Welcome Back
Ben and I returned to Pompano Beach for a week of wreck diving. Our last trip was blown out w/ very little diving.
Our Charriott
We chartered our week with AquaLife.
Away We Go
Skip and Popeye took us on a VIP day of diving - we're the only 2 divers on the boat!!
Anxious
We've been waiting for this moment for a VERY long time!
Heading Out
Heading out to GET WET!
AquaLife
My favorite colors - ocean blue!
He's Ready
Ben's been ready for this trip for at LEAST 6 months!!
Gear Prep
Gotta make sure everything is in order before we hit the water.
Divers Down
Not yet, but we will be soon.
Pompano Beach
It was a BEAUTIFUL day to be on/under the water.
Perspective
What do YOU think?
Rodeod
Our surface interval after a deep dive of 125ft to the Rodeo 25.
The Okinawa
The current was strong as we swam up the starboard side of the wreck. Click the photo to view the video.
Schooling
Showing the schools of fish that make the Okinawa their home. Click the photo to view the video.
Making the Turn
Beginning our journey down the port side.
Full Port
Another view of the fish enjoying the Okinawa.
Sterner
A view of the stern, looking for critters below the prop. Click the photo to view the video.
Welcome Aboard
Back up the starboard side along the rail. Click the photo to view the video.
Across the Bow
The red filter clarifies the photos but removes the color.
Up Top
Taking a look up top.
Fan Tail
Not sure what would have hung here.
Rear End
A nice view of the rear of the Okinawa.
Wincher
Likely the location of a winch.
Ahoy
Looks like this wreck may have been claimed by pirates.
Visibility Check
The visibility was good, NOT great.
Way Home
Our line down and our ascent back to the surface.
Close Up
Skip dove down and tied the boat off to make life simple for us.
Heading Up
A final pose from Ben before we head for the surface.
Interior Fun
After another surface internal, we came back down to the Okinawa to explore her interior. Click the photo to view the video of the engine room.
Watch Out
The ship was "prepped" for divers but there are still a few obstacles.
Line of Sight
The starboard view down the engine room.
Egress
Another entrance/exit into the engine room.
Red Shorts
My light shows I'm wearing red swim trunks (easier to see you my dear).
The Hold
A visit to the hold. Click the photo to view the video.
Perspective
Easy to see why caution is required.
Heads Down
We try to maintain a neutral, head down position to avoid stirring up the sediment.
Return Trip
We're back in the engine room for another tour. Click the photo to view the video.
High Road
Staying high while trying not to disturb the ceiling.
Selfie
Yes Ben, you look MAREVLOUS in your new mask. Click the photo to view the video.
Exit Stage Up
Ascending up and out.
Right Behind
Ben ascends behind me. Click the photo to view the video.
Poor Form
Remember my comment about preferred form?
Here's Why
Evidence of my poor form. It doesn't take much to take the visibility to ZERO! Click the photo to view the video.
Bliss
Yah, this is EXACTLY what I want to be doing!!
Still Current
Still strong current exploring the starboard side of the wreck. Click the photo to view the video.
Close Up
Be assured it looks MUCH better in person without the red filter on the camera. Time to call it a dive and end our 2nd tour of the Okinawa.
Heading Back
FABULOUS 1st day of diving, looking forward to many more this week.