I had a fabulous time at the get-together this weekend! We rolled in about 6:30 on Fri. evening (FooMan ended up working Friday so we were running late) and met up with the Dimwit campers already hanging out in the Shaded Circle of Knowledge (it's much easier to be wise in the shade!) As already reported, FooMan and I did a dive while the Early Ones ate. I must say I was extremely pleased with the vis- wow! We haven't seen it that good at CSSP since the drought summers we've had. Now that the lake is back up, it sure seems like that was the vis cure. Throughout the weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed the dives, seeing several turtles, huge shark-looking catfish, about a 6-7 lb bass, and tons of fingerling and babies everywhere in the grasses. The walls were as cool as ever- I feel like a bird flying alongside a cliff when I dive those northeastern walls. So therefore, it is my favorite dive site at CSSP.
Hanging in the Circle of Knowledge was great fun- "Guess the Occupation" turned out to be a pretty good impromptu game, we certainly learned about each other! What a diverse group divers are, especially Swamp Divers! I love the way everyone begins to bond after finding out we're different but yet the same... The most well-behaved person at the event was also the youngest- almost 4 yr old Natalie was a jewel and a delight to join the party.
FooMan had a karate tournament in Mesquite on Sat., so he left early and I was sleeping oh so soundly in my nice soft bed when I was rudely awakened by loud banging on the door... the Cowardly Culprit was nowhere to be found after I sprang out of bed, bright eyed and bushy tailed. After accusing several fairly innocent looking folks of being the CC, I spotted him- poor Firefyter had the most hurt look in his eyes when being accused, but it was not good enough, he was totally busted. The Stubborn One maintained his innocence throughout the day, but he must be having a hard time living with himself about now...
Dimwitted Swampers came and went throughout the day, both small and large groups went diving, and I think everyone had a LARGE time... the Timeliner Bones were indeed correct once again. I thought Foo2 and FooMan2 left a little hastily after that ceremony, but they did admit later to the accuracy of the Bones. I am sure the new bovine addition to the collection has added to the mystique and reverence of the ceremony.
The Circle of Knowledge ebbed and flowed throughout the day, keeping it pretty thick around there... when I finished my last dive for the day, ScubaTexasTony was being patched with butterfly bandages- a piece of wood flew into his forehead while he was chopping firewood, thereby effectively ending his diving for the trip- the booboo was right where his mask seals, of course. However, he and Bren were still capable of making a Killer Omelete the next morning, and thanks to Bren also for the Fried Toast, YUMMM. It also didn't keep Tony from providing our personal background music to help keep the revelrie going. Perfect addition.
And what can you say about a man who brings fabulous, killer fajitas and brats with all the trimmings, and cooks at the drop of a hat for everyone to enjoy?! David, thank you so much again for the way you care for your fellow divers. You are truly a Dimwit amongst Dimwits... (hmmmm... was that a compliment?)
The Sat. night crowd was small, but effective. I'm sure the highlight of the weekend for K-Valve and the non-tequila drinking ChrisPete was the margarita Jello shots that were imbibed- reluctantly at first, but later with gusto... I ran out of small cups, so what else is a Foo to do but use big ones??? 'Nuff said about that, except although there was a little moaning and groaning, I was asked for the recipe later...
It was great to meet new friends (RUMBUM- total connection!) and old, and to just chill out together and do what we love- dive. Thanks to my dive buddy, FtWDiver for several great dives. Thanks also for everyone who came, and I'm very sorry for those of you who were unable- a Fall Fling is a definite must, let's plan a date SOON so that people are able to plan. Oh yeah, Kunkles and Alan- we didn't get to spend much time visiting (I did swipe a brownie, thanks!!), but I know we'll have another chance, so I'm looking forward to that!
All in all, I just gotta say a big, "I LOVE YOU, MAN!" to all.