worth. When the clothes are so dirty they stand up by themselves I will have to go to the laundrette!
OK so here is a list of what I have took for those who are really interested:
Dive gear:
BCD, fins, mask, 3mm shorty wetsuit, 3mm full length wetsuit, Dive computer with spare battery, regs and octo, digital camera and underwater housing, cable ties, spare fin strap, boots, general purpose tool, Night signal safety device, open water and advanced scuba manuals, RDP's etc, diver certification cards and divers log book.
Personal items:
1 towel, 2 pairs of shorts, 5 t-shirts, 2 evening shirts, 2 thin jumpers, 1 set of underwear (yes one!) One compact water proof poncho, sunglasses, One set tracksuit bottoms, 1 pair of trainers, 1 pair of flip flops, Hair clippers/trimmer, Toiletries etc. Personal medication, insect repellent, sea sick pills, allergy pills and sun screen.
Other items:
ipod, laptop, chargers, mobile phone, money and a Spanish phrase book and 1 jar of marmite for the course director as he requested. Yuk!
One thing I have forgotten is Malaria medication, although its not needed for Utila but more the mainland. I shall see what the situation is out there when I get there.
Im sure there are some things I have missed but that's all I can remember at the moment. Anyway, my next post should be in transit or from Utila! Yipee!

Almost time!

2009-03-23T00:08:00.002Z

5 days to go, How exciting! I should really think about packing my things!
Baggage weight is obviously limited, and I need a few months worth of clothes etc.
It will be an interesting selection. Once I have packed I think I will post an inventory of what I am taking just to give people an idea.

Utila, cigarettes and insomnia.

2009-03-14T05:43:00.003Z

After 6 hours in bed staring at the ceiling with wide eyes, I have decided to get up and post a blog. I have counted sheep, cat's, dog's and elephants until the point where I have counted more animals than Noah could fit into his Arc. I even tried breathing relaxation techniques whilst desperately trying not to catch a glimpse of the clock beside my bed. To no avail.
I should point out here, that a few weeks ago I was a highly stressed, 70hours a week contracts Engineer/project manager. Who, I have to admit, smoked cigarettes until the smoke was coming out of my ears. 30 a day easy.
The stress of work and the apparent lack of will power has always beaten me in my previous attempts at quitting the filthy habit. Until now...
Now I don't have to get up for work (At the moment) and quite frankly, I'm not stressed about anything. How lucky am I?
Whats this got to do with a Diving Internship you say?
Well, not being a particularly good swimmer, and my fitness not at its best (completely associated with chain smoking) I did not feel comfortable trying to become an instructor whilst being a poor ambassador for general health. More importantly, could I actually pass the fitness level?
Anyway, 3 days ago I casually decided to quit. Armed with an array of nicotine replacement products from previous failures I have done just that. Stop. Not a single craving or bad mood has overcome me. How incredible!! I'm sure it wont last. However the one great side effect is that I simply CAN NOT SLEEP.
My motivation and excitement for Utila is keeping me strong yes, but there is something else. I don't know what. I thought to myself earlier (In between the Rhino's and Zebra's) that my brain and lungs are receiving more oxygen than they have done in the last 10 year's. In fact, in the last 6 hour's I have thought of more diving articles, cartoon characters and other idea's than all my creative thoughts have produced for an eon. How bizarre.
Well it's 6.00am now, I think I will grab a nap... zzzzzzzzzz.
Yeah right. If only...
Is this what it's like to be free?

First problem presents itself.

