Koh Tao: My Bicycle and Dives

My bicycle squeeks in a mesmorizing rhythm as I ride. The chipped paint and worn seat sing a song of years of use and abuse as a rental bike. Its chain skips and dances as I ride over bumps and hills. The gears are just for looks; everything is rusted in place. Luckily the bike never goes fast enough to need solid brakes. I'm sure it hasn't seen a proper tune up in its life, poor soul. It's seen better days for sure. But these days are mine and I'll make them count.

*****

 

The past few days have swept by like a raging tide. Thankfully, I've been underwater mostly, exploring the dive sites around Koh Tao and filming. On land, I've been editing footage and getting accustomed to the routine of things on the island. Topside my anchor points are Oceans Below, Scuba Junction, and Kookkai... and 7-Eleven. I'm usually withing shouting distance of any one of those places- or diving.

 

Thanks to Oceans Below and Scuba Junction, I am filming and edited my diving experience on Koh Tao. Here are my first two days diving:

 

April 5 - Aow Leuk / Hin Ngam

 

 

April 4 - Mango Bay / Twins:

 

Thailand: Day 30

2/20/12 Monday, Adang, Tarutao National Park, Thailand

When it rains, it pours, even in paradise. As I rub the sleep from my eyes and emerge from my tent, I vividly recall the rain's percussive 'lullaby' beating down on my tent in concert with rumbling thunder and bursts of lightning throughout the night. This morning, however, is calm and serene; the only hint of yesterday's deluge are incredible clouds that linger lazily in the pre-dawn sky. The moon is a sliver of white, a faint smile. I watch as it dims with every step I take down the beach. I keep my eyes open, intent on the brightening skyline and highlighted clouds. There is no better way to start a day than with a simple miracle.

*****

Adang is one of the many islands within Tarutao National Park in Thailand. It houses a ranger station, a large camping area, a few bungalows, restrooms with running water, and a small restaurant which feeds the staff and the handful of tourists that venture off the beaten path. The island has a breathtaking nature trail up to the top of Chado Cliff and a fresh water falls known as "Pirate Waterfall" a nod to the days when real pirates ravaged the Straits of Malacca. While Adang has much to offer in terms of natural beauty and environmental attractions, it lacks the tropical resort appeal that screams Ko Lipe in every tourist brochure.

The Wildlands group set up camp on Adang's southeastern shore. Everyone went about appraising the local real estate. Ant highways were investigated, neighbors considered, defenses against monkeys implemented, and access to amenities were all scrutinized in the search for the perfect spot. I decided to pitch my tent facing the ocean beneath a tall Casuarina, a sea "pine" that's not really a pine at all.

The green "pines" are actually stems with minute leaves which eventually dry out, turn brown, and blanket the ground below. The Casuarina also produces a hard, spiked seed, about the size of a blueberry, which can float in the ocean and will germinate at the surf line. They'd easily poke a hole through my tent. It took me a good long while to clear a space for my tent and even out the sand with a stick, but after all was said and done, I knew I had a little piece of paradise.

Today, the Wildlands group went out to three sites, Southwest Ko Yang, the "nature trail" off of Had Sai Khao on Ko Rawi, and North Ko Yang. Each site had something unique to offer. Both sides of Ko Yang featured soft and hard corals, as well as a number of sponges, algae and other sessile organisms. Reef fish darted in and out of crevices as I dove down to investigate, holding each breath longer than the last. As I peered into each and every nook and cranny, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy at all the underwater animals breathing water.

The Rawi's "nature trail" was a particularly interesting site because an attempt was made to forge a path for snorkelers to follow. Numbered plates were drilled into the rock to identify the route to follow, but storms have altered the substrate and it wasn't well maintained. I started from the beginning and made it to the end, but deviated from the actual route significantly. A flowerfish (Pearsonothuria graeffe) crept along the sand in search of food, 'nemos' popped in and out of anemones, and a giant moray smiled as cleaner wrasse swam in and out of its gills- there was no way I could stick to a set path in such a fluid world.

While I may have been swimming with the fail whale during my journey roughly along the nature trail, I could see its value if properly maintained. The underwater world can be daunting, especially to people who are not confident swimmers or who have never explored a reef. The idea of a path with set points and relevant information could be a good place to start for first time snorkelers or people unfamiliar with local waters. It would also localize human impacts thereby reducing disturbances and negative externalities from highly utilized reefs. It would also be interesting to compare such "nature trails" with sites that have little or no human disturbances. Needless to say, while I may not have followed the route, I appreciated it for what its potential.

I was lucky to have been able to snorkel on Rawi as the site was actually closed to snorkelers due to the extensive bleaching in 2010. Thankfully, due to our research endeavors, park rangers allowed us to explore the reefs at our leisure. While there was definitely evidence of bleaching and storm damage, there was a good amount of regenerating coral and a higher diversity of hard corals than I had expected from the grim warnings. In fact, corals may not be given enough credit for their resilience, but it is clear human impacts should be curtailed to ensure a that these reef ecosystems have a future.

