Still working through jet-lag a bit though . . .
BACK FROM A GREAT TRIP -
What's 13 time zones among friends??? Still
feeling the jetlag a bit but that's a small
price to pay for the wonderful memories that
this trip to the Maldives created. This was our
fifth time there and, once again, the Maldives
delivers in spades. We really appreciate what
good care everyone took of us, from the staff at
Hotel78 where we over-nighted on the way in, to
the crew of the Manthiri, where we spent the 9
days following that. The trip report took over
the December newsletter but if you didn't get a
chance to read it there, here it is again, along
with links to the SmugMug pix & slideshow, as
well as links to a few videos that we shot while
we were there:
MALDIVES 2023 TRIP REPORT
MALDIVES 2023 SMUGMUG PIX & SLIDESHOW
VIDEO - BANANA REEF DIVE
VIDEO - TOO MANY FISH IN THE SEA
VIDEO - I AM ONE WITH THE FISH (shot by Patti
Wey)
SPECIAL OCCASION ON THE MANTHIRI -
We really enjoy diving with lead DM Moosa
Hassan. He hit a milestone dive which we had
hoped would be on our trip but was the week
before, and that was his 12,000th dive, all but
11 of which have been in the Maldives. We had a
plaque made up to recognize Moosa's achievement
and presented it to him during the trip. You can
see that short video here:
MOOSA HASSAN'S 12,000th DIVE PLAQUE
GOT ANY 2025 PLANS??? -
If you liked what you saw and read about the
diving in the Maldives and want to experience
that first-hand, we've already committed to
going back September 19-28. It's never too early
to sign up and guarantee your spot. A $500
deposit will hold it, with plenty of time to pay
off the balance. Remember too that we can only
take 12 people total on the boat and we
anticipate it will fill up. Don't get left
behind.
ROATAN CONFIRMED FOR 2024 -
While we were in the Maldives, we were able to
confirm rooms for a return to Roatan, May 18-25,
2024. We have a total of 8 rooms at the moment
but we can also do some of those as single
supplement - small extra charge ($250) - if
that's what you'd like. We'll be staying at
Anthon'ys Key again and the last two times we
were there, we enjoyed it very much. It also
looks like they've totally re-done their dock
area which includes their restaurant, lockers,
dive shop, tank area, and more. Looks really
nice, so I'm excited to see what's what in
person. Cost of the trip is $2,950 excluding
airfare. If you're interested, give us a jingle.
PALAU ALSO CONFIRMED FOR 2024 -
I was busy planning trips while I was on a trip.
We also confirmed the Rock Islands Aggressor -
twin ship to the Palau Aggressor II - for
November 3-10, 2024. We're not required to take
the entire boat but it's available to us if
there's enough interest. As of right now, we
have 9 people confirmed and going. Palau's a
really great place to dive and we'll hit such
well-known sites as Blue Corner, German Channel,
and Ulong Channel to name a few. Because it's a
liveaboard, this one's a bit pricier, coming in
at $4,450 plus airfare. Again, give us a call or
send an e-mail if you're interested.
PINK POND -
A pond in drought-stricken Hawaii has been
bright pink since the end of October. Yikes!!!
Looks sort of like it was filled with Pepto
Bismol. Scientists say the cause of this is a
halobacteria that thrives in salty water. You
can see what the fuss is all about here: HAWAII'S
PINK POND.
And that'll do it for now. Have a great week,
and let's go diving soon!!!
- Ken |