Pleasure Diver: March 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Kiddo Wishes You All A Happy St. Pats

Happy St Patty's Day everyone.

Today Oscar and son Will from Alabama and Nancy with daughter Meghan make a return after being blown out on Sunday. We went out on Sunday but the ocean was in a grumpy mood and convinced us to turn and go back to the dock. Today is much better and we are out for a 3 tank dive day. We head to the wreck of the Duane. A Coast Guard cutter in 120 ft of water. Alas it was not to be an easy dive. There was a moderate current from the surface down to the bottom.

Everyone was a trooper though and made it down to complete the dive. Meghan spotted a Bull shark down near the sand and the barracuda were thick as they enjoyed swimming into the current. Next we headed to Snapper ledge. Finally we find calm water. Sure to it's name, the fish were schooling right under the boat. The sun came out and it was a beautiful dive.

Next we went back to Molasses reef. Here unfortunately the current was running as it was at the wreck and everyone got another work out once again. It was a challenging day but sometimes that's what diving offers. Good job, way to tough it out gang!

March 16th 2009 A First Timer...

Hello Again,

Today we had the pleasure of taking Guy and Joe from the Chicago area out for some snorkel fun. This was Joe's first foray into the ocean and snorkeling. After reminding me that he had a wife and kid at home he wanted to see again we got Joe geared up and with a push from Guy they were off. It took some practice and encouragement but Joe finally released the drift line and swam off unaided. He over came his fear and was rewarded with a great snorkel surrounded by snappers, parrot fish, barracuda and even a turtle! Way to go Joe! Guy finished the day with a swan dive off the bow.

Friday, March 13, 2009

March 12th Hockey Club??

Hello P.D. Bloggers,

This morning we're heading to the Spiegel Grove for a double dip. We have with us part of the under water hockey team from DC. Dave, Phil and Abe are in town for an under water hockey tournament. Thats right under water hockey. Looks like great fun so go check it out http://underwaterhockey.com/. The Grove treated us well today. NO current!!

Visability was a good 40 feet. The first dive we were tied off at the bow. We cruised along the starboard side back to the first crane. Some large Jacks blew past us on a hunt and a couple Black grouper were going deep. The second dive the guys headed to the stern and the cargo deck. The massive size of this wreck is impressive. Here's some pics..http://picasaweb.google.com/thepleasurediver/HockeyClub?feat=directlink.

March 11th The Benwood and French..

Well, we're here with Dustin and Tamra from yesterday along with our new friend Dave.

Dave wife lets him go diving while she gets some sun pool side. The wind has settled down a bit and its a beautiful Keys day. First stop is the Benwood wreck. One of my favorite sites. The wreck lies in only 40 feet of water making it accessible for everyone. We got to watch a green eel swim about and the Queen Angel fish put in an appearance. Next we made our way over to French reef. Here there are a couple of fun swim thru's and in one of them a Goliath grouper came out and showed what a really big fish looks like. Dave was able to get close to a resting barracuda and we found a large crab I have yet to identify. Dustin found a big lobster and we saw all the fish Key Largo reefs are famous for. It was a great day of diving and Dustin and Tamra loved their dives. Dave was glad he took a day away from the pool too.