My first trip on the Great Escape 7/7/07

[DiveNav]

Hi,
last Saturday I did my first day trip on the Great Explorer (and my first "real" boat dive since my certifications in '99 and '05).

First dive was at Bird Rock.
Finally I had the possibility to dive - for real - this beautiful site. The south east wall is magnificent! And I saw only a tiny piece of it.
This site is quite big and if you really want to explore it all you will probably need about 100 dives ..... believe me ... I can demonstrate it.
Dr. Bill was diving there too .... or at least I think he was there since the King Neptune was there too.

Then we moved south to Yellowtail point (I think) and we did 2 dives there.
Beautiful kelp forest in the ~30 - ~40ft range. I wanted to tie the hammock to 2 giant kelp trees and stay there .... forever. I need to find a way to smoke a cigar underwater .... and read a book too.

Lunch was good, service was exceptional. Only minor issue are the "short fills" (only 2800 for my HP100) ... but I understand the situation and I do not complain too much; a day away from computer, phone, Internet, work, responsibilities ..... priceless! Actually I suggested Captain Tim to increase the price .....

Captain Tim is a nice man. On the way back he invited me up to the pilot cabin (maybe because of the Tiramisu?) and we chatted like old friends. I felt at home. Right There, Right Then!

Definitely worth it. And I will be back (as soon as I can get away from computer, phone, Internet, work, responsibilities .....) with an hammock, a cigar and a nice book.

Regards,

I_AM

 

[Teamcasa]

I too was on that trip with I_AM. He is a great dive buddy as he shepherded me and my lovely bride! I have dove Bird rock many times and this trip was no different. Beautiful. My only problem were the flies! Our second and third dives were at the East end of the Old Quarry. Again, a beautiful site. We saw two rays, many different fish and the kelp forests were terrific.

One of the highlights was the tiramisu! I_AM is credited with bring this fabulous treat – THANK YOU! The other food on board was also wonderful. The crew really did make this a nice day.

I too received short fills on my HP100 but it really did not matter much as we kept the dives shallow and easy.

My lovely bride liked this boat and vows to return many more times.

Dave

 

[MrRoo]

I was on the boat at the time as well. I was the guy with the purple tank...

 

[SoCalMike]

Can there be such a thing as a bad day on the Great Escape? Im 5 for 5 so far, so thats pretty good! I will also say we had 3 great dives. The south end of rock quarry was excellent. What was up with the flies? Never seen that before. As always, Chef Rob delivered great food. Although I must say I did miss the omlettes, but hopefully they will be back next time!

Chef Rob warned me that if I keep diving with them so much, they will put me to work! Well if that means more diving on this boat, where do I sign up? Myself and Mr Roo are trying to make it on the 28th, so hopefully we will see some of you there.