24/1/2009 - I'm Back

So its been along long long long long time since i have been onto this site to tell you whats been going on... So lets see if i can break it down to a small section

I worked at DSS and learnt how to dive 2003 - 2005, first O/S trip -Philippines May 05

I worked at Ocean Modules 2005 - 2006, second O/S trip - Texas October 05

Currently working at Allphones since 2007. Since working at Allphones it was harder for me to put down some time to dive, as my days off were inconsistant and i worked most weekends.

Summer is here now and its 2009. I have just completed my second dive for this year and it topped off the first one for the year. Dived at Swansea bridge on Wednesday night at 8pm. We did 66mins and the vis was ahh 3m or less. Wasn't that crash hot. Temp was good around 20 degrees. But last night was fantastic. Hoped in the water at 9:10pm. We did 83mins and the vis was 10m possibly more in some spots.

Its been awhile since i have dived at Swansea ( being it my favourite place ) it has changed alot. Massive over hangs that you can swim right up into, more rubble has been dumped to stablise the bridge. The growth is amazing. And there was alot more fish life.

And there is Wedding Bells in the distance for 2009. Im getting Married in September.

So the year is looking at being a great one.... with a lot more dives to come!!! :)

10/28/2008 - 100th Dive - Cook Island - NSW - Australia

Ok - it was actually my 100th and 101st dive - but it was a wonderful way to hit my 100th.

Conditions have been poor recently, so finally a great day and a boat with space!

I dived with Devocean Dive (www.devoceandive.com) and had a brilliant time as always. Two dives, BBQ brunch between dives, whales, turtles, reefies and a stack of aquarium fishies!

Both dives lasted 45mins, with a max depth of 15.7m.

Some shots from the day.

Video of a relaxed turtle

7/16/2008 - Best Byron Bay Dive EVER!!!!

5/21/2008 - Double Dusk Dive at the Seaway, Gold Coast, Australia

1/14/2008 - Holidaying in Cambodia 07-08 (sans plongee)

This is a definetely "dry" part of wet and dry.

This is a work in progress for now - having issues accessing remotely my copy.

Trip Report - SACD - Cambodia Discovery -
Imaginative Traveller - New Year 2007/8

Sunset atop Mt Bokor. Young boy at the Golden Temple

Day 1

Flew into the old aeroport – now the domestic terminal (I had just spent a week diving so was flying back to Bangkok) and was met by an Imtrav rep. New World Hotel has a great location and good rooms. Unfortunately when I arrived my “roomie” had not left the key downstairs (attitude which was to be representative of the trip). Finally into room and showered but in the dark - hahaha. Decided not to lug my dive gear for the trip and left it downstairs ($1AUD a day). Quick trip to backpackerville and Kao Shan Rd. Decided to eat safe (Subway) as I didn’t want to chance being ill for a day of bus, tuk tuk, border crossing, pickup trucks etc.

Only second ImTrav trip where I was the only Australian – other was Siwa Oasis Tour in Egypt. Too many UKers on this trip by a long margin – no offence intended but 9 is a lot. I spent most of my time with Katie and Jim from Germany.

Jay (M) - UK

Shaun (M) - UK

Janet (F) - UK

Anthea (F) - UK

Liz (F) - UK

Alma (F) - UK

Rickie (F) - UK

Irene (F) – UK

Katie (F) – German

Natalie (F) – German

Jim (M) – German

Ben (M) – German

Me (F) – Australian

Jess (F) Tourleader – UK

Jim, Katie and Jess somewhat worse for wear post border crossing into Cambodia.

Day 2

Did the border crossing thang – surprisingly it wasn’t through the border in the intinery but the one that allows EVisas (after Im Trav had specifically said DO NOT GET AN EVISA) $55 AUD courier fees for nothing because some travellers don’t read the literature it seems. Jess had told us that it can take hours to get through the border but luckily there were no lines and we shot through and even had time for lunch in no man’s land. The longest part was getting the visa stamped, 3 separate stamps J after that we were ferried to the pickups. Turned out that the pickups were really Utes with no seats – not what was intimated in the literature. No matter – I chose to sit inside. Personally I think that travelling at over 100km on unsealed roads in the back of a ute is insane – but others seemed to have a good, if not a little sore and dusty, time.

