Farewell BCD *

Sunday 21^st April 2019 (Day 76)

After yesterday’s wreck diving, I wasn’t particularly expecting any nice surprises for I thought that I’d seen the bow of it.  However, as soon as we entered the water a shiver of thrill ran down my spine. Not only from the cool tank on my back, but also from the structural grandeur of the imposing Skeleton Wreck a mere few inches beneath our fins submerged within the endless blue.

This was the first wreck that we had dived on home to no hard corals whatsoever.  From the intricate algae which flourished within the hull to the Angel Fish and couple of Moorish Idols that had taken up residence in the bow compartment this spectacular cargo vessel was possibly, for me, the most thrilling dive yet.

We now had a one hour surface interval necessary to blow off the nitrogen dissolved in our blood. We passed this time by snorkelling on the pleasant reef at our doorstep, and an unfortuanate incident promptly followed by an awkward row.  The whole thing started when Mum sat down only to partially fall through a hatch carelessly left open.  A sharp and brutal scolding from the captain was then soon directed at Klaudia, our Dive Master which kick started a brief fiery exchange which I need not and cannot explain to you for it was in Filipino. Thankfully, whilst Dad and I remained silent Mum deemed herself peacemaker and attempted to pacify and interpret the situation.  She was in the end slightly successful.

Our next dive was an adequate location named Twin Peaks, well known for snorkelling but also good for diving.  This site had a healthy current and was home to many nudibranchs (Klaudia’s favorite).  We were also lucky enough to see a large group of Diamond Fish and many Bat Fish and Butterfly Fish.

Once we’d surfaced and exited our diving equipment it only took a short conversation with Mum to discover that she had been lucky enough to briefly glimpse a green sea turtle.  We were filled with immediate joy for her sake and a touch of jealousy.

Lunch was the same as yesterday but after two dives we were hungry enough not to really be bothered, don’t get me wrong though Chef Marvin’s skill is supreme. 

The next and final dive, Sietes Picados was again one of my favourites, consisting of a classical coral reef with lush and flamboyant marine life boasting plentifully their many colours and forms. As exuberant crowds roared, frenetic and boisterous players swished their fins excitedly. It seemed to me that the whole reef was gleaming with positivity and infinite joy at the sight of this merry event as the commentators (us) looked on in utter pleasure.  One of the teams was a friendly group; Captain Grover Grouper, defenders Jim and John Clown Fish, mid-fielders Barry, Bobalina and Bell Barracuda, striker Nellie Nudibranch aka “The Pink”” and the goalkeeper Steve Starfish.  None of them knew any rules they were just having a cheerful blast. The piscatorial players filled up the stadium huddling together in any old formation to the delight of the overwhelmed commentators.  The regular referee (Kevin Cod) was ill today and therefore taking his position was Percy Puffer (aka “The Giant”, aka “The Spotted Chomper”) just barely bobbing with his microscopic fins. 

We of course immediately recalled these wonders of the deep to Mum as soon as we had surfaced.  Mum responded by saying she was 80% sure she had seen two turtles.

This being most likely our last dive for a long while (that’s 17 now) my general first impression of scuba diving has been truly spectacular and I would recommend it to all youths and elders alike who are physically able, non-claustrophobic, and out for adventure!

(Although it can be a little exhausting)

*(Buoyancy Control Device)

P.S. Last post’s mystery photograph was…

A broken Fan (congratulations Cathy).

Today’s mystery photograph is: