Very Merry Scuba Holidays

Very Merry Scuba Holidays

I wanted to take the time to wish all my followers very merry holidays and of course a happy and good diving new year.  

Even though I am located in Florida, I understand that anxiety that can form over the winter months waiting for the weather to allow you to get wet again.  If you remember, I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio and know full well what it’s like to wait out the thaw.

Of course, you can still travel to various winter escapes if you have enough money left following all those purchases of presents.  Hopefully some admirer gave you a fully paid trip to Bonaire……..yeah, right.

To tide you over being a shut-in I thought I would provide some reminders of what is waiting for you when the ice thaws.

Here is the Aqua Cat that we have been on twice.  They recently received top marks as one of the best liveaboards in the Caribbean.  As transplants from Ohio, the four of us try to get together and dive off some island or charter a liveaboard.

 I’ve put together some photos along with how you might ease back into diving once you have the time, ability or money to get wet again.

You can start by looking at those things that don’t move or move very little, giving you time to re-associate yourself with some of the more placid findings.

Then it might be nice to sneak up on some of those critters that move, but not too fast, that you can catch up with them or coax them out of their hiding spot.  

Of course there are some things that don’t move much at all and if you’re somewhat educated on marine life, you just look and continue on your way. 

And then there are the subjects that we see just passing by. All they want is for you to get out of their territory and not want their photo taken if they can help it. 

Some creatures are always where you can view them because they use another bottom dweller as a food source and protector. 

And there are others that you have to look very carefully to see them due to their way of camoflageing themselves as well as being able to fit into very small places.  

Then there are times when the life you are looking for decide to check out just who has come into their habitat and do they have anything to eat.

Finally there are some creatures that you have to catch unawares and when you do, they do their best to either run away or turn and fight.

If fish watching or reef hunting is not your interest there are always other places where things would hold your interest, where history is the norm and most things don’t move, sting or bite.  Whatever sparks your interest it’s available on this planet.

Well, for some of you I’m not telling you something new but hopefully you still can find some relief from the pause in your dive time. 

OK, so you can’t wait to dive and you just don’t have the money to travel at this time, I guess you’ll just have to do what my friend John, who lives in Central Ohio does, just chop a hole in the ice and drop in.  Watch out for the bass and blue gills they can be treacherous when they're hungry. 

Once again, have a great holiday season! 

George

 Note: If my readers have any diving subject they wish me to expand on, relate my experiences, or offer my opinion on, please don’t hesitate to contact me at scubageorge2@gmail.com and I’ll try to do my best to answer you direct or construct a blog to cover the subject matter.