We arrived late afternoon at the Star Hotel in Battambang (pronounced Bat-tam-bong). The Star was fantastic – the best hotel of our trip. Upon arrival we were gifted a scarf too – just lovely. A quick walk around Battambang downtown showed that it wasn’t a poor town, but it wasn’t “affluent” though there were definite signs of high affluence. Dinner at the hotel was a relaxing relief after a big day.

Needless to say, our pitstop in a small country town brought out some curious local kids.

Day 3

Huge day!!!

I was up before dawn and headed down to the river. I saw the markets being set up as well as seeing the city wake up, heading to school/work.

Jess had told us that she could organise a day of exploration for us, giving us an insight into rural life in Cambodia as well as understanding the depth and spread of the Khmer Rouge. We all were up for it.

We visited small villages around Battambang and saw rice being grown and harvested, how rice is processed, rice paper being made, sticky rice being made, visited a fishing village (oh for a camera that catches the smell) and took a ride on the bamboo train. We also went to a Buddhist temple that also contained a stupa (shrine for the dead), walked up to the Killing Cave used by the Khmer Rouge and I had a reaction to lunch (bleurgh). Luckily I was only ill for around 4 hours and pushed through (thankyou Mongolia for teaching me that you never go out without the toilet pack!)

New Years Eve dinner was at the White Rose – great food but such a small menu! I had Spring Rolls and Vegetable Stir Fry – YUMMO! Oh yeah and the shakes were incredible.

Lions along the wall of local temple in Battambang.

Village life outside of Battambang.

Those robes are trickier than they look! Young monks outside Battambang.

View en route to the Killing Cave outside of Battambang.

Sticky rice being made in a village outside of Battambang. 

Stupa in temple outside of Battambang.

Local villagers fishing just outside of Battambang.

 Amputee Garbage Collector by the river in Battambang.

Breakfast stalls in the main market - Battambang.

Rice with Chicken anyone?

Morning along the river in Battambang.

The Bamboo Railway in Battambang.

Riceworkers outside Battambang.

Me at ruins outside of Battambang.

Dawn flowers at the market in Battambang

Day 4

Not to be repeated. “Travel by boat to Siem Reip.” Translation 8 hours at an average speed of 6 knots. I was lucky as I got to spend 75% of the trip on the roof.

It was interesting, and I got some good shots but it was 5 hours too long. I think in the wet season when the fast boat is running it might be better – it was just too long.

The poverty on the river was noticeable but nothing compared to arriving at the “docks” at Siem Reip. Children ran up and were fighting over our bags of rubbish. Tuk tuks were everywhere but thankfully we were met and taken to the hotel. Unfortunately the Bunrath guest house was the WORST accommodation I have ever stayed in as part of ImTrav – Ok – well ever.

It was “just” clean – however the curtains and walls were covered in blood smears - people killing mosquitoes – which abounded in our room – so much so I went and bought some bug spray as the hotel didn’t have any. I cannot believe how bad the hotel was. There was barely water pressure but it was near a Caltex.

Found an awesome restaurant in bar street in downtown Siem Reip. Was just near Klick – I think it was called “Famous Bar” come for the food stay for the cheap cocktails (two for $3). The food was a little slow but the service and cleanliness was excellent.

On the way back, I stood on a wonky piece of concrete over a drain and down I went – down the drain. Scary. My left food hit water and I was hanging onto the moving concrete slab trying not to fall all the way in. Thankfully some tourists in a tuk tuk saw me and they pulled over. The driver stood on the slab and the tourists pulled me out.

Interesting evening to say the least. I had decided to have dinner alone after 4 days of constant contact with the same people. If something had gone wrong, I don’t know how long it would have been till someone found me. Certainly I would have been missed by late that night, but how do you find someone in a drain under a slab of concrete?

Riverlife - En route from Battambang to Seim Reip.

Sorting the catch - En route from Battambang to Seim Reip.

Growing up on the river - En route from Battambang to Seim Reip.