Thailand: Day 1

Day 1: 1/21/12 Sunday, Bangkok

I board the express water taxi at Tha Tien headed for Wat Pho. It is no small feat. I am herded onto a teetering boat along with a flood of people while passengers on-board squeeze through the chaos, intent on getting off before the boat lurches back into the river traffic. The long-tail motor rumbles and roars making it impossible to hear anything above the din- anything besides her. A petite Thai lady with a stern face and sharp eyes elbows her way to the clump of new passengers. Somehow the sea of people part before her. There's an air of authority around her that is magnified by the intensity of her shrill voice. She's shouting in Thai for fares. Tourists with day-packs and cameras slung around their necks display a wide array of expressions from baffled and bewildered to confused and perturbed. Regulars seem oblivious to the cacophony that surrounds them, this is business as usual. This is Bangkok.

*****

It was a very long and interesting first day in Bangkok. I arrived at the Bangkok International Airport around midnight and was united with the Wildlands Studies group outside of the Arrival Hall around 1 AM. It wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that I called it a night, falling fast asleep on a bottom bunk-bed (all the tops were taken). With 3 hours of restless sleep, the day began leisurely enough as I meandered through a local market to the closest water taxi dock. That's about the time I really woke up.

My first experience on a water taxi was sensational experience. The rusty dock creaked while the boat, overflowing with people, rocked to and fro with every swell. Bodies were packed tight and the heat of the day bore down unrelenting. The motor was so loud it made conversation practically impossible. Thankfully, I knew what stop to get off at ahead of time and was able to wiggle my way to the dock just as the water taxi pushed off, sputtering towards its next destination. Had I missed my stop, it would've been a long walk in the heat of the day.

I visited the Museum of Siam, a relatively new establishment opened in 2008. The museum explores the development of Thai identity through history. From prehistory to modern day, its various exhibition halls helped to further my understanding of Thailand's history and how Bangkok became the thriving capital city it is today.

With the history of Bangkok and greater Thailand fresh in my mind, I boarded a small long-tail. The boat explored the western bank and canals of the Chao Phraya river, an area of the city called Thon Buri. This was the part of Bangkok most severely affected by the flooding last year. It was high tide and water lapped lazily onto people's front steps and porches. A water line well above window panes was clearly distinguishable on many homes. In some places fragments of foundation were all that remained, the water had reclaimed buildings entirely.

The day ended on the river, naturally. I watched the sunset over the Rama IX bridge and mused over the day's adventures. As darkness blanketed the sky, the Chao Phraya sparkled, reflecting the city lights. I let my mind drift along its current, content with a day well lived.

Thailand: Day 17

2/7/12, Trang → Hat Yao

Bounding from boulder to boulder, I cross a small fresh water river and splash up the far bank. A virtually untouched tropical forest unfolds before my eyes, spectacular and inviting. I follow a ranger up a twisting and winding trail. As we trek up the mountainside, the sound of the river fades and a sense of wonder and curiosity takes hold of me. Large termite mounds surge up from the ground and fungi grow like steps up trunks of towering trees. Vines twirl upwards and dangle down from the leafy canopy. The journey up the mountainside is simply beautiful and the waterfall at the top is exquisite. In a moment I'm under the falls letting the cool, fresh water melt away the tension from the climb. It's not the ocean, but as one coastal proverb puts it, "the sea starts in the mountains" and I'm ready to begin.

*****

On Tuesday, February 7th, I left Trang for Hat Yao by song-tao. The modified pickup truck was packed tight with 18 of us squeezed into its two rows and all our gear on top. The lot of us made a can of sardines look roomy. It looked comedic, but it worked. I managed to snag a standing spot on the very back and watched as Thailand's countryside appeared in front of me behind us. Rubber plantations and small villages were a blur and we whizzed by a few farms and vendor stalls selling an assortment of goods from fresh bananas and papaya to motorbike stickers and stuffed animals. It was a sensational ride, to say the least.

Around mid-morning we stopped to stretch our legs. At the base of a wildlife sanctuary we visited a rubber plantation and spoke with one of the workers. He shared his insight into the plantation's operations and others like it in the area. After a brief glimpse into the rubber industry, we trekked up to Sai Rong, the Rainbow Waterfall, where we had lunch.

It was another fun-filled, 2 hours at the back of the song-tao before we reached Hat Yao. The Islamic influence in southern Thailand was noticeable as the hours passed. The domed roofs of mosques with gleaming spires dotted the countryside, peacefully, often near spirit houses or a Buddhist shrine. As our song-tao clamored into Hat Yao in the late afternoon, the call to prayer could be heard faintly in the distance.

