Sunday, March 2, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Time to Say Goodbye
Well folks its Saturday afternoon her on the Isle of Mindoro in the Philippines and the diving is completed. For those that have never dove or intend to dive I can n ot say enough about the hotel and dive staff at the Atlantis resort. A thanks to David or chef and the kitchen staff for well prepared meals that provide a mix of local and European flavors. The hotel staff was courteous and accommodating to making our stay here relaxing.
The diving….. A team led by a number of Dive Masters and Instructors. Tim our local Russian Instructor and guide furthered East – West relations with expert knowledge of the local waters and the diversity of plant and marine life we saw. He also introduced us to the correct way down shots of vodka and the required quantities needed to be consumed to really appreciate it. Bala, Vic, Richard and Robert all local inhabitants of Puerto Galera and Dive Masters at the Atlantis resort, we appreciate the knowledge and the help in taking on each and every dive while we were here. There ar e a number of boat crew who should not be forgotten. These individuals took care of air tanks getting regulators and BC’s onto the boats and then were helpful in getting equipment on for the dive and taking it back into the boats at the end of each dive. A very professional staff and caring as well. Tim stated the other night “comes as guests…leave as friends”.
I would like to extend as well a personal thanks to those that made this trip possible. Steven my brother for whom this trip would not have been possible. Steve booked this trip for himself, but was unable to go and offered to work it out with me so that I could take it. Thanks Stephen…you can say you had a great time…you really did.
My principal at Christ the King Cathedral, Christine Wanjura for allowing me to take this trip and Mr. Gossman for keeping an eye on my classes so I could vacation in the tropics. And even my class for being on their best behavior while I was gone (or better have been if they now what’s good for them).
And last but not least my wife Sheila for letting me go on this trip. It is through her caring and understanding that I have been able to really enjoy the diving and life on this island.
This afternoon is a slow one relaxing and gearing up for tonight’s going away party. After packing and getting ready to depart we will gather myself and the other 17 members of thee Pinnacles dive group to end this time of diving together raising our glasses to the patron saint of diving San Miguel. (Brewed and Bottled in Manila).
Our last day will be spent exploring the island on motor bikes from 8am -12. We depart on our boat off the island at 2pm to catch our van in Batangas back to Manila. Our flight departs at 10 PM from Manila and we should be back in the states by 5pm in San Francisco. Looking forward to seeing my family and friends when I return back home to Lubbock on Monday.
Until then Salamek
Mr. “D”
The diving….. A team led by a number of Dive Masters and Instructors. Tim our local Russian Instructor and guide furthered East – West relations with expert knowledge of the local waters and the diversity of plant and marine life we saw. He also introduced us to the correct way down shots of vodka and the required quantities needed to be consumed to really appreciate it. Bala, Vic, Richard and Robert all local inhabitants of Puerto Galera and Dive Masters at the Atlantis resort, we appreciate the knowledge and the help in taking on each and every dive while we were here. There ar e a number of boat crew who should not be forgotten. These individuals took care of air tanks getting regulators and BC’s onto the boats and then were helpful in getting equipment on for the dive and taking it back into the boats at the end of each dive. A very professional staff and caring as well. Tim stated the other night “comes as guests…leave as friends”.
I would like to extend as well a personal thanks to those that made this trip possible. Steven my brother for whom this trip would not have been possible. Steve booked this trip for himself, but was unable to go and offered to work it out with me so that I could take it. Thanks Stephen…you can say you had a great time…you really did.
My principal at Christ the King Cathedral, Christine Wanjura for allowing me to take this trip and Mr. Gossman for keeping an eye on my classes so I could vacation in the tropics. And even my class for being on their best behavior while I was gone (or better have been if they now what’s good for them).
And last but not least my wife Sheila for letting me go on this trip. It is through her caring and understanding that I have been able to really enjoy the diving and life on this island.
This afternoon is a slow one relaxing and gearing up for tonight’s going away party. After packing and getting ready to depart we will gather myself and the other 17 members of thee Pinnacles dive group to end this time of diving together raising our glasses to the patron saint of diving San Miguel. (Brewed and Bottled in Manila).
Our last day will be spent exploring the island on motor bikes from 8am -12. We depart on our boat off the island at 2pm to catch our van in Batangas back to Manila. Our flight departs at 10 PM from Manila and we should be back in the states by 5pm in San Francisco. Looking forward to seeing my family and friends when I return back home to Lubbock on Monday.
Until then Salamek
Mr. “D”
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Just pics
Hello from around 60 ft, the following images were taken by Juri, diving in my group. Most of our dives have included Juri and his father, the dives have been lead by our divemaster Bala.
This is an example of a nudibrach, these are flat worms, sea worms and slugs that are found amongs the coral. Their size ranges from a few centemeters to a couple of inches. Color varies from this bbright yellow with black to brilliant and deep purples and blues.
Found "NEMO" Lots of clown fish amongst the anemonie.
The coral both hard and soft as well as the sea grass and ferns provide a myrad of colors. Pastels of pink, lavender, purple, blues as well as reds, yellows. Some of these colors are bright and florecent as well as suttle and delicate.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
two Days of Diving
First a speacial shout out to "Sunshine" Tell the class to stay in line...I may be in a good mood when I get back, but they better not be pushing it while I'm gone.....
Well 2 days of diving lets review the activity:
Day 1
Dive 2: Kilama Steps
The steps is a series of reefs starting at about 15 ft and descending to 60 ft. Lots of coral as well as marine life. We observed Shrimp, clown fish, stone fish and the Dory fish as well as stag, brain and fan coral. Lots of color, reds browns, light blues. Dive time 00:43. Total dive time: 01:10
Dive 3: Sabang Wreck
We started the dive with the intention of diving 2 wrecks but diversity of fish at first wreck was so nice we stayed. Highlight of dive was frog fish on port rail of the wreck. When our divemaster first pointed it out I thought it was dead. Absolutely motionless with black and white coloring to blend in. Dive time: 00:49. Total dive time: 01:59
Dive 4: Small La Laguna
Small La laguna Beach is about 5 minutes from the resort just around the corner. It was our 4 pm dive of the day and the tide was going out. The dive was a short one in that the current was so strong we drifted about 250 yards down the coast past the next beach and inlet. We called the dive due to the fact the current was starting to separate us. Dive time: 00:29. Total dive time: 01:39
Day 2
Dive 1: Manila Channel
The weather is cloudy today as we headed out to Manila Channel. Our goal was to drift dive through the coral gardens at one end of the channel off Helio Is. Drift dive was great although the current prevented us from reaching the coral gardens. We did however see a number of shrimp, moray eels, clown fish, stone fish and angel fish of various size and color. Dive time: 00:30. Total dive time: 02:09
Dive 2: Sanandigan Wall
The wall was a great dive first 15 feet was limited visibility and then it opend up to 30-40 feet visibility. We dove an average of 45 ft with a max of 60 feet exploring the sea life and coral against the wall must have been a million small yellow cucumber attached all along our drift. Lots if fish saw a number of lion fish in crevices’ as we dove and drifted. Water temp varied from 77 degrees at 40 ft and dropped as we cut through a thermal cline to 65 degrees below 40 ft. Dive time: 00:47. Total dive time: 02:56
Dive 3: Coral Garden
Finally got to the coral gardens site with a drop above the site and drift down. Although water temp was 76 degrees but I think exhaustion was taking its toll and I actually had a few chills even with the 6mm Shorty dive suit I was wearing. We did a slow drift through the coral between vase coral that extended to almost 10 feet in some areas.
My goal was to skip the 4 o’clock dive and go on the night dive that evening at 6. Ended up being way too tired and missed dinner and was asleep by 6:30. Up early today and after having breakfast and updating this blog, it is time to prepare for the first dive of the day. Schedule has me with a group of three and the divemaster, need to check were we will dive first
Until later …P.S I hope to get the pics posted today of some of the dives.
Well 2 days of diving lets review the activity:
Day 1
Dive 2: Kilama Steps
The steps is a series of reefs starting at about 15 ft and descending to 60 ft. Lots of coral as well as marine life. We observed Shrimp, clown fish, stone fish and the Dory fish as well as stag, brain and fan coral. Lots of color, reds browns, light blues. Dive time 00:43. Total dive time: 01:10
Dive 3: Sabang Wreck
We started the dive with the intention of diving 2 wrecks but diversity of fish at first wreck was so nice we stayed. Highlight of dive was frog fish on port rail of the wreck. When our divemaster first pointed it out I thought it was dead. Absolutely motionless with black and white coloring to blend in. Dive time: 00:49. Total dive time: 01:59
Dive 4: Small La Laguna
Small La laguna Beach is about 5 minutes from the resort just around the corner. It was our 4 pm dive of the day and the tide was going out. The dive was a short one in that the current was so strong we drifted about 250 yards down the coast past the next beach and inlet. We called the dive due to the fact the current was starting to separate us. Dive time: 00:29. Total dive time: 01:39
Day 2
Dive 1: Manila Channel
The weather is cloudy today as we headed out to Manila Channel. Our goal was to drift dive through the coral gardens at one end of the channel off Helio Is. Drift dive was great although the current prevented us from reaching the coral gardens. We did however see a number of shrimp, moray eels, clown fish, stone fish and angel fish of various size and color. Dive time: 00:30. Total dive time: 02:09
Dive 2: Sanandigan Wall
The wall was a great dive first 15 feet was limited visibility and then it opend up to 30-40 feet visibility. We dove an average of 45 ft with a max of 60 feet exploring the sea life and coral against the wall must have been a million small yellow cucumber attached all along our drift. Lots if fish saw a number of lion fish in crevices’ as we dove and drifted. Water temp varied from 77 degrees at 40 ft and dropped as we cut through a thermal cline to 65 degrees below 40 ft. Dive time: 00:47. Total dive time: 02:56
Dive 3: Coral Garden
Finally got to the coral gardens site with a drop above the site and drift down. Although water temp was 76 degrees but I think exhaustion was taking its toll and I actually had a few chills even with the 6mm Shorty dive suit I was wearing. We did a slow drift through the coral between vase coral that extended to almost 10 feet in some areas.
My goal was to skip the 4 o’clock dive and go on the night dive that evening at 6. Ended up being way too tired and missed dinner and was asleep by 6:30. Up early today and after having breakfast and updating this blog, it is time to prepare for the first dive of the day. Schedule has me with a group of three and the divemaster, need to check were we will dive first
Until later …P.S I hope to get the pics posted today of some of the dives.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Getting to Sabang
Arrived in Manila 5:30 am on Sunday. We pretty much blew thru Saturday. At 4am we crossed the International Date Line and it was Sunday. When we got to Manila we were processed through customs and started a 2 hour bus/van ride to Batangas south of Manila. From here we boarded boats contracted to the resort for 1 hour ride to the island of Mindoro and our destination port of Sabang beach and the Atlantis resort.
We arrived at the resort at 11am Sunday. We were met by the resort staff who provide fresh cold, wet towel to refresh ourselves and a nice non alcoholic refreshment. Members of the massage staff started around the room making sure everyone was relaxed with a short 15 minute neck and back massage for everyone.
We were introduced to the dive staff and then prepared for our first dive of the day. A 50 minute orientation dive.
My group was taken to a site 10 minutes from the resort location “Monkey Beach” The dive consisted of a sloping reef that went from 15ft to 60 feet. We drift dove around 40 – 60 ft observing clown fish, tiger fish, shrimp and various soft and hard coral.
Main purpose of this dive was to acclimate to the location and check equipment. Started with 3000lbs of compressed air and ended with about 350lbs left in my tank. Need to learn to relax my breathing more and conserve my air.
1st dive today is at a location called “Ernies” Looking forward to the 1st dive. I will have an underwater camera for my next dives and hope to take many pictures. Since it is film I will convert images to a disk so that I can upload them on the page.
I will get back to all of you after today’s dive until then here are some pics from the trip in.
In a tin can
Planes, trains and automobiles...I'll have to say travel is a sport in itself. California spends $76M to subsidize the amtrak intercity routes in the state. If the workers are rude , thats just CA. but those trains do run on time. I took Amtrak oiut of Merced and stopped in Stockton CA. From Stockton I took a bus transfer to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station (Bay area Rapid Transit System). 10 minutes there and I caught the BART to Balboa Park transfer point getting on another BART that carried me to the San Francisco Airport International terminal. You walk in and check in for my flight to the Philippines.
As you can see here I am in my allocated 23 1/2" of space aboard FLT PR 105 to Manila. I got an exit row with almost 5' of space infront of me. Take off at 9:00pm and shortly thereafter I decided to use the floor space for a bed.
Wouldn't you know that as soon as I was asleep I get prodded by a flight attendant.... I 'm sorry sir, but we must keep this area clear in case of emergency, you must sleep in your seat. I reminded her that I was making sure that the door would be opened in the case of an emergency and assured her if something were to happen I would be sure to clear the space... well the seat it was
We had a 12 hour flight and landed in Guam to refuel for an hour and then another 3 hours to Manila. 16 hours on that plane with little or no sleep.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Travel Tips
Equipment managed…it was two hours to find and unbury the dive equipment I needed. a bulldozer would have sped things up. The next hour and half was spent pulling the equipment checking it as well as making sure it fit. The next hour was packing and repacking trying to keep each bag at 70 lbs for the flight … not an easy thing when you are packing 40 lbs of soft weights…..The soft weights were part of the integrated BC I would be using.
Finally called the tour lead and found out we could leave the weights and use hard weights in the BC pockets one bag at 42 lbs and one at 53 I was all set for the plane ride.
Planes - trains – and automobiles, ride to SFO was shaky so I decided to catch the local train out of Merced. It would take me to Stockton where I would transfer to a bus for the ride to the Bart station in Dublin-Pleasanton. From there it is a 1hr plus BART ride to the International Terminal at SFO. Had it all worked out…or so I thought.
Next I have arrived....
My brother lent me a jeep to go to the train station his wife will pick it up later in the parking lot. Went into get my tickets…did you know they want you to have reservations? Got my ticket to ride…. Was going to check my two bags…first one was t3 lbs overweight so I had to carry both onto the train with me. So much for customer service…no wonder train ridership is down.
Finally called the tour lead and found out we could leave the weights and use hard weights in the BC pockets one bag at 42 lbs and one at 53 I was all set for the plane ride.
Planes - trains – and automobiles, ride to SFO was shaky so I decided to catch the local train out of Merced. It would take me to Stockton where I would transfer to a bus for the ride to the Bart station in Dublin-Pleasanton. From there it is a 1hr plus BART ride to the International Terminal at SFO. Had it all worked out…or so I thought.
Next I have arrived....
My brother lent me a jeep to go to the train station his wife will pick it up later in the parking lot. Went into get my tickets…did you know they want you to have reservations? Got my ticket to ride…. Was going to check my two bags…first one was t3 lbs overweight so I had to carry both onto the train with me. So much for customer service…no wonder train ridership is down.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Going Diving Day 2
I am writing from the airport in Lubbock waiting for my flight. Figures it is running late. Once boarded I will fly to Vegas and then onto Oakland were my daughter will pick me up.
Well first leg landed in Vegas, Get to layover for an hour and listen to the sound of slot machines singing to the suckers. Never have made any money off the slots in the Vegas airport. Such a quick turnaround for most people no one can complain. I wonder if the airlines get a take….