Day 5

Early rise for sunrise and Ankor Wat. No colours but amazing to see it slink out of the night. For two hours or so it was almost empty as most of the tourists had gone back to their hotels for breakfast. At 8.30am we left Ankor Wat with our tourguide and visted Ta Prom, Bayon, Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King/Elephant Terrace, Baphoun and back to Ankor Wat.

Three words will forever make me laugh.

Jayavarman the Seventh.

That night strolled around town and down by the river. Found a book stall which supports a victim of landmine’s family. The books are all copies but you know where the money goes. Thanks Michael Moore J

I was shattered. Least I didn’t fall down a drain again and I am doing it all and more again tomorrow.

Washing day at Ankor Wat

Victory Gate at Ankor Thom (not to be confused with the Looooooo-ser Gate).

Obligitory Ankor Wat photo.

On the walkway at Ankor Wat.

Day 6

Full day of exploring the other sites. Was fantastic to do at our own pace and just “plonk” when tired. Katie, Jim and I went to Prasat Kravan, Bantaey Kdei, Ta Prohm, Sras Srang, Ta Som, Preah Khan, Thommanon, Ta Keo and Ankor Wat for a late picnic lunch and sunset. For an hour and a half I went down to one of the gates, relaxed in the cool by the moat then walked through the “wild.”

Had dinner at Khmer Kitchen – but it wasn’t all that. Sure it was yummy but it is now so big (forget the hole in the wall description in Lonely Planet) that it didn’t have the charm I was hoping for.

Day 7

Hello Phnom Penh.

Excellent hotel – Pacific Hotel on Monivong Blvd. Excellent location!!!!

Walked by the river and had sunset drinks at the FCC. Exceptionally touristy but hey – I am a tourist too!

Went to Lucky Burger – and it tasted like McDonalds did when I was a child – but by far the best part was their icecream!!! Hanging for some insanely good icecream? It is all about Lucky Burger!

Day 8

We had a guided tour of Phnom Penh.

S21 was very overwhelming and I broke away from the group to sit and think happy thoughts (but not smile). Choeng Ek was very touching as well and again I broke away and did the visit alone.

We did lunch at the Boddhi Tree – Yummo. Did a quick 360 around the palace, lightening tour of the museum (incredible what was saved). Super fast visit the Russian Markets (Seconds and Copies) and was plum tuckered out.

Day 9

“Welcome to the Meekong Limousine which we hope you will travel forever.”

Fantastic trip to Sihanoukville – the karaoke tape in the bus was totally worth the trip.

Sihanoukville was very touristy and has that same “high season” mentality. I don’t mind paying a fair price, but some were crazy. Visited Sohka beach for 2.5 hours before dinner at the Holy Cow. Damned awesome food – but fantastic find was the bakery between Holy Cow and Happy Herb Pizza. Highly recommend for snacks and travel food – their pork baguettes were insanely good! We were staying at CCS – large clean rooms and around 10 mins walk from the beach – but the motos were always around for a cheap quick lift. The only bad thing about CCS is their “Obtain Wedding” business – so there are wedding receptions on in the evening. On our last night at CCS one reception didn’t end till after midnight.

Day 10

Up to Mt Bokor. Huge trip up. Rougher and longer than expected – but still good fun. It was a nice chance to chat and look at the views and wonder how the hell people on push bikes make it all the way up. Rather than going in a pick up, we went in two mini-vans. I think it would be faster in the pickups, but we would have been pretty burnt and dusty by the end I guess. Upon arrival we settled into the renovated hospital which is now the ranger station and guest house. We went for an afternoon guided walking tour with the culmination of sunset at the Golden Temple. This was a wonderful experience with the monks very friendly and chatty. The view was spectacular as well. I can only imagine how good it looks if the clouds roll in. Dinner was a bit bland but the beds were comfy. We had a fire outside which was lots of fun sitting around drinking and chatting till the fire was nothing but coals.