I spent the afternoon and evening exploring the beach and its karst limestone cliffs. The physical formations from years of chemical erosion were mind-bending and seemed to defy gravity. Gnarly trees clutched the stalactites that hung from the jagged cliff face creating tiny islands in the sky. It was an unforgettable sight to see in person. Within the first few moments of arriving, I knew that I would really enjoy the time spent in Hat Yao.

Thailand: Day 5

1/26/12, Khao Sam Roi Yot

The air is still. The space is vast, larger than life. Jagged karst limestone walls surround me stretching, reaching up towards a distant azure sky. A garden of full grown trees and shrubs populate the sink hole's floor, amazing generations of wanderers and adventurers who scale the mountain trail to find them. The caverns of Phrayanakhon Cave mesmerize me in their profound and simple beauty. This place is a world unto its own.

*****

On January 24th, I left Bangkok by train, headed south for Yala. Car 5 was taken over by the Wildlands Studies group and I was able to find a window seat near a functional ceiling fan. Despite the luxury, I opted for a wide open window.

The train ride was about 7 or 8 hours- a nonexpress route. We passed by towns and small villages, but nothing that could compare in size or scope to Bangkok. At every stop, a parade of food vendors would march up and down the aisle with their baskets of snacks or buckets of ice cold drinks. Sitting next to the window, I was buffered from the invasion of aromas and tantalizing goodies. By the time we arrived at our destination, everyone had embarked on a surprisingly tasteful adventure with train food.

From the train station, it was another 45 minutes to Khao Sam Roi Yot by truck. We loaded our packs onto one pick-up and 18 of us hopped into the backs of two others. I stood towards the front, leaning forward into the wind as we drove out into the wilderness. As we approached the national park, lights from fish farms dotted the landscape. Looking upwards, the silhouettes of mountains distinguished themselves faintly against the night sky. Coupled with traveling by train and standing in the back of a pick-up, it was an incredible travel day.

The following morning, I woke up to run for the sun. I headed due east from the camp bungalows following a dirt road toward the ocean. I heard it before I saw it. The heartbeat of the sea, the calm pulse, the soothing sound of sand and ocean saying their hellos and goodbyes. I jogged up through a small mangrove brush and planted my feet in the sand. I said my good morning to the Gulf of Thailand.

We spent a couple days at Khao Sam Roi Yot. We climbed the mountains and visited a shrimp farm that I had seen from the pick-up on our way into the park. We also visited the largest fresh water marsh in these areas and trekked up to an isolated cave tucked away at the top of a mountain. Every moment was spent learning, exploring, and experiencing life to its fullest. And before I knew it, we were packing, headed for Kari Buri by bus with eyes set on Surin in the Andaman Sea.

Thailand: Day 14

Surin → Kari Buri

The powder fine sand shimmers in the moonlight and trickles between my toes as I trace designs with my feet. I sit on the southwest shore of Surin Nua, serenaded by the rhythmic pulse of the sea as it greets the shore while a cool breeze brings tidings of a new day. Still. Silent. Calm. The sun bursts out of the ocean as a glowing red beacon lighting up the sky in one brilliant instant. Good morning sunshine, good morning Surin.

*****

The past 2 weeks in Thailand have been an extraordinary experience, one that I'll have to catch up on in the future... I've spent the last 6 days in Thailand's Mu Ko Surin National Park with Wildlands Studies, camping on the beach, conducting coral surveys, and enjoying the company of 17 incredible individuals. The park is a good hour from the mainland by speedboat, just far enough from civilization to attract it. Surin is a destination spot for divers and snorkelers. Both Thai and international tourists arrive on Surin's shores daily to experience its unique underwater world.

However, paradise is not without its own troubles. In 1998, a global rise in ocean temperatures facilitated a worldwide coral bleaching event which affected Surin's reefs, and more recently a second more devastating bleaching occurred in 2010. It has been an interesting and inspiring experience to survey and snorkel sites so recently destroyed.

There is evidence of rejuvenation and coral recruitment in spite of all the environmental stress. Clearly, the Acroporidae family of corals was most impacted from bleaching here, as vast forests of dead branching Acropora littered the substrate of every site- and yet in the midst of all the rubble, numerous Acropora recruits, small "baby" corals were observed. Heights varied but the average was about 3 cm, which ages these recruits at about a year old. Coral recovery must have begun very quickly after water temperatures subsided. Another positive observation of Surin's coral reefs has been the presence of a diverse and seemingly healthy population of reef fishes and invertebrates, as well as a few turtle sightings and black tip reef sharks.

The resilience of the coral reef ecosystem is remarkable, but celebrations must be put on hold as reef health is impacted by an overwhelming number of factors. Ocean temperatures, human impacts, acidification, natural disasters... the list is long and varied. I only hope that as we continue to learn more about this critical environment, the knowledge gained will help to mitigate human impact while providing insight into other stressors.

