Hello

[WalkinPaul]

Hi. I found this site searching for equipment information. I live in Houston TX. My wife and I enjoy diving and have found these forums to be very interesting.

Our next trip is to Palau in a few weeks. From what we've read here, it sounds very nice. I will try to post some pictures when we get back. I'd like to see a shark there, as I have never seen one while diving, though I hope it's at a fair distance. I'd like to see a cuttlefish too. The saltwater crocodiles can stay away. I've seen plenty of reptiles in my life in this part of the world already. Though I have to admit that the aligators here are actually pretty cool looking when you're looking at them from the boat or a dock (and not from the water :11: ).

Anyway, I'm glad I found this place and all the great information that everyone has listed here. Thanks.

 

[Lil' Irish Temper]

Welcome, Paul (and wife)

Take your fins off, and take a load off. Lots to see (read) here.

LIT

 

[Aquacatfighter]

Welcome to the scuba board !

Dive Safe !

Deb

 

[DandyDon]

Glad you finally joined us. It's a friendly site - or else. :11:

:biggrinba don

A few suggestions I do like to offer every new member. First, it's good to keep your Profile with location and Dive Info with number of dives up to date so other members can address any questions appropriately; edit these as possibly needed from your UserCP above or the Quick Links above.

And don't be shy about posting. Click Forums above, tour the long list of choices, and jump in anywhere you're qualified. PM me with any questions, and I'll try to find a pretty good answer.

 

[murphdivers286]

Welcome to the board. Remember, Gators are good eating.....:lol:

 

[valligurl]

Hi Paul

You'll love Palau. Lots of cool critter's. I was there in June and saw Manta's. Eagle Rays, lots of anemone fish and clowns, awesome nudibranchs, Giant clams,moorish idols, 'cudas and I can guarantee you'll see LOTS of sharks.

Dive the Blue Corner several times...every time is different. It's decribed as a Pelagic highway, that that is a totally accurate description. At New Drop Off we saw 11 sharks circling underneath us. Ulong Channel is like a giant water ride!

Have a GREAT time!

 

[WalkinPaul]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Between reading about the place and what gear bag, dive light, dumaphletchy thingie I need, etc.. I seem to be wearing myself ragged with trying to get ready for the trip. Rest assured, I am a light traveler and only the utmost needed will be carried from here to there. Besides, they have dive shops and I have a credit card. No worries (as long as there are post dive refreshments & some good food ) I'm usually starving when I finish diving. I hope the sea food is good. Speaking of which, this fall I'm planning to take the AOW padi coarse and then may take up spear fishing out in the gulf. I love to dive, grill, eat and entertain, maybe I'm thinking I could put them all together. We'll see. I've made contacts to go observe first.

valligurl - Thanks for the update. I want to go so bad that I've started wearing my shortie around the house!!! J/K. I think I want to see a shark while diving, but until it happens, I'm just a bit nervous. Oh, I forgot about the manta rays, that's got to be so cool... I must see those guys. I'll post some pictures.

murphdivers286 - Gators can be ate. This is a fact. I should know this, 98% of my family is from LA. BUT...I'm thinking one of those 20'+ Saltwater Crocs, "World's most agressive reptiles", is a different story. :11: OMFG! But thanks for the advice. I'll bring you a leg.

DandyDon - Thanks for the info, that's good advice.

El Orans - appreciate the link. I have alway been at a loss for places and people to dive with around here. I think you've turned me onto a good source of local information. In fact, I'm going this Saturday to a local spot that I didn't know about. Thanks.

Aquacatfighter/Lil' Irish Temper - Cheers, buddies!

 

[WalkinPaul]

Well, I'm off to Palua until Sept. 6. It looks like it might be raining while I'm there. We will see what happens. I'll post some pictures when I get back. If any of you see a brown haired guy, flailing in a sharks mouth, give me a tug to get me out! J/K. I can't wait to see the Southern Cross. It's something I've wanted to see my entire life.