2009-03-10T21:23:00.002Z

Well as a result of the global crisis, the one thing that is directly affecting my own travels is the current exchange rate from English pounds to US Dollars.
Initially, my preparations were based on a quick Internet search for the current exchange rate. Which I was lead to believe was 1.4 US Dollars to the pound.
This is what I based my finances on. I was recently in the Maldives where I remember the rate being approx 1.332 so a Little naive, I thought this was plausible.
When I actually decided to get the money for my travels I was needless to say, disappointed.
The highest rate that I was quoted was 1.345.
By a stroke of luck and my silver tongue, I discovered that the lady who was selling me the currency was actually a Dive master! How wonderful, obviously we chatted at great length about diving etc and to get to the point, I managed to achieve a rate of 1.37. Still not what I was hoping for, but it is the best rate that I have found by far. Apparently if I had ordered my currency much earlier, it is possible that I may achieved the desired 1.4.
Mental note there, if planning a trip, spend some time getting quotes for your currency as early as you can. You may be surprised.
Some of you may be thinking that 1.3 and 1.4 is not alot to argue about, quite the contrary. With my trip in particular it equates to quite a few hundred dollars. This is a whole months accommodation and food. You think about it,it soon adds up. For the sake of a few hundred Dollars I could have stayed another month...
Anyway, with time running short I have had to settle for that rate. Win or lose I don't have the time now to deliberate.
I just thought it was worthy of a mention because I have to admit, it is the first time I have had to budget so precisely for a trip.
Oh and thanks to the nice lady and fellow diver for the deal.
If you want to get a good deal from someone,, find out if they are a diver first...
Hurray for the divers code!:)

Time to start talking details.

2009-03-08T23:12:00.003Z

Well, im sitting here having a few sherberts whilst mulling things over, so I thought id write about the journey details I have so far. (Internet sourced)
From London Heathrow, I fly at lunch time. Then there is a 9hour flight to New York New York (so good they named it twice) landing at Newark Airport (Not JFK). I have to admit, I was slightly dissapointed at not landing at JFK. I was hoping to see Tom Hanks sneaking quarters from the trolley machines whilst desperately trying to get back to his home country... Vunerable flight attendents... i'm there!(I'm chasing my dreams people, anything is possible.) Anyway, I have a rather long 8 1/2 hour transit stop at Newark which will be fun for a few hours i'm sure. (I might catch Ross confessing his love for Rachel) (Is it obvious that I am an American t.v tourist...?) Basically that time will be spent shopping and coffee, Then I catch my connecting flight to Houston. Which i'm told will be 3 hours 40min.
Unfortunately after that there is another 2.5 hours transit stop. After coffee etc that isnt so bad, unless I have to wait on the runway.
Finally, there is the flight from Houston to Roatan (Which is the Island next to where i'm going) The flight time is 2hours 40min.
`At last he's there!` you say to your self, Alas no, I still have the journey from Roatan to Utila, the final destination.)
I have a choice here, there is an easy option of a connecting flight for max $150usd, (10 miles max at approx £112.) Which from the UK would get you to Scotland or eastbound quite easily) Or, I can catch the ferry (Utila Princess)to the mainland and then up to Utila for $30usd. Not that bad really. I have a feeling it will take about 5 hours.
Or, (and maybe the most appealling option) is to try and blag a lift with some local fisherman! That would be great.
Cost savings aside, I think I will try the seabound approach to the Islands as I feel that would make a better introduction to the Bay Island's and add to the expirience.
So to be specific:
London-New York: 8h.35min
Transit stop: 8h.50min
NewYork-Houston: 3h.38min
Transit stop: 2h.22min
Houston-Roatan: 2h 40min
Roatan-Utila: 5h approx
Total journey time: 32hours `approximately` (Correct me if Im wrong)

If you consider the miles, and as the crow flies it takes less time to get to Australia from the UK, than to the Gulf of Mexico based on the flight information I have. (No, I know this for a fact as I used to live there)
So I have to confess, it is not the most environmentally friendly path that I pursue in the name of marine biology and teaching.
But... ahh... it is the most exciting,
and for that I am guilty.

Its official!

2009-03-07T23:19:00.003Z

Thats it now, no going back! The course deposit is paid, and the flights are booked!!
As of the 27th March 2009 Chad is off to the Carribean for a few months! WOOHOO!
My god im actually going!... how scary..