*****

The Wildlands team is heading to the mainland today, leaving Surin behind and beginning our trek south to Trong. It'll be 4 days until we get back into the ocean- I miss it already.

Dive Log #11

By the Numbers: Bi-Weekly Dive Log
Dive #151 (BSD 100)	22/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:33	Bottom Time: 58 minutes
Max Depth: 14.5 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Aquarium w/Susanne, 2 clients. Nudibranch x5, scorpionfish x8, peppered moray x4, porcupinefish, hawksbill, mantis shrimp.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7228 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #152 (BSD 101)	22/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:37	Bottom Time: 55 minutes
Max Depth: 14.3 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist @ Horse Shoe Rocks w/Susanne, 4 clients. Spotted an octopus! Nudibranch x4, cowrie, peppered moray x3, porcupinefish x2, golden moray, lionfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7283 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #153 (BSD 102)	23/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:40	Bottom Time: 53 minutes
Max Depth: 12.5 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Whale Rock w/3 clients. Octopus, nudibranch x3, lionfish, peppered moray, mantis shrimp, clownfish x3.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7336 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #154 (BSD 103)	23/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:28	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 15.1 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Coral Garden w/5 clients. Nudibranch x2, marble ray (~1.5m), yellow-margined moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7392 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #155 (BSD 104)	24/8/2011
Dive Time: 10:03	Bottom Time: 41 minutes
Max Depth: 17.4 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive 2 Lighthouse w/3 clients. White tip reef shark (1.5-2m), boxfish x2, pufferfish x2, lionfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7433 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #156 (BSD 105)	24/8/2011
Dive Time: 12:00	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 13.3 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Granbazar w/3 clients. COT x3, lionfish x2, nudibranch x2, peppered moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7478 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #157 (BSD 106)	27/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:46	Bottom Time: 43 minutes
Max Depth: 22.7 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Twin Barges w/2 clients. Porcupine x2, lionfish x7, peppered moray x5, clownfish, hairy hermit crab.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7478 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #158 (BSD 107)	27/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:14	Bottom Time: 55 minutes
Max Depth: 18.7 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Coral Garden w/Susanne, Christian. Scorpionfish x2, nudibranch x6, peppered moray, moray, cowrie x2, painted lobster x5, clownfish x4.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7576 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #159 (BSD 108)	28/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:34	Bottom Time: 57 minutes
Max Depth: 11.9 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 100 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Sunset Rocks w/6 clients. Client @ 30 bar, shared air for last 10 minutes in order to return to boat. Scorpionfish x3, COT x2, white-mouthed moray, peppered moray x3, lionfish x4, porcupinefish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7633 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #160 (BSD 109)	28/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:34	Bottom Time: 55 minutes
Max Depth: 13.5 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Aquarium w/6 clients. White-mouthed moray x2, peppered moray x3, lionfish x2, scorpionfish, clownfish x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7688 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #161 (BSD 110)	29/8/2011
Dive Time: 10:04	Bottom Time: 53 minutes
Max Depth: 22.9 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 110 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Twin Barges w/2 clients. Nudibranch x3, stonefish, puffer, porcupine x4, lionfish x5, cleaner shrimp, peppered moray x3, yellow-margined moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7741 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #162 (BSD 111)	29/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:40	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 15.3 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 110 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: FIRST SOLO DIVE @ Granbazar. COT x3, clownfish x5, lionfish, peppered moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7786 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #163 (BSD 112)	30/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:52	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 22.7 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 80 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 1kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Twin Barges w/5 clients. Porcupinefish x3, pufferfish x2, boxfish x2, scorpionfish, peppered moray x5, starry moray, nudibranch, clearner wrasse, clearner shrimp, yellow-margined moray, lionfish x7,boxer shrimp.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7842 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #164 (BSD 113)	30/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:41	Bottom Time: 54 minutes
Max Depth: 14.6 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Joker w/2 clients. Nudibranch x3, white-mouth moray,lionfish, cleaner shrimp, cleaner wrasse.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7896 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #165 (BSD 114)	31/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:54	Bottom Time: 49 minutes
Max Depth: 15.3 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Lighthouse w/1 client. Bumphead parrotfish x3, pufferfish x4, porcupinefish, squid x9, mantis shrimp, white-mouth moray, honeycomb moray, titan triggerfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7945 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #166 (FINAL BSD 115)	31/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:34	Bottom Time: 54 minutes
Max Depth: 18.1 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Baie Ternay w/Susanne, 3 clients. COT, Leaf fish, nudibranch x3, white-tip reef shark, yellow-margined moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7999 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters

WK 22: Beginning's End / New Beginning.