Next stop Oakland International Airport ….
My Friday morning will start out with finding my brothers equipment…heard it was buried under three years of stuff in his garage…shouldn’t take more than 2-3 hours.
Well first leg landed in Vegas, Get to layover for an hour and listen to the sound of slot machines singing to the suckers. Never have made any money off the slots in the Vegas airport. Such a quick turnaround for most people no one can complain. I wonder if the airlines get a take….
Next stop Oakland International Airport ….
My Friday morning will start out with finding my brothers equipment…heard it was buried under three years of stuff in his garage…shouldn’t take more than 2-3 hours.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Going Diving
Well this is the start of my own personal blog to bloviate and reminisce my upcoming diving adventure.
Three nights ago my brother called and asked if I would be interested in a trip to Puerto Galera on the Isle of Mindoro in the Phillipines. A 10 day vacation fun in the sun adventure with a gaurrantee of 4 boat dives a day. He had booked the trip in December but neck surgery this week pretty much cancelled any opportunity on his part to enjoy the trip.
Of course being a teacher for a Catholic School, I was in no position to pay for such a trip when he offered to have me pay for it over the coarse of 50 months...What a brother it has turned out I have.
I of course accepted and immediatly asked if the school could do with out me for the 12 day period of time. Being a great boss and principal I was told that if I could make arrangements for my classroom it was a go.
Now my substitue is a member of the falculty and I was sure he would be ok with covering for me...just to be sure I offered a bottle of his favorite drink... Scotch ..Chevas was the payoff and the trip is all set.
Well I just happen to have a passport, no entries but it was available just in case...guess what
Needed to find my open water certificate..have'nt got a clue as to where that went so I paid for a new card and got a 90 day temp certificate to cover the trip.
I will spend the next 14 days tracking my adventure for all who care to follow me on my travels. The next two days I need to clean up loose ends at work and make ready for the packing details for the trip and stay.
I plan on posting details and hopefully pics as things progress, hopefully anyone bored enough to search this blog will be entertained as well as the students and teachers at the school who wish to track my adventures...
Well enough of the introduction I will return with post flight pre checks and overseas travel info
First stop will be California to hook up with family and get gear from my brother then its off from San Francisco to East Asia
Hasta la Vista for now
"D"
Three nights ago my brother called and asked if I would be interested in a trip to Puerto Galera on the Isle of Mindoro in the Phillipines. A 10 day vacation fun in the sun adventure with a gaurrantee of 4 boat dives a day. He had booked the trip in December but neck surgery this week pretty much cancelled any opportunity on his part to enjoy the trip.
Of course being a teacher for a Catholic School, I was in no position to pay for such a trip when he offered to have me pay for it over the coarse of 50 months...What a brother it has turned out I have.
I of course accepted and immediatly asked if the school could do with out me for the 12 day period of time. Being a great boss and principal I was told that if I could make arrangements for my classroom it was a go.
Now my substitue is a member of the falculty and I was sure he would be ok with covering for me...just to be sure I offered a bottle of his favorite drink... Scotch ..Chevas was the payoff and the trip is all set.
Well I just happen to have a passport, no entries but it was available just in case...guess what
Needed to find my open water certificate..have'nt got a clue as to where that went so I paid for a new card and got a 90 day temp certificate to cover the trip.
I will spend the next 14 days tracking my adventure for all who care to follow me on my travels. The next two days I need to clean up loose ends at work and make ready for the packing details for the trip and stay.
I plan on posting details and hopefully pics as things progress, hopefully anyone bored enough to search this blog will be entertained as well as the students and teachers at the school who wish to track my adventures...
Well enough of the introduction I will return with post flight pre checks and overseas travel info
First stop will be California to hook up with family and get gear from my brother then its off from San Francisco to East Asia
Hasta la Vista for now
"D"
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