Day 11

A few of us woke up early for a dawn explore of Mt Bokor. I did the same route (less temple) and was happy with the difference in colours. Then it was time to head back down. Jess (TL) arranged for an hour jungle hike (optional) half way down. The plan was they would come out on the road as the vans arrived and we would continue on. I decided to stay with the vans and got in a bit of a nap. However we went faster than the hikers, and as such the vans had to turn around (a 9 point turn) and head back up to collect them. I decided to jump out and head on down the road until the vans caught up. I was so pleased I did. It was AMAZING! I walked for just under an hour before the vans caught me up, but I made it out of the rough section and only had another 15 mins or so before the bottom. It was then back to Sihanoukville. I was HANGING for a chicken sandwich at Holy Cow!!! So I was off like a rocket – only road works had cut the water to Holy Cow and they were closed. So I had lunch at Happy Herb – they had a fantastic green salad.

Day 12

“Free day.” I decided to head to the beach and spent most of the day at the private public section of the beach. I was the only person there so wasn’t charged the $1. Back at the hotel I got organised and then headed up to StarFish which is a café run for the employment and skill development of disabled Cambodians. It was “fine” and it was nice to help a charity but other than the cookies, and charity aspect I wouldn’t recommend. I ended up back at Happy Herb for dinner – another big green salad and this time the vege pizza with extra garlic and prawns. Not on the menu but awesome. Don’t bother with the garlic bread – when it grows up it wants to have some garlic on it. Hehehe. Back at the hotel I finally slept with my ear plugs in and a pillow over my head thanks to the midnight “obtain wedding”.

Day 13

Today we travelled to Trat in Thailand – the end of our Cambodian adventure. It involved us heading to the wharf, jumping on the boat (proper commercial high speed ferry), and head across the water to the border. This border crossing made me appreciate how lucky we were on the way in. One window, no shade, harsh sun, long line. Then on the other side, there weren’t enough busses to all the tourists to Trat, so we had to wait while two mini vans were secured for us – and Jess didn’t let us down – like she ever would. The road to Trat was such a difference to Cambodia – good roads. Our hotel (name?) was clean and central, but Trat was a bit of a hole. A quick visit to the markets for dinner and I was out for the count.

Day 14

Travelling back to Bangkok. On the public bus, but the trip was very doable and relaxing. It was GREAT to get back to the New World Hotel in Bangkok. Only the second time in the trip that we went back somewhere – so knew the way around. I went to Kao Shan Road but became quite ill after about an hour and headed back to the hotel to throw up in peace. A shower and a nap later and I was fine again. We had drinks at the Corner Café then said our goodbyes. I headed back to Kao Shan Road for some last minute present shopping and dinner. I was back at the hotel by 9pm, packed and in bed by 10pm.

Day 15

Back to Australia. I highly recommend a morning flight out. Rather than the talked about 2 hour slog in traffic to the aeroport, I was there in under 45mins. I booked a taxi the night before at the hotel, and as I was waiting to speak to the booking service, the gentleman infront of me was booking one for the same time. So we doubled up. Very convenient. My flight was at 8am, and I arrived just before 6am at the aeroport. No line – straight through. Customs was a little slower with around 15 mins to get through – but still very fast. I had some sushi for breakfast and then had a wonderful flight back home (except for my sinuses hurting like hell even with drugs). I was in an exit row in the window seat – so it was feet up, chair back and bliss for 11 hours. So nice to be home!!! I love to travel, but I am Australian and love my country, my town, my friends and truly appreciate how lucky we are – but at the same time it makes me want to work harder for those who live not as well as me, both here in Australia and abroad.

Stay turned. More to come including those obligitory photos of Ankor Wat, River Life, Lake Life and hanging out downtown in Phnom Penh.

I will copy my "copy" and post it tomorrow.

Oh and once this is donw - trip report of 5 days diving the Similan Island, and Richeleau Rock (with lots of photos!!!)

11/21/2007 - New Toy on Line

8/13/2007 - A long weekend in Melbourne

No diving but a fantastic escape to the city of sport and arts.

I lived in Melbourne during my university years and for a few years following - so it was a chance for me to revisit my old haunts and realise how much we (me and the city) have changed in seven years.

CBD, Southbank and the Yarra

The idea to head back to Melbourne for the weekend came early in 2007 when I heard that Sir Ian McKellen was going to be the lead in King Lear - 3 performances only in Australia or something ridiculous and only in Melbourne. A close friend from my uni days expressed interests and I booked the tickets. Only when I didn't receive booking confirmation the next day did I realise I had missed out on seats. Instead we booked and achieved seats to see The Seagull and saw Sir Ian McKellen play Sorin. Can I just say that the play alone was good enough reason to go to Melbourne - but there was so much more for me to do - but the play resonated with me the entire holiday - especially McKellen's performance - Damn he is good.

Arts Centre Spire from St Kilda Road 

Friday saw me wander around Port Melbourne where I was staying - right on Port Phillip Bay.

Broadwalk - Port Melbourne cnr Bay Street

Naturally I partook in some cafe culture before heading into town and visiting the National Gallery of Victoria. I went to see Guggenheim Collection: 1940s to Now and then did a swift revisit to track down my favourite pieces. One that always stuck in my mind was that of Robert Dudley  and rumoured long term lover of Elizabeth I. I remember first seeing the portrait some 15 years ago on a holiday to Melbourne and thinking he looked like a right git - finding it impossible to imagine that he was supposed to be the most handsome man in England. As I have aged - I don't find him nearly as unattractive as I did in my youth.

Sir Robert Dudley

I also went to the Pixar exhibition - which was FANTASTIC! The art behind the character development was awesome - and I especially enjoyed all the pastels. The last thing I expected to see at a Pixar display. I so wanted a Sulley and Mike mug, but it was $30AUD and I couldn't justify that.

I also went to the grudge match of Carlton vs Collingwood. It was so wonderful to see a **** live again. So much better than the teev. Needless to say it was freezing - but I had prepared! When my bag was searched, the security guard just looked at me - and I had to explain that it was my thermal underwear. Oh how he laughed - as did my friend. But I was the one laughing when the tempreture dropped dramatically as the afternoon wore on, and I was wearing enough clothes to survive a minor blizzard. I knew I would be cold as I am now used to hot weather, but I didn't expect to wear everything I had brought with me.

First bounce - Carlton vs Collingwood - Pies won

56K on a cold windy Melbourne day

The final day saw me strolling around Melbourne after brunch with my best friend's husband. I had forgotten just how much I love Melbourne. Its quirky little pockets of charm, its green parks (as opposed to our parks of dead grass), the old and the new, beautiful architecture, and the cold air on my face.

Spencer Street Station (Now called Southern Cross Station)

7/16/2007 - Biggest Grey Nurse Shark I Have Ever Seen

15/07/07

48mins. Max depth 21m. Water temp 17C

Julian Rocks, Byron Bay, New South Whales

________________

I love going out with my dive club. You know that, no matter what, you are going to have a brilliant time, and our Sunday dive at Julian Rocks did not disappoint. While we didn't see hordes of GNS, we saw a huge mutha.

Let me tell you, if I hadn't known it was a GNS, it would have been brown underpants time. I "think" it was about 6m long, but it seemed about 10m long when I saw it... if you know what I mean.

We dropped in at the nursery, then headed out through the trenches to Cray Cave then the Cod Hole. We covered a lot of ground - but it was pretty easy going.

We saw:

A whole school of bat fish - amazing.

Tons of Woobigongs - including two having sex.... I didn't know what they were doing, so Shona did some hip thrusts and I still had no idea - let's just say there was some finger poking through the ok sign to make me understand.

Queensland Blues

Trevally

Pipefish

Groupers

Moorays

Lion Fish

Damsels

As always - we dived with Byron Bay Dive and appreciated their professionalism.

My dive club is through the wonderful people at Devocean Dive. Our next club dive is going to be 9mile - so very excited about that.

6/1/2007 - First Dives of 07 Monday Memorial Day

27/5/2007 - Winter Diver

Wow, its cold out there. This past week has been so cold, i've been spending my nights curled up on the lounge watching Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

We ventured out last night to a staggering 13 degrees. Boy it was cold. That was just the outside temperature too.

Looking at getting in the water this week some time. But if it makes my lips go blue, i might have to think about hanging my wettie up to dry over the winter season...