My time in the Seychelles has come to an end. It seems like I arrived only yesterday, the memories from Cap Ternay still so vivid and fresh in my mind: the novelty and charm of the islands, the Kreol culture, and researching coral around Baie Ternay. Yet at the same time, it feels like I've been on Mahe for years. This little island paradise has been my home for the last 6 months, but I must move on and the future waits for no one.

WK 21: The BIG 100

My eyes fixate on an underwater rock. At first glance it's mundane, displaying the usual algal growth common to the countless other boulders. Even so, I stall and invert myself for a closer look. The rock blinks, its gaze meets mine.

The rock moves. Fins arch displaying a vibrant color scheme of yellow and auburn before nestling back into the substrate. I crane my neck around, signalling towards the rock. Some divers acknowledge my find with a smile in their eyes and the "OK" signal while others shrug staring at me and the rock quizzically. With my makeshift tank-banger (a dull and rusted garden stake), I point delicately to the top of the rock where a scorpionfish sits, perfectly camouflaged.

All divers are signalling "OK" and the group's energy skyrockets. My eyes smile back as I resume my search for underwater treasures, letting them relish the moment. It's my 100th dive with Blue Sea Divers and I make it count for all it's worth.

*****

This past week was yet another 7 days that passed by all too quickly. There was no downtime to pause and reflect. Every moment in the water, I was leading and learning, fully engaged in tailoring each dive to the needs and desires of my divers. Onshore, I was hard at work in the dive shop and beach kiosk tidying up, maintaining equipment, and counting down the moments until the next dive. It was a full week from every perspective.

On Monday, I plunged beneath the water for my 100th Blue Sea Divers dive. While the day and the dive proved to be an incredible experience, it didn't start off all too well. Firstly, I was delegated responsible for the "routine" dive boat which would take clients out for 2 morning dives around the usual Beau Vallon sites. While the responsibility was an honor, knowing that two of my fellow divemasters were fun diving at Aldabaren had me a bit sore. I'd been delegated to shop duty on the previous Aldabaren dive and had hoped to dive the wreck one last time. Even so, I was able to shrug off the bad vibes and chose one of my top sites, L'ilot, as the day's first dive (and my 100th!).

Having mended the morning's dive site upheaval, I joined my divers on the boat and gave them a briefing on L'ilot. Moments later, the skipper received a call from the dive shop prohibiting the boat from making the trek out to L'ilot. The news was like an urchin to the face, but I kept my cool and decided upon Coral Garden, a site where I've spotted a nurse shark, turtles, and lobsters. I knew I could deliver a quality dive there. Unfortunately, that notion was shot down since the site was obscured by bad visibility and the GPS was on the Aldabaren boat. Now, completely embarrassed and apologetic, the skipper and I begrudgingly decided upon Aquarium as the first dive site.

Despite the morning's madness, my 100th could easily contend with any 40m wreck in regards to quality. It seemed like every moment I was pointing to another find, from a timid mantis shrimp and delicate nudibranchs to colorful clownfish and camouflaged scorpionfish, we saw it all. I couldn't have asked for a better 100th dive.

Every now and again, life throws you an urchin. Impact is inevitable. The impending pain is a process: pull out what you can and take in what you can not. Don't back down- learn, grow, and thrive where others would crumble. This is how one builds character. This is how you catch an urchin without it catching you.