The Island of Utila

2009-03-07T18:31:00.000Z

Utila is part of the Bay Islands off the coast on Honduras, Located in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Island itself is only 11kms long and 4kms wide and is a diving hotspot.
It is also situated near the Mesoamerican reef system, which is the second largest barrier reef system in the world. The first being the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
You can visit the Island information page here: http://www.aboututila.com/
The dive school I have chosen is the Utila Dive Centre: www.utiladivecentre.com
The internship I will be participating in is Advanced to OWSI. (Open Water Scuba Instructor). If finance’s allow, I will try and progress that further to MSDT.
If I pass of course!
The Island is also a Whale shark hot spot, with the majestic beast regularly passing through the Islands as part of their migrating pattern. After having missed them in the Maldives, I am very excited about the prospect of swimming with them. Fingers crossed!
Chilling in the Caribbean, sounds wonderful so far…

Diving my way through recession

2009-03-03T18:23:00.005Z

Finding yourself unemployed amidst the grip of a global recession is probably every person’s idea of a nightmare. However, this is the situation that has now presented itself to me. I could sit here and write about the state of the global economy, or how I think business should be run to save peoples jobs like mine. Or even write about dealing with stress that is a 70hour week or maybe sub-consciously I planned the whole thing, But where will that get me? No where fast that’s where. So, what to do now?
I am lucky to have some hard earned savings, don’t be mislead that I am implying a vast amount, far from it. Dare I say just enough to weather the storm for maybe 6 months should I be unsuccessful in securing another job in that period, but what would be the point of that? To see those savings dwindle down to nothing, all in the name of just… well, simply existing? I am afraid I would feel just devastated to see that all that hard work go to waste without having anything, or memories to show for it.
That is probably the worst attitude to have in a global crisis, or so I have been told on many occasions before.
Having been fortunate enough to have travelled quite a bit when I was younger, I have never quite been able to shrug off “the bug”. If you have ever had “the bug” you will know what I mean. This bug has been refuelled by the current crisis and quite heavily rekindled by my discovery of scuba diving last year. Recently enjoying the aquarium that is the Egyptian Red Sea, and after that, the seemingly jet propelled current diving of the Maldives. Even days out at Stoney Cove seem a vast mile away from the doldrums of the office. So, what to do?
Well I am doing the only thing that any rational and intelligent person wouldn’t do.
That is, spend the lot. Gallivant off to some exotic island somewhere and dive till my hearts content. Yes indeed.
After extensively prodding P.A.D.I, and crawling the world-wide-web for an eternity, searching every country and dive centre there is in the land, I have decided to participate in an internship. `Zero to hero` some would say, but I don’t like that expression. When I return broke, at least I will have an instructor qualification and some great memories to boot. Who knows? Maybe I will get lucky enough to find work somewhere hot, or maybe just set spiritually free from the robotic motion of the daily rat race. Or maybe, just maybe… I will regret it.
So the beautiful island of Utila, here I come.
Wish me luck.

Published at: http://www.authspot.com/Journals/Diving-my-Way-Through-Recession.569583

