DUI - Dog Days at Lake Rawlings, VA

Diving Dry! The Diving Unlimited International Dry Suit Demo is conducted all over the US annually. I had the opportunity to attend this year's event at Lake Rawlings in VA. What a great time. Not only did I get to try the pick of any dry suit that DUI carries, I also had the opportunity to certify as a dry suit diver. While there are procedures and skills to master unique to the suit, diving dry was quite an experience and a must-do for divers in northern latitudes, if they expect to dive year round. DUI did a great job educating, fitting and explaining. They also fed us and had booths on photography and DAN onsite. Highly recommended for all serious recreational divers, and those who just want to check it out!

Peet's Coffee - Major Dickason's Blend

I've been hearing about Peet's Coffee (http://www.peets.com) from a number of folks recently, giving it rave reviews. Most notably, however, the "raves" have also made comment that Peet's is hard to find. Well, in the vane of "finding the perfect cup", find it I did. Unfortunately I did not find the "Complete Collection" of Peet's, and only Ground coffee (I'd prefered whole bean for freshness). I did find what Peet's calls "Our most famous blend." That would be Major Dickason's Blend.

Major Dickason's Blend is cited by Peet's as "This is the coffee that many of our customers identify with Peet's. Over the years it has gained a reputation among coffee lovers for its satisfying, rich and mellow (some say comforting) flavor qualities. The blend's components contribute their regional characteristics but are balanced to make a well-rounded cup that is complex yet smooth." So I figured this would be a great introduction to Peet's.

Overall, a very good cup of coffee. I would agree with most of the adjectives, smooth, rich and complex. I don't think it is particularly "Very Full-bodied". Which is good as I think that would detract from the smoothness. I equate this coffee to Seattle's Best Henry's Blend, which is one of my favorites. I'd buy it again, although, Henry's is about a $1.00 cheaper a pound.

The Happiest (Underwater) Place on Earth

Although I’ve been certified Open Water since 1982, I’ve recently re-discovered my diving itch and my desire to be a master diver. My wife and kids have joined in to help me and support my quest. Now we look at every family trip for opportunities to dive.
This year’s family vacation was planned to celebrate my in-law’s 50th wedding anniversary. We planned a couple of days at Disney World followed by a four day cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. This was my chance to see how diving at the Happiest Place on Earth would pan out.

My wife, who is not too fond of the water, set up a dive as a surprise. Both of my sons are Advance Open Water certified and my wife signed us up for Dive Quest at Disney’s Epcot Center. Dive Quest is a great opportunity to see Epcot’s 5.7 million gallon Living Seas aquarium from a very unique point of view.

We showed up at about 5:30PM and began our pre-dive tour of the Epcot Living Seas Aquarium. We began with the back stage tour, visiting the water processing and monitoring facility. Then we visited the marine research and medical facility where many medical procedures have been pioneered. The Dive Quest team explained how the health of the Living Seas inhabitants is monitored and maintained. We visited the holding tanks for the manatees and dolphins. Finally, we visited the galley, where we learned that the inhabitants of the Living Seas Aquarium get first pick of the food as it comes into the park.
The dive brief was next. For this dive all gear must be provided by Epcot. The gear was in great condition and most of the spectators thought we worked for Disney. The average dive depth was 25 feet, temperature 73 degrees, visibility was end to end (203ft) and the expected dive duration, 45 minutes. The Living Seas contains the world's sixth-largest ocean and is the biggest facility ever dedicated to man and ocean. Inside the aquarium we would find a complete coral reef inhabited by more than 2,000 tropical fish that represents over 70 species. The population includes sharks, rays and dolphins, all exotic and colorful forms of life that normally migrate in Caribbean reefs.

This was easily the most relaxed dive I’ve ever had with sites from many different areas. A camera man followed us through our tour of the tank. Photo opportunities included masks off in the submerged dive bell and a family photo with my wife at the viewing window. After the tour, we were able to explore on our own as five Dive Masters watched over us. Four sharks, including a 10ft sand tiger and a 400lb sea turtle were the stars. However, the eagle rays, groupers and assorted fish provided a great supporting cast. And, as the aquarium also provides a back drop to the restaurant, we could swim up and entertain the watching diners and invite them to join us.
It was the happiest dive on earth. Very professional, efficient and enjoyable, Dive Quest was an outstanding family dive. The fees were 100% donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Although I am pursuing my Rescue Diver Certification, I’d say Dive Quest a must see and must do for any level of diver.