Jealous of you people with dry suits.

5/21/2007 - Ahhh the Poo Pipe!

On the weekend I did my first dive since late March - it was so good to be back in the water again. My fav dive buddy (Robyn) and I decided to go for a paddle at the old reliable poo pipe.

Vis was 12m, and we were down for just under an hour. Max depth of 18m.

I always say how good it is, but I had forgotten just how much you can see there. BLISS.

Apart from the usual little scorpion fish, and various subtropical reef fish... I paddled through a school of HUGE trevally - now I know that there were 30% bigger cause we were underwater, but they were as long as my arm when they went past. Robyn and I were having a brillian time just hanging out in the silver glittering water. I started thinking that this would be the ultimate meal for the sharks and decided to get out of the middle of them - yes chicken is my middle name.

On the way back to the actual poo pipe we stumbled onto a huge crayfish. He was happy as Larry (if Larry were a cray) waltzing along the bottom. He did look delicious, but didn't visualise him on my BBQ too much . Next thing we know, a beautiful spotted ray gracefully and lazily goes past us, hovers in the current just out of arms reach and then heads back the way it came. AWESOME!

All up, it was a great dive - nice to get the feet wet, and still warm enough to not feel the cold till the safety stop (where we fed the fish). I wore a Spring Suit (3mm) with a rashie rather than my winter suit, and that was fine . Following the dive 4 of us went up to the local cafe and had coffee/tea/breakfast/lunch in the sun - Wherelse but Queensland?

Love

T

4/6/2007 - Spring in the Mid West

                    OMG the last time i made a Post here was Oct 31 he he he.  Well most of the Winter was really Mild then after the first of the year all hell broke lose . Very cold weather and lots of snow and more cold. The only diving i did was Pool Dives once a month with the Dive Club so at least i was getting Wet and Blowing some  Bubbles.I also went to the yearly scuba show and expo Our World Underwater which is held here every  Feb so that kind of broke thing s up for the winter and that usually opens our diving season out in this part of the World.

                   Now it s spring the Quarry is open but the water temp is 40 degrees and the vis is great around 40 to50 ft. Only problem most of the divers are using there dry suit s so for some of us were waiting for the water to hit 50degrees like we do every year . We usually hit the quarry the first weekend in May so it s going to be kind of touch and go because right now the last couple of day s Mother nature has decided to let us cool off a little  more with day time highs in the 30s. Funny last week we were in 60 s and 70 s.

                  So what do i want out of this dive season this year he he . Well lot s of dive s, maybe my first dive in Lake  Mich, and in a few week s i am going to go  to my LDS and sign up for my EFR and Rescue Diver Classes which i did not get a chance to do last Summer. Dont worry i wont be a stranger around here i will have plenty to wright about this Spring, Summer and Fall. Now if i can only get Mother Nature to turn up the Heat some what i will be happy.

3/27/2007 - Best Lady Musgrave Trip EVER!

Ok - that is a big statement - but I wouldn't go there if it weren't true.

This time round -13 of us headed out of Bundaberg on Friday night for 3.5 days of diving, relaxing and adverturing, and we were not disappointed. One of the real highlights of this trip was the fact that only 2 divers were recently certified and I had dived with almost everyone else numerous times. We all had a very similar dive style as well - just cruising. I think because there were no Advanced or Rescue Courses happening it freed up the two instructors who run the dive club to just chill with us and have fun.

We did 11 dives, of which I did 9. Primarily we hung out at Musgrave Island with a couple of dives at Fairfax Island. The average dive time was 55mins. Some of the diving highlights included:

Biggest Mooray I have EVER seen - longer than me and a body thicker than my leg. It was almost brown underpants time when I pushed through the bait fish and came face to face with the monster. To those who have been reading my blog for a while know of my inherent fear of Moorays. OK - I KNEW this one lived here - I had even seen video footage. I just didn't think it would be so bloody big. Dive Site: Jacksons Bommie at Fairfax Island.