2009-02-26T13:50:00.000Z

Diving the Maldives

2009-02-25T19:11:00.000Z

Having recently dived the beautiful Egyptian Red Sea a couple of months previously, I have to confess, that I was full of expectations. Yes I agree that expectations are a bad thing. After all, any dive is a good dive. None the less I was expecting the aquarium tranquillity of the Red Sea but with basically… big fish.
Rumours of 12meter whale sharks and giant Mantas had all of us brimming with excitement.
The first dive was quite disappointing and left a slight feeling of dejection in the air. We sought comfort on the livaboard on which we were residing. (The Nautilus 2 for the record, was absolutely magnificent, a beautiful spacious vessel truly in spirit with traditional Maldivian style). Visibility was still excellent, but a far cry from Egypt. Ever optimistic, only the first dive we told ourselves,
The second dive was nothing short of spectacular. I have to admit here that I am relatively quite new to scuba diving in the grand scheme of things.
I certainly hadn’t had the pleasure of a shark dive yet.
The visibility is great I thought to myself, as I sank to the bottom trying to hold on to any large rock that would prevent me from being swept away by the ferocious current that was beating across us. I had not experienced a current so powerful before. I could not help but cheer to myself with delight as I watched the whole group do their superman impressions whilst hanging on. Then as I looked up, there was a large male white tipped reef shark but 15meters from me also enjoying the current. I am sure he was looking at me through the corner of his eye! It was an incredible feeling whilst hanging on for dear life with one hand, and trying to take a picture with the other!
This was the general way of things throughout the week. The whoops and cheers that could be heard as diver’s exit the water is a good indication of the diving in my opinion.
The Maldives is definitely one for drift divers. In fact, one current so strong it nearly pulled my mask off. Another dive gave me the pleasure of hanging onto a rock (you will notice a pattern) and almost stroking a giant Manta ray (3meters in diameter easy).
This beautiful majestic creature came so close to me that I my heart skipped a beat.
The Maldives was a fantastic diving experience but I would have to say, not for beginners. My thoughts emphasised by the dive master, who stated that the next visiting group were having a lot of dives cancelled due to their experience level. I feel that I was lucky to have been a participant.
By the end of the week, there were quite a few cuts, bruises and some dented egos. Some dives were quite tiring with the seemingly unpredictable currents. The obvious sight of dead and storm damaged coral (although visibly on the mend) was blown away by the constant enjoyment involved with the dives. Of course there are some gentle dives there, but not nearly as fun!
Our whale shark quest ended in vain unfortunately, and after 4 hours of searching, the wondrous whale shark evaded us. Maybe next time we will be lucky. There was one thing however that did accompany us throughout the week, and that was the WOW factor.
It is said that in 30years time the rising oceans may cast the end on most of the glorious Maldivian Islands, let us hope that we can preserve this paradise for as long as possible.
If you are thinking of diving in the Maldives, remember one thing:
Fasten your seat belt.
Published:: http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&-Pacific/Diving-the-Maldives.555441

2009-02-16T12:58:00.000Z

My first dive.

