Sicel1304:, so by the summer, I should be Advanced OW certified! I can't wait!
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Welcome to the board, and congratulations. . . You're a diver now! With the cold weather you might not get in the bottom time we all dream about, but you can learn a lot, here on the board. To start on your graduate degree. . . Go to the top of the page to the tool bar with "Forums" click there and scan down till you reach "Regional travel" from there travel to U.S.. . . Midwest Muck Divers. There are descriptions about a lot of the lakes in our area. Use search to go back to the summer months and you will find even more to read.
When the cold and snow return, go back to Regional travel and search out Mexico. . . Cozumel and see where a lot of midwest divers go for sun and fun. Also, check out the underwater photos that are on the board. Any questions about equipment or training you'll find under the Forums. Welcome!