DIVER DAN

Can you spy the teensy weensy shrimp?

Ages ago when vacationing in the BVI with our best friends, we took an introductory scuba course that allowed us to dive with a dive master in water 30 feet or less.  I was not comfortable clearing the pressure from my ears due to having a history of ear infections and was content to forgo the diving experience. That was when we were in our mid-thirties and still young and beautiful.


The reefy Salt Pier

In our early fifties, those same best friends invited us to take the full complement of scuba lessons with them to get our individual PADI licenses. Once again, I wasn’t interested because of my ear fears, but eagerly encouraged Dan. However, he didn’t want to unless I partnered with him, so our friends got certified without us.

An octopus nestled into the coral

During these last four years of cruising, countless acquaintances have expressed what a pity it was that we weren’t divers because we were missing the exotic creatures of the deep Caribbean reef. (Well that, and being able to clean the bottom of the boat with greater ease!)

Eww! A spotted eel on the left; dinner (grouper) on the right.

Finally, though, being in Bonaire- THE dive capital of the world- did it for Captain Dan. There are NO shortages of dive partners when in Bonaire, and it took Dan only about two months to decide that YES, he’d like to get his PADI certification. So he signed up, spent hours slathered in sunblock studying the textbook on deck, took the required written and in-water exams, and DID IT!!


Dan positions himself to take the Mike Nelson plunge.

      
As soon as he got certified, he had offers to go diving with two to four other cruisers daily.  Many times I tagged along and snorkeled above them to watch from the surface as they meandered along the reefy bottom. I remain quite happy with being just a snorkeler, although I have been practicing swimming deeper and clearing my ears with limited success.

Rose, the happy voyeur