Turtle having breakfast - We can across a very relaxed turtle having breakfast as we were finishing up a dive. He didn't care one little bit about us and continued eating. So incredibly cute! Dive Site: Camping Grounds at Lady Musgrave Island.

Leafy SeaDragon - first time I have ever seen one. WOW WOW WOW. I can't even believe Shona (dive leader) saw it, but it was just fantastic! Dive Site: Smurfs Hut at Lady Musgrave Island.

Manta Ray-palooza - Mantas jumping out of the water and hanging out on the surface as well as being there in force! It always takes my breath away to see these wonderful animals and this time was no different. Dive Site: MataRay Bommie at Lady Musgrave Island.

Freediving! I suck at this so bad - but the Dive Master on the Venus II and I went snorkling again (we did this two trips back) while the bulk of the gang went to explore Lady Musgrave Island. I made it down to 8m without weights and he and I did a cleanup of the site - a popular mooring with sailboats. So many bottles and broken glasses - disappointing to see people treat such a lovely bommie with disrespect.\

Dramamine - Worst return conditions ever. The five hour trip took 7.5 hours headlong into a gale warning with wind up to 40knots but mostly around 30knots. The waves were so big, from my position within the main cabin - I could look back down through the kitchen and down to the ocean below... I kid you not - we are talking around 70degrees here people. The Venus II held together but there was a lot of bump and grind and some anxious moments when the tender started to question its integrity. I took a Dramamine early in the day (because I knew it would be blowy) and took two more before we left the safe haven of Lady Musgrave. Thank the gods for Dramamine!

All in all it was a great trip - knowing the dive sites now makes it a lot more enjoyable and less of a navigational concern. There were a few challenges though - nothing to do with the Venus II but all to do with my clumsiness.

Firstly, I badly sprained my right ankle on Thursday night while walking home (read jay walking and not looking where I was going) and also fell heavily on my left knee which left it stiff swollen and bruised. This made the 4.5 hour dive up challenging, but paracetamol is a great thing. It also meant that it was very difficult to fin against the current or for long periods. I mainly frog kicked (which is my preferred deal anyway) or pulled myself along the sand/chain to get to the site.

Secondly, on the Sunday I fell off the boat. Yes. I had finished up my dive and taken off the gear (all of it including wettie and booties) and decided to climb down the back ladder onto the duck board and dive in (like I had done stacks of times before). This time, I stepped onto my sore ankle and went to turn around and slipped before I could - thereby hitting all four steps to the duckboard and the two steps underwater - scrapping the hell out of my butt and winding myself. STUPID STUPID STUPID. I have bruises where the sun don't shine and I can't tell you how painful it was to pull on a damp wetsuit up over a grazed butt.

Even with these things, it was still the bestest trip ever and still such a fantastic experience. Check out www.divemusgrave.com.au for more information - and some pics of me and some taken by me before Sony decided to be a dick.

Happy bubbles!!

24/3/2007 - Mates 30th - Brendan or Brenda???

22/3/2007 - MYSPACE.COM

Just to keep everyone else in the world happy, i have fallen under the MYSPACE.COM spell.

So i have logged on and thought i'd see how it goes, but WWW.MYDIVINGLIFE.COM will always be my home.

www.myspace.com/redsparkles1980

22/3/2007 - Happy and Bad Stuff Comes in 3's

But in this case its Happy Stuff. Yeah ( but it starts with a sad story first )

My old employer ( worked for him for 7years ) died last thursday, Had been fighting Cancer for years. His funeral was today. After the funeral i met up with alot of people that i worked with and caught up on past time. After the wake, i went to the Hospital to visit my Best Friend who had just delivered Twins.

Good Thing 1 ) I was so excited for her, they were both very beautiful Girls.

after leaving the hospital got a call from a mate  who was looking at my car, which had not been on the road for over 6mths due to user problems ( i'll accept the blame as i never gave it the correct fuel )

Good Thing 2 ) He fixed it for me, will have a further look at it in daylight tomorrow and see if he missed anything. Good to know a x mechanic.

Good Thing 3 ) A job i was hoping for, came through for me and i'm so excited. Start this weekend.

