 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
From Mark Myers . . .
On a little more somber note than Saturday – earlier last week I had the opportunity to assist in placing a plaque at Willow Springs in memory of my brother “Diver” Dan Myers. Many of you know he passed away last spring just a few weeks after his 40th birthday from still unknown causes. He was diving at Willow. Dan’s will stipulated that he be cremated, and ashes spread in the ocean. Since there will be no grave stone or other memorial, this plaque is very appropriate, as spending every Thursday night at Willow with the “Irregulars” was one of his favorite activities. You will find the plaque attached to the bow of “The Quest.”
OH YEAH - What am I thinking. The dive---
We were at Willow, we were in the water, we had to do a dive after the plaque was mounted. Dan would have it no other way. It was also a nice way to “decompress” after an emotionally draining task.
We headed out north from the bow of “The Quest” in search of the “mystery boat” which is shown on the Willow Springs maps - but seldom actually visited because it’s not part of the “line diving tour” that most people do at Willow. Well - there is a reason for that. Although visibility was excellent for Willow - probably 15 - 20 ft, we missed the boat entirely and ended up swimming in circles in the cull de sac in the north east corner of the quarry annoying the fish who were trying to sleep. The nice thing about Willow is that if you get lost, you don’t need to cut you dive short, because the relatively shallow depths give you excellent bottom time. After wandering around a bit, we turned back south west towards the dock and the waiting warmth of the world’s biggest wood stove. Total bottom time was around an hour and 5 minutes. A nice dive. An hour and six minutes would have been too cold! In fine Smokey’s Diving Tradition - we saluted Dan with a beer, a ton of good food, and horrible jokes before packing it in and driving off into the all too quiet night.
From Mike Nast . . .
I spent the last week cave-diving in Mexico. The caves were shallow and crystal clear and went for miles. Because they used to be dry, they are full of flowstone, stalagtites and -mites. They're very fragile, and even the exhaust from regulators can bring down a storm of rocks from above.
Every day we did two dives, some deep in the jungle. One required a jump of about 15 feet into a sink hole wearing doubles. It was further than I wanted to jump not wearing any gear! Another our guide warned had crocodiles and not to loiter on the surface.
The Mexicans were so friendly. Everyone waved and smiled and they made us feel at home. Our longest dive was over a mile underground (6000 feet of swimming). We went in one cenote and came out another a mile away. The snorklers were amazed when a group of cave divers surfaced where none had gone in.
Our guide was great http://cavedivemexico.com/
I had my own room in a condo (on the beach!), all meals included, guide service, tanks and air, transportation to and from airport, and sherpa service for 975 dollars. Amazing deal.
I have a slide show, including tons of great underwater pictures if any one wants to see it.
From Uptown Jim Brown . . .
'Twas about a fortnight before Christmas and all through the thermocline, divers gathered round the Christmas Tree, the weather just fine.
The tree trunk was probed and prodded and screwed by a lag, thank God for the washer from Slice's goodie bag.
A tree to transport and drag, gather up and repair, Uptown was on sight with his cordless drill don't despair.
A re-enactor, a handyman, a wet diver to be sure, Angus Argyle to the rescue, handsome and oh so demure.
His skill with the Craftsman, screws and wire ties, he resorted to duct tape don't you know, right before everyone's eyes!
All through Upper A a quiet calm spread throughout, right up to the point where Darth Vern tripped, the tree busted again no doubt.
More duct tape and wire ties held the two parts fast, who would guess Smokey's divers could have such a blast.
To the water's edge, the tree was dragged with joy, let's get this thing in the water, so we can eat oh boy.
Darth and his bag lifted the block to and fro, while the tree floated effortlessly, Uptown doing the tired tree tow.
Lassoed with a rope, tied true and fast, what's taking them so long below, it will soon be Christmas past!
Descending with a tug, the tree made its mark, the block matched perfectly, concrete to bark.
Another lag screwing with a waterproof ratchet, the tree held fast, the Smokey's elf brigade was able to patch it.
A few loops with the rope, just in case, don't want that tree on the surface, without the proper safety stop in place.
Celebrations of cheers and many high fives, we turned away from the towering fir, to finish our dives.
On dozer, on deep boat, on to the pond, Darth and Uptown diving deep and beyond.
Visibility was great, as expected of late, the boulders and pumphouse our ultimate deep fate.
Ascending up the ridge we made such a racket, thankfully we left behind long ago the BC style jacket.
Backplates and cameras, no match for expanding air, hey Darth hold your breath, if you dare.
Over the pipe and through the Bowl, arriving at the dolphins with extra bottom time we stole.
More pictures and harassment, Cindy-Lu, Susie and Palm, the towering fir was coming to life, Kris Tinkle so calm.
Stockings were nailed and nailed and nailed with care, the training platforms hard to recognize, their wood frames once bare.
So many elves so little time, a garland stringer of recognition, name by name would do just fine.
Headed for the exit not really low on air, but who is in our path but cold-water Instructor Ray the polar bear.
DIT Rock by his side, student Jake diving wet, the kid showed them up, they're sissies you bet.
A good surface interval highlighted by two small heaters, Uptown and Rock flavors of chili, two very hard to beaters!
Gobbled up with glee, bowls of beans shared throughout, the new chili is gone, no need to pout.
Gas is for certain, for GI upset to boot, beans beans beans, be careful unzipping that dry suit.
Hot chocolate no more, its a cold drink forever, that stove to heat the water, no, neither now nor never.
More video for news, Mark steadied the camera with ease, cruising Smokey's tree and York Divers just to appease.
Both trees standing proud in celebration of the sport, a tree topper one of a kind, I regret to report.
It hovers so proudly atop the tallest twig, why oh why does Peter think he's so big.
A halo no way, he's neither worthy nor blessed, if it weren't for Instructor John, the Angel's dry suit would be messed.
Presents and presents the true gift to so many, this UW tree decorating event, collecting funds a plenty.
A good cause there can be no doubt, York Divers had no idea they would be completely washed out.
Donate to this worthy cause, the Smokey's tree sure to stop divers to reflect and pause.
You have until New Year's Eve to do your part, just drop off your check to Cindy, get cracking, get smart.
Be part of the winning team, scuba spirit soaring true, diving deep clear waters, so calm so blue.
When you awake from the dream you'll awake with a start, oh, its just the Smokey's elf brigade, they eat beans and they fart.
Last but not least, you can see the works of art, Santa proudly marks the place, and he doesn't fart.
Past New Year's Day the trees will remain, get diving get under, if you miss this sight it will be your blunder.
The elves will be out this weekend, checking the tree and stockings with care, don your dry suit and join us if you dare.
Postlude
It was a fantastic scuba celebration of the Christmas season. Smokey's had over 25 divers on site for this second annual event! If you missed it, you missed another tremendous Smokey's scuba celebration adventure, and we missed you! If you care to donate to the cause, make checks payable to OCNA (Ovarian Cancer National Alliance - tax deductible, in memory of Lorraine D. Mutchler) and stop by the shop to see pics.
Keep On Diving and Live The Adventure!!!
|
|
||||
Home | Classes | Events | Equipment | Clothing | Instructors | Staff | Members
|
||||