Seychelles Dive Log #10

By the Numbers: Bi-Weekly Dive Log
Dive #131 (BSD 80)	8/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:22	Bottom Time: 59 minutes
Max Depth: 23.6 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ Twin Barges w/Simon, 3 clients. Nudibranch, devil ray, lionfish x5, peppered moray x3.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6188 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #132 (BSD 81)	8/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:01	Bottom Time: 54 minutes
Max Depth: 12 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 2-4 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Grambazar w/Simon, 2 clients. Scorpionfish, clownfish x4, COT x3, female hawsbill.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6242 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #133 (BSD 82)	8/8/2011
Dive Time: 14:37	Bottom Time: 41 minutes
Max Depth: 14.1 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 160 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 1kg weight (-1kg for Simon) in XS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ Sunset Rocks w/Simon, Sylvain, 3 clients. COT x3, peppered moray x4, scorpionfish, clownfish x2, hawksbill.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6283 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #134 (BSD 83)	9/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:26	Bottom Time: 47 minutes
Max Depth: 9.8 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 170 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in XS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Northolme w/Simon, Susanne. Scorpionfish, COT x2, peppered moray x4, cowrie, yellow-margined moray, nudibranch x3, lionfish, porcupine x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6330 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #135 (BSD 84)	9/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:13	Bottom Time: 49 minutes
Max Depth: 21.1 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in XS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Twin Barges w/Simon, Susanne (200th dive!). Marble ray (~1.5 m), peppered moray x2, dragon moray, scorpionfish x2, nudibranch x4, white-mouthed moray, porcupinefish, pipefish, remorah x5, cleaner shrimps, lionfish x5.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6379 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #136 (BSD 85)	10/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:38	Bottom Time: 49 minutes
Max Depth: 17.6 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in XS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Baie Ternay w/2 clients. White-mouth moray, nudibranch, white leaf fish, lionfish x3, squid, fighting parrotfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6428 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #137 (BSD 86)	10/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:08	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 13.4 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 sbar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1 kg weight in XS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Baie Ternay w/1 client. Nudibranch, clownfish x3, hawksbill w/batfish, napoleonfish (~1.5 meters), squid x2, lionfish x2, yellow-margined moray, giant clam.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6484 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #138 (BSD 87)	11/8/2011
Dive Time: 14:44	Bottom Time: 48 minutes
Max Depth: 9.1 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 200 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0 kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Northolme Rocks w/1 client. Scorpionfish, COT x2, porcupine, baracuda.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6532 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #139 (BSD 88)	12/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:43	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 16 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ L'ilot w/Marcus, 4 clients. Porcupinefish, nudibranch, clownfish, bumphead parrotfish x5, giant moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6584 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #140 (BSD 89)	12/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:19	Bottom Time: 57 minutes
Max Depth: 20.8 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 100 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Twin Barges w/Marcus, Simon, Susanne. Nudibranch x3, cleaner shrimps, peppered moray x3, yellow-margined moray, clownfish x4, lionfish x5, remora.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6641 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #141 (BSD 90)	14/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:35	Bottom Time: 64 minutes
Max Depth: 22.9 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 100 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weightin Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ Twin Barges w/Susanne, 4 clients. Massive damage to coral reef, machine tracks visible. Nudibranch x3, juvenile peppered moray x3, lionfish x5, cleaner shrimp, clownfish x4.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6705 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #142 (BSD 91)	14/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:16	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 13.5 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 110 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Horse Shoe Rocks w/Susanne, 4 clients. Scorpionfish, baby box fish, pufferfish, porcupinefish, juvenile ribbon eel, conch x2, cleaner shrimp, nudibranch x5, juvenile peppered moray x4, clownfish x2, lionfish x6.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6761 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #143 (BSD 92)	15/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:55	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 16.1 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Coral Garden w/Adam. Painted lobster x7, cowrie x2, nudibranch x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6813 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #144 (BSD 93)	15/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:22	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 14.6 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Aquarium w/Adam, Simon. Octopus, porcupinefish, cowrie, yellow-margined moray x2, hawksbill.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6869 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #145 (BSD 94)	18/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:29	Bottom Time: 48 minutes
Max Depth: 22.9 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 110 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Twin Barges w/5 clients. Peppered moray x3, lionfish x6, cleaner shrimp, painted lobster, emperor red snapper x2, sweetlips x2, yellow trumpetfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6917 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #146 (BSD 95)	18/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:23	Bottom Time: 60 minutes
Max Depth: 14 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Aquarium w/Susanne. Clownfish x2, juvenile peppered moray, cowrie.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6977 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #147 (BSD 96)	20/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:46	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 13.8 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 200 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead dive @ Twin Barges w/2 clients. Scorpionfish, juvenile peppered moray, lionfish, cowrie, nudibranch.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7022 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #148 (BSD 97)	20/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:26	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 19.3 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 200 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead dive @ Coral Garden w/3 clients. Zebra eel, COT x2, helmet shell, lionfish, juvenile peppered moray, porcupinefish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7067 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #149 (BSD 98)	21/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:42	Bottom Time: 43 minutes
Max Depth: 25.9 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 200 bar - 90 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead dive @ Dredger Wreck w/3 clients. Peppered moray x3, porcupinefish x2, pufferfish, nudibranch, octopus.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7110 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #150 (BSD 99)	21/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:00	Bottom Time: 60 minutes
Max Depth: 13.4 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 100 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 0kg, Junior BSD BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Aquarium w/3 clients. Scorpionfish x2, nudibranch x4, peppered moray x6, hawksbill.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 7170 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters

WK 20: It’s Getting Hot in Here

Beach Kiosk

A bead of sweat trickles down my forehead as I bake in the Blue Sea Diver's beach kiosk. The heat of the day bears down upon the shack maintaining the suffocating temperature. The ocean waves to me from a distance, tempting me with its pristine waters. From within the oven, I smear perspiration from my brow with my forearm. There’s no relief from the heat. It takes all my might to focus my mind on the promise of tomorrow's dives-anything but the rising temperature.

*****

Remnants from the battle

This past week I officially completed my divemaster certification and have been creeping up on my 100^th dive with Blue Sea Divers. Looking back, the days are non distinct but the experience as a whole has been a good one. Over the past few days, I've led a number of successful dives with a few curve ball clients and situations that have only made me a better diver and divemaster. Out of the water I've been servicing equipment and maintaining the shop (and wishing I were diving of course).

