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?