Sunshine and SCUBA
Well we've done it. We've officially completed the PADI Open Water Diver Scuba Course and we loved it. For those of you who haven't done SCUBA the Open Water Course allows you to dive pretty much anywhere up to 18m. During the course we did 1 pool dive and 5 dives in the ocean, each one deeper than the last until we went down to 18m yesterday! I now know why so many people recommend doing SCUBA its frickin awesome, so awesome in fact that Kendra and I have both signed up for the Advanced Divers Course (Good advice Kei) which is another 5 dives and a certification that allows you to go to 30m! Sweet. We get to do 5 specialty dives starting tomorrow including 1 night dive (Kendra is a little freaked about that one...).
Some of the fish of note that we've seen so far include, a Blue Spotted Stingray, Morray Eel, Schools of Baracuda, Clown Fish ("Nemo"), Wrasses, Angelfish, Banner Fish....and hundreds more. Its also Whale Shark season here in Koh Tao and our instructor expects that we'll see one this week!
Other than SCUBA we've been enjoying the sunny island life on Koh Tao which is beautiful. We don't know when we'll move on but we expect that we'll stay on the Islands in the Gulf of Thailand for at least 3 more weeks when we have to run back to the border to get another 30 day Visa (By the way if anyone knows a way to get a 30 day extension without going to the border again let us know). After that we'll either head up North, or hit the West Coast, we aren't sure at the moment, although from all accounts the West Coast is even more beautiful than the East which is hard to believe.
For those of you who either can't read or get bored reading check out some photos.
One of our Dive Sites called "Twins".
Kendra Suited up
Kendra doing a "James Bond" entry
Our Open Water Group. (Yes I still have a farmers tan even in Thailand, pathetic I know. Just so you know, I pulled a rookie move, overcompensated and ended up getting sunburned, genius, not as bad as Roger did though (thats for you Laurel))
We don't have any underwater shots but I found this picture on the net for a Blue Spotted Stingray...very cool.
OK, thats it for now, take it easy and in a couple of days Kendra will tell you how our advanced course went.
Mike and Kendra
posted by Mike @ 9:14 p.m.
2 comments
2 Comments:
Kendra/Mike,
Glad you liked to scuba. I know how you think it's awesome but once you have finished your advanced diver's course, save your money and wait till you get to the west coast for diving. The coral and fish is way better. You also see lots of big fish! I know you can't imagine how it can get better but it will.
I am so jealous that you may be able to see a whale shark. I've been diving for 25 years now and every time I can get out diving on vacation, it is to try to dive with the whale sharks. My buddy Pete and I have been racing each other to see who can be the first to see one. Some divers go their whole lives without being able to swim with one.
Before you decide to spend money on diving at a location, give me an email and I will let you know what my experiences are for that area. For instance, Bali's diving stinks big time as they dynamite fish. West coast of Thailand and the Berma Banks are excellent. So is some parts of Malaysia and remote parts of Indonesia. Best bets is to talk to some experienced divers on the diver trips to see what they have done. The internet sites don't give you a true picture as they try to sell the dive spots.
Mike, you're not that white. There is one girl in the picture that looks like she just got off the plane from Iceland!
Save some money for diving in Australia that is a must!
Kendra, glad you have gotten over the trauma of trekking without a guide!
Take care,
Kei
Mike don't feel bad about the farmer's tan. At least you got some colour, Scott and I look like albinos these days.
Plus props to both of you on the diving I loved it when I did it but I definitely found the experience a little freeky.
Only cool thing that has happenned in the last little bit is that Bryce and I took last friday off to catch a powder day at Castle. We took some videos and showed them to everyone back at the office to make them jealous. Mike, we definitely thought of how much you would enjoy it. But obvioulsy it pales in comparison to what you guys are getting to experience.
Take it easy and travel for as long as possible!!
Cheers
Angus
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