Fruit bats continued to blast the staff house with their leftovers. Mango pits and branches have decorated our lawn becoming permanent ornaments. I had thought our house could not have any more character than before the fruit onslaught- I was wrong. It's been fun living at the Blue Sea Divers' staff house, but I do look forward to a good night's rest and some peace and quiet.

Next week, I’ll have my 100^th dive with Blue Sea Divers and say goodbye to one of my fellow divemaster interns. The end is fast approaching, but before I go- I’m going to fill every moment with memories.

WK 19: The Sky is Falling

Giant clam

Days blur together like colors in some sort of twisted painting, deceiving my eyes with uncertain shades. Yesterday, tomorrow- words devoid of meaning as only the current fleeting moment is framed perception.

I strain to find an anchor in the whirlpool time spins, but for the life of me, all I see are life's ever shifting hues and changing tides. I want to sink below the layers of color, below the constant churning waves where the ticking of time fades. I yearn for life beyond the frame, beneath the chaos of colors where worldly prejudices dissipate and peace resides.

*****

Each passing week seems to go by quicker than the last, and week 19 maintained the trend. I was constantly amazed at the dates in the shop's log book, second guessing their accuracy (and my own literacy). I was just barely able to keep track of the time of day.

Lionfish

Despite time playing with my mind, I've continued to develop my skills as a diver. Now that leading has become second nature, I've been focusing on developing buoyancy control. This past week I freed myself from needing 3-2 kg to diving without weights- a feat accomplished while still wearing a full wetsuit! Simply utilizing proper breath control I've been able to maintain neutral buoyancy throughout my dives.The experience has been liberating in every sense of the word!

On the home front, life has been a a bit dodgy. The staff house has been under constant siege. Merciless fruit bats have been waging a decidedly one-sided war, their weapon of choice: mango-bombs. The usual nighttime solace has been shattered with explosions, constant cracks and rumblings of bombs impacting the tin roof like lightning strikes and roaring thunder. Every morning, the lawn has been riddled with debris from the previous night's battle: mangoes, half-chewed pits, and even branches.

Juvenile peppered/geometric moray eel

If living on a battle site weren't enough fun, swimming in one is an experience beyond measure. If it rains, it pours and if it pours the staff house leaks- in every single room. The ceiling is bloated with water, caving in at the seams, and waterfalls rage down the walls. Rooms look like a feng shui master went mad, furniture and buckets strewn around like an absurd obstacle course. One can't complain though, the incessant rain means that we have running water throughout the house (from leaks AND the tap, yay!).

Life is a vibrant living painting with watercolors being the medium of choice for this past week. The colors and experiences will settle in due time. With just a few weeks left on Mahe, I am curious to see what final experiences will imbue my picture of the Seychelles.