Its a happy happy occasion day today... !!! :)

3/18/2007 - Buggin' Out

3/16/2007 - Sony Sucky Sucky and Other Musings

No pictures - why? Cause Sony STILL is umming and ahing about my underwater housing. They have had it since the beginning of December and they STILL haven't pressure tested it. Just totally peeves me. Seriously, I wait two weeks at a time after they tell me my case manager will call me later in the day or tomorrow with an update/follow up/result and then I call again. It is like boxing a glacier*. So many things have been happening in my life since my camera went arse up and I have no pictures of my own for any of it. No diving shots. No Christmas parties. No Christmas. No New Years. No Dragon Boat Racing. No Valentines Day. Sucky Sucky Sony!

I am currently participating in this - www.workingwonders.com.au and virtually climbing Everest. We are having a good time, but not even in the top twenty teams. BLAH. Last time I checked, we hadn't even got to campsite 3. I wil say that I have a lot more respect or disbelief (I haven't decided yet) towards those that do climb Everest. Seriously, 10,000 steps = 42m on Everest. NUTS!

I also recently competed in the corporate Dragon Boat racing regatta. We won!!!! (the tail final - that is we were the best of the worst four team). It was such a hoot - wish I had some good photos! /sniff

Well, tomorrow is St Pats. So I am off to drink some Green Beer and some mini Guinesses (kahaula and bailey shots).

Cheers

T

PS. Love the new site design Gabriel

PPS. *I am sure that Stephen Colbert won't mind my borrowing that famous line.

7/3/2007 - Dive, Dive, Dive

How funny is it when something you could never imagine yourself doing, you end up doing it over and over and over again. Strange really. See i could and still don't swim at the beach. I'll swim in the ocean at the enclosed swimming areas ( enclosed i mean with a cement wall not just a net ).

But 4years ago, you would never have gotten me to go swimming in the open ocean. As a kid you grow up listening to stories of people drowning, being bitten by sharks, stung by blue bottles etc. You watch movies like Jaws and The Abyss, and you never quite imagine it would be something you'd be interested in. The risks are unbearable.

So, i get put through a dive course and look at me now, diving every weekend without question. Even if the weather is shit and the vis is minimal, i will still do it, cause who knows it could be the day you see the rare fish or find something you've never seen before.

But still to this day, i will not swim at the beach. I actually still feel threatened in the water. But diving pulls a sense of calmness out of me, and i feel at home under the water in the world unknown. Strange i know.

I try and get up to South West Rocks with the Hutchinson Boys every 3 mths to dive the Fish Rock Cave and see the Grey Nurse Sharks. Another thing i think is odd of me. These big puppy dogs, just crusing by and saying hello. If they are at all frightened by my presence they go away. But they seem comfortable with us being there.

I've got the cravings for wreck diving. I got my first experience of actually penetrating a wreck back in March 05 when i got a week off work to go to Merimbula to dive the Tugs. Its just another different venue. Apart from diving in the ocean and looking at fish and corals, wrecks are a whole new adventure. These tugs were huge, going in and out of different rooms, turn the torch off and its pitch black. Cables hanging down ( becareful not to get tangled ) wheels, propellors and probably alot more hidden that i didn't see.

Philippines was another adventure i had the opportunity to go and see. Coron holds all the cards in the Philippines when it comes to diving Wrecks. Coron Bay holds 12 WWII wrecks just waiting to be dived. I dived on four of them. And the fish life, corals ( hard plates is what i have found to be my favourites ). I went through with three torches flashing in every direction so there was no crevice unseen.

Then October 05 was time for the underwater parks of Austin Texas. They sink things for fun here, and give you a map to find it all. Amazing. I'll post the map one day for you to see what im on about. Chains leading throughout the dive site ( map showing the chains ), platforms to regroup and head count etc ( also on maps ) throughout the dive you will know where and what depth ( relating to the map ) of where you are. Wish we would have throught of that here in our home town. Hmmmm gives me an idea... hahaha.

Anyway, thats me for today, just mumbling ( tummy grumbling ). Hope everyone is doing ok, talk to you on the underside.... 

3/1/2007 - Avalon Harbor Clean-Up Dive