Dive Master Quest Part II

Today my two sons and I began our Advance Open Water Certification thru Splash Dive Center. We held our classroom phase on Thursday and today we performed three dives at Millbrook Quarry. Our focus was Peak Buoyancy Control, Navigation and Search and Recovery. It was a long day, but a very fun one. The dives were very relaxed as we were certified divers with few basic skills being tested.

Sunday was Deep Dive day and Wreck Dive day. Conditions were a might bitter at depth. I logged 42 degrees at 62 feet. The 7mm suit was at its limits for any length of time. Great experience as our instructor had us perform simple tasks at depth to understand the difficulties. We were tying knots for this demonstration. While the desire to accomplish the task and get back to warmer waters was great, it was offset by the narcosis effect of depth and the cold!

All three of us certified Advanced Open Water. The next step is Rescue Diver. We'll do an interlude dive in the Bahamas first but we have the end of August targeted for Rescue Diver!

Lake Rawlings Dive

To Give my younger son more experience before our Advanced Open Water Course, we did a dive in Lake Rawlings (http://www.lakerawlings.com/). Great dive location. Very good Dive shop with camping and cabins available. It is a quarry lake and is very clear. It is reportedly the clearest lake on the Eastern Seaboard. Average visibility this past weekend was about 20-30 Ft. We dove an average of 30ft, temps around 73. At 36 ft the temps dropped to 58. We dove 7mm suits as alot of the sights were below 36 ft. There were many fish. 5-6lb Largemouth Bass, slab sized Bluegill and Small mouth bass abounded. They showed little fear and would come very close looking for handouts. The lake has a large quantity of freshwater clams. Divers have been using them to feed the fish, but now it is prohibited to keep them from killing them all. Great Dive, good experience.

Divemaster Quest Part I

Step 1: Generate support. I'm a 24 year navy Vet, I've Commanded a Nuclear Submarine, I've commanded men in battle, but at home I've only made it to First mate! Soooo...to avoid all out mutiny I've enlisted my Crew (my sons) into my quest. Both boys are now Open Water Qualified and I have them jazzed up to certify Advanced open water next month and we've penciled in Rescue Diver in August! That support and the lure of more travel to exotic places has softened my bride to the crazy idea of opening my own shop.

Now, my lovely wife enjoys watching the water from shore or the balcony of a 100,000 ton cruise ship, but do not ask her to actually get in the water. (and yes she married a sailor...never underestimate the power of charm and a uniform!) How do I take advantage of this softening of heart to seal the deal? Any advice?

Why Java-nate?

Coffee... that elixir of life. Well, at least morning life. I can't think of a morning where my first thought has not been where and when I would get that first cup of coffee. As a Naval Officer, a coffee cup rapidly became a treasured appendage. Long days, dark wet nights, it was a natural...right? I mean everyone was doing it? It was served 24-7. Hmmm... sounds like some other addictive substance. Is it an addiction? or habit?

Now, here I am, still drinking coffee, but now its decaf and I still desire it. Habit? I don't know. What is addiction...can't live without it? What is habit? Too lazy to do something else? Heck I find myself researching how to make a better cup. I spend more time in the preparation in anticipation of the relaxing and mind learing cup of rejuvination.

Regardless, I want to pursue that perfect cup of home brewed coffee, what brand, what water, what brewer etc. Share with me those special techniques! Please!

Why Dive?

So why do people Scuba Dive? I am sure there are many reasons. I for one, love the underwater environment, the beauty and the adventure of exploring "another world". However, I don't think I would pursue Diving like I am now, if I wasn't diving with my Kids. It is the shared experience that makes it so important right now. I want to get my Master Diver Certification. My wife and I (believe it or not) are also toying with opening or running our own Dive Shop when I retire from the Navy in the next year or so. My sons opened that passion for me again and I am now in a place in my life that I can take advantage of it.

Why do you Dive?