Seychelles Dive Log #9

By the Numbers: Bi-Weekly Dive Log
Dive #112 (BSD 61)	24/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:29	Bottom Time: 50 minutes
Max Depth: 40.8 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 8-10 meters
Air Consumption: 200 bar - 90 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Deep Dive @ Aldabaran Wreck w/Sylvain, Simon. Porcupine x2, juvenile peppered moray x3, swim through on deck.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5200 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #113 (BSD 62)	24/7/2011
Dive Time: 11:18	Bottom Time: 51 minutes
Max Depth: 9 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 7-9 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 160 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 2kg weights (-1kg for client) in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Northolme w/Natacha, 2 clients. Barracuda, COT x2, moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5251 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #114 (BSD 63)	25/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:24	Bottom Time: 48 minutes
Max Depth: 17.4 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ L'ilot w/Marcus, 3 clients. Porcupine x2, puffer x3, humphead parrotfish (~1.5 meters), yellow-margined moray, peppered moray x3.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5299 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #115 (BSD 64)	25/7/2011
Dive Time: 18:33	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 22.8 meters	Water Temperature: 25
Visibility: -
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Night Dive @ Twin Barges w/Adam, Simon. Porcupine x5, puffer x2, scorpionfish x6, hermit crab x3, shrimp, painted lobster, lionfish x7, footballer cod.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5351 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #116 (BSD 65)	26/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:50	Bottom Time: 50 minutes
Max Depth: 16.4 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ Lighthouse w/Adam, 5 clients. Stonefish, eagle ray (~1-1.5 meters), hawksbill turtle, lionfish, puffer x2, porcupine.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5401 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #117 (BSD 66)	26/7/2011
Dive Time: 11:31	Bottom Time: 48 minutes
Max Depth: 17.4 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Assist Dive @ Baie Ternay w/Adam, 5 clients. White leafish x3, lionfish x2, white mouth moray, peppered moray, nudibranch, cowfish, trumpetfish.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5449 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #118 (BSD 67)	27/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:41	Bottom Time: 50 minutes
Max Depth: 18.1 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, 2mm booties, BSD full foot fins (40/41).
Notes: Fun Dive @ L'ilot w/Simon. Lionfish x4, bumphead parrotfish x2, nudibranch x6, porcupine, puffer, scorpionfish x2, reef octopus x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5499 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #119 (BSD 68)	27/7/2011
Dive Time: 11:18	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 14.2 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, 2mm booties, BSD full foot fins (40/41).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Aquarium w/4 clients. Juvenile peppered moray, juvenile dragon moray, hawksbill turtle.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5544 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #120 (BSD 69)	28/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:54	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 16.5 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 7-9 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Baie Ternay w/Simon, 1 client. Lionfish x2, nudibranch x7, white-mouth moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5596 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #121 (BSD 70)	28/7/2011
Dive Time: 11:36	Bottom Time: minutes
Max Depth: 14.9 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, IST Proline LS Rashguard, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (34/35).
Notes: Lead Assist @ Aquarium w/Simon, 1 client. Eagle ray x2, hairy hermit crab, nudibranch x2, clownfish x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5660 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #122 (BSD 71)	30/7/2011
Dive Time: 14:38	Bottom Time: 45 minutes
Max Depth: 9.6 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 160 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over full wetsuit, 2kg weights in XXS BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, 2mm Booties, BSD full foot fins (40/41).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Northolme w/2 clients. COT x3, moray x2, hairy hermit crab.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5705 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #123 (BSD 72)	31/7/2011
Dive Time: 09:36	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 16.8 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Twin Barges/Corsair Reef w/6 & 3 clients. Took on 2 groups of 3 divers for first half of dive on wreck. Split into 2 seperate dive groups (divemasters: Marcus/myself) for second half of dive on reef. Nudibranch x 4 (first twin chromodoris spotted), lionfish x5, peppered moray, zebra moray, cowrie.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5757 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #124 (BSD 73)	31/7/2011
Dive Time: 11:11	Bottom Time: 50 minutes
Max Depth: 15.9 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 230 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 2kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Aquarium w/3 clients. Clownfish x2, nudibranch, hawksbill turtle, mantis shrimp.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5807 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #125 (BSD 74)	2/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:32	Bottom Time: 51 minutes
Max Depth: 20.6 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 120 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ L'ilot w/Simon. Fun swim through. Eagle ray, school of moorish idols, porcupine x2, reef octopus, juvenile peppered moray, cowrie, scorpionfish, clownfish, mantis shrimp, shrimp, oriental sweetlips.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5858 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #126 (BSD 75)	2/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:12	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 10.7 meters	Water Temperature: 26
Visibility: 5-7 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 130 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Coral Garden/Aquarium w/Simon. Nudibranch x2, clownfish, scorpionfish x2 (first Inimicus filamentosus spot), zebra moray, juvenile peppered moray.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5914 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #127 (BSD 76)	3/8/2011
Dive Time: 14:56	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 12.9 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 shorty over 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1.5 kg weights in Junior BSD BCD pocket, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist @ Sunset Rocks w/Simon, 1 client. Moved anchor to prevent damage to sea anemone/clownfish. Clownfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, hawksbill, COT x4, cowrie, school of needlefish, benito, zebra moray, peppered moray, lionfish x4, octopus, porcupine x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 5966 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #128 (BSD 77)	7/8/2011
Dive Time: 09:26	Bottom Time: 55 minutes
Max Depth: 13.2 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 4-6 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 150 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight belt, BSD Beuchat Master Lift Club XXS BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Assist @ Aquarium w/Simon, 2 clients. Scorpionfish, clownfish x2, hawksbill, lionfish x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6021 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #129 (BSD 78)	7/8/2011
Dive Time: 11:01	Bottom Time: 56 minutes
Max Depth: 9.1 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 220 bar - 160 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight belt, BSD Beuchat Master Lift Club XXS BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Fun Dive @ Northolme Rocks w/Simon. COT x5, zebra moray, scorpionfish, nudibranch x2, oriental sweetlips, murex, cowrie.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6077 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters
Dive #130 (BSD 79)	7/8/2011
Dive Time: 14:44	Bottom Time: 52 minutes
Max Depth: 9.1 meters	Water Temperature: 27
Visibility: 3-5 meters
Air Consumption: 210 bar - 140 bar
Gear: BSD 3/2 full wetsuit x2, 1kg weight belt, BSD Beuchat Master Lift Club XXS BCD, 10L AL Tank, BSD full foot fins (36/37).
Notes: Lead Dive @ Northolme Rocks w/Simon, 2 clients. COT x3, lionfish x4, scorpionfish x4, cowrie x2, nudibranch x2.
Seychelles Bottom Time: 6129 minutes
Seychelles Max Depth: 41.1 meters