“Good grief. What on earth am I doing?” I muttered to myself, whilst slowly contemplating how much longer I actually had left to live. The very thought of stepping off this perfectly good piece of terra firma and into that deep blue nothingness before me now seemed like an incredibly silly idea indeed. Maybe this is how gladiators of old felt before they fought to death in front of the emperor for his sinister amusement. Unsure if this day is their last. Those brave warriors. That first step into that great arena. That first step into the unknown, just like I am about to do. To step into that giant cold wet abyss that is now staring directly at my soul. Its alive you know the water. I can feel it. I can feel the anticipation from the beast within. Hungry for the devourment and consumption of the next unfortunate human being to enter its depths. Yes why shouldn’t it be hungry? After all, if we were designed to be in the depths of the ocean wouldn’t we have been naturally born with gills? The adrenalin is now pumping through my body at an alarming rate. What is it they say about adrenalin? Yes, it is the cause of the Fight or flight syndrome. Fight? I couldn’t fight my way out of a tea bag with all this clobber on. As for the flight part, I couldn’t run away from anything with these great big clumsy clown flippers attached to my feet. “He said flippers everyone! Beer fine!” somebody shouts gleefully from across the way. Damn, third beer fine in the last 30minutes. My ears filled with a chorus of laughs and chuckles. Those who are about to die salute you. Hmm.
I feel like a pregnant astronaut, I am not sure how a pregnant astronaut would actually feel but I am quite certain it would be like this, bloated and clumsy. Part man and part machine except with no superior intellect or robotic motions to accompany this awkward frame as it wobbles and fidgets closer to the edge. Buoyancy control device? Don’t make me laugh. I am supposed to put my faith in this back pack type thing? With its hoses and air supplies, quick release clips, oral inflator toggles and dump valve what sits. The nice instructor asked me if I understood everything. I just nodded and said yes enthusiastically like everyone else, desperately trying to avoid sounding like a dummy because quite frankly… I didn’t have a clue. To be honest I don’t think anyone else did either. “You will be fine” was the phrase I repeatedly heard. Ok. The BCD will aid my every need under the water apparently. It will help me glide gracefully through the water like a sleek and streamline shark.
Oh no! what have I said? I have said the dreaded `s` word that’s what ive said! No building confidence up now. Far too late for that, that’s it. The fear is raining down on me now in buckets full. Beads of sweat gather on my frowned brow. My heart is thumping like it is going to burst out of my chest. Gulp. My mouth is so dry. I can feel my bladder being compressed from all this techno wonder gear that im wearing. If they only knew how much I desperately needed to go to the toilet. Oh well, this could well be the last time anyone ever sees me so it I suppose it doesn’t really matter. What happens if I go to the toilet in my wet suit? Good grief.
When all of a sudden from the heavens, a booming voice thunders around in my head:
“Get a grip man, you pathetic fool!” my sub-conscious bellowed at me. Ok! Let’s do it! Let’s go for it! I stand as close to the edge as I can. Heart pounding, stomach churning, my bladder screaming at me for release as I braced myself. Stop thinking about it now, concentrate. C`mon c`mon you can do it! “A nice stride entry now and signal that you’re ok once you’re in” states my instructor. I grabbed my instruments, held onto my regulator and goggles... damn! Mask! Beer fine, im ok nobody heard me. I stretched my left foot out in front of me as far as it could go. I leapt forward like an Olympic athlete going for gold. I summoned every ounce of strength within me and sprung through the air like a soaring eagle, wings spread wide and free. I flew and I flew until splash! My not-so petit 16 stone frame hit the water like a meteor from space hitting the ocean at 30,000 miles an hour. The once calm meniscus of the water now erupted like a volcano. A crescendo of waves and turbulence wreaked havoc with all that crossed its path. People gulped for air as the tidal phenomenon upset all in its path. Only the strongest could have survived the destruction I must have caused as I entered the water. Poor souls, but even they did not matter as I plummeted to the dark cold depths below. The cries and cheers now muffled and fading by the roaring sound of bubbles and wash all around me. Then silence. A spooky natural silence surrounded me.
The world seemed along way away from me now. A gentle thud is all I heard as I hit the bottom. There I was at the bottom of the world. Now entombed to Davie Jones locker for eternity. This is it I thought. The end.
To get me back to the surface and the world now would surely be impossible. An almost military operation would need to be executed. It would resemble raising the titanic. Surely it could not be done.
Although… I couldn’t help but feel mesmerised by my surroundings. The lack of the daily noises that accompanied us in everything we do. No people talking? How strange and yet so pleasing. Terrifying and yet so tranquil. Well it’s not the worst place to call it a day I suppose. `Remember your training!`. I hear echoing in my mind. Yes the training, like an elite commando my reflex’s spring to life! I grasp the BCD inflator and I press the inflate button for all its worth. The reassuring hissing sound of air filled the ears. I could feel myself rising, yes! You might just survive this! I raise my hand to the air, procedure yes but in my mind I would rather a shark took my hand than my head! From deep within me I plucked the courage to raise my head toward the surface and then…
My body froze. Not through fear or hypothermia, but in sheer awe at what I saw above me. A shimmering blanket of light blocked my path to the surface. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. Like a pool of swirling chrome or mercury. It was mesmerising, so beautiful I forgot all about my situation of whoa. I reached up to touch it, gently, nervously my fingers brushed through the surface. If I broke through this sheet of light what would happen to me. Would I be magically transported to some far of galaxy? Would angels come to greet me on the other side? I could only hope as my head burst through, my arm fully outstretched into the air above me grasping at anything that may be there.
I gave my head a wobble and signalled to my buddy that I was ok. We began our dive. No fear now, just a sensation that I was in space. Floating like an astronaut. I understand now. This beautiful world did not stir at my presence. The busy pace of life all but a memory now. I stretched my arms out either side of my body, I was flying! Like superman I arced and glided. So peaceful. Oh what a fool I was to be afraid, this new world I had discovered now seemed enticing and exciting. My special place, where I could go to be alone and free. With the exception of my buddy of course.
No fish unfortunately, but then you wouldn’t in a swimming pool would you. This pool session was great. In a few weeks we actually hit open water. Can’t wait! If I could just remember how to clear my goggles, oh I mean mask! Damn, Beer fine.

Published at http://www.sportales.com/Scuba-Diving/Dive-to-Discovery.533219