hello everyone! hope all is well, never a dull moment here, just got back from a night/deep dive and had to bring a woman up from 72' and hit a over hang at 35' wearing a dry suit, well the saftey stop was blown and there wasnt enough air anyways. she spit her reg out 4 kicks away from me at 72/ with no air 18 min into the dive, when I jammed my reg into her mouth I looked and had 2100 by the time we surfaced my tank was at 250psi. had to hold my reg in during the ascent cause she was in a state of limbo. when we hit the over hang she went into active panic and then at the surface I had to tow here back to entry/exit point then when she finally set foot on land she broke down crying uncontrolled! <wow> anyways just venting and remembering as Blade mentioned how nice it was to dive with you all. What a fun, pleasant dive trip. The hightlight taking the jolly roger! Lil Andreu was the best dive boat to be on! What a pleasure to dive with you all. After this weekend Im sure missing you all and wondering if I want to go on and be a instructor?
The Fantasy Begins! Sept 2-9, 2006
Started by
VAglassman
, Sep 02 2006 05:15 PM
147 replies to this topic
#106
scubaguyd
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- Member
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- 63 posts
On a roll now.....
- Location:Albuquerque
- Gender:Male
- Cert Level:Navy Diver, PADI-Divemaster, NAUI-Master Scuba Diver
- Logged Dives:300
#107
scubaguyd
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- Member
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- 63 posts
On a roll now.....
- Location:Albuquerque
- Gender:Male
- Cert Level:Navy Diver, PADI-Divemaster, NAUI-Master Scuba Diver
- Logged Dives:300
Posted 20 September 2006 - 10:29 PM
btw... If you all didnt know? our DM Mark was/ahhumm "IS" a Honduras Navy Diver. I learned alot from Mark. As well as from all of you, especially that wench - dive physiologist. Once she has Marks skills watch out! heck I had to get the book back out to remember how to spell physiology? but hey I knew where to go to get the info but now I know who Im going to call. Thanks for the introduction.
#108
Dive_Girl
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- Member
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I need to get a life
- Location:Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA USA
- Gender:Female
- Cert Level:PADI Course Director, EFR Instructor Trainer, DAN DEMP Instructor, rec-Trimix & Normoxic
- Logged Dives:too many logged, too many not logged...:)
Posted 21 September 2006 - 02:12 PM
How did your IE go!!??Well, I'm sick as well. Just been trying to get all my work done this week. I am scheduled for my IE this weekend, but with an upper respiratory infection, it looks like a no go for me. My classmates have been blessed with me and my hacking cough for the past week. Though my nose is basically cleared, I'm still coughing a lot.
Well, back to work, I have an assignment due at the end of the day today.
It's Winter time - you know you're a diver when you're scraping ice off your windshield INSIDE your vehicle...!
Once in a while, it is good to step back, take a breath, and remember to be humble. You'll never know it all - ScubaDadMiami. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve - Lao-tzu. One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him - Chinese Proverb.
Once in a while, it is good to step back, take a breath, and remember to be humble. You'll never know it all - ScubaDadMiami. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve - Lao-tzu. One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him - Chinese Proverb.
#109
Guest_TexasStarfish_*
Guest_TexasStarfish_*
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- Guests
Posted 21 September 2006 - 03:31 PM
I didn't go to my IE. I figured I was better off at home for the weekend trying to get some rest and catching up on a lot of school work. An upper respiratory infection isn't conducive to scuba diving. I'll either do it in October, when I have a break, or I'll have to wait until December and go some where nice and warm to do it. I have over three weeks off then. My goal was to get it done before 2nd semester so I can teach during my 2nd semester.
I wanted to let all my students know that I have most of your cards. I will mail them out this weekend. I've just been really busy and I'm not too good at checking my postal mail.
I hope everyone is doing well. I should get back to some sort of work. There's always plenty to do.
I wanted to let all my students know that I have most of your cards. I will mail them out this weekend. I've just been really busy and I'm not too good at checking my postal mail.
I hope everyone is doing well. I should get back to some sort of work. There's always plenty to do.
#110
Jazzdiver
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- Member
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- 56 posts
On a roll now.....
- Location:Fort Worth, TX USA
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- Logged Dives:165
Posted 21 September 2006 - 05:48 PM
Hello Everyone,
Well, after a period of time not keeping up with things here and instead prepping or my Roatan trip that is now complete, I see that everyone attending the Singles Week at Fantasy Island Resort had a great time. Most of the divers going to Roatan for the fall must've done so that week, because when I went the following week to Anthony's Key Resort, I felt like Taca was my own private jet service...only 20 of about 220 seats filled on their new Airbus. The return flight was similarly lacking for passengers, perhaps a sign of Taca losing business to the new Continental flights.
In any case, my trip to AKR was very much enjoyed and also very welcome after not having been diving in nearly 4 years...the last actually to AKR in 2002. I was a bit disappointed that the diving seemed lacking the bigger ocean life this time around, but perhaps I've now become jaded by my Holbox experience, satisfied by nothing smaller than a whale shark? In spite of less of the "big stuff", one thing I observed that was quite unique was a spotted snake eel, spinning quickly in an effort to unwind from the death clutch of a hungry octopus, its tentacle coming out from a coral head and wrapping around the eel. Efforts to photograph this were unsatisfying due to the clutter of soft corals that I didn't want to disturb, but at least I've got some minimal proof....
The first photo is obviously the head of the snake eel. The second photo shows the eel's body and in the dark blur below it, the suckered tentacle of the octopus. The third photo shows part of the octopus' tentacle and the looped body of the eel after the eel had turned around and gone head-in into the lair of the octpus...presumably to bite and fight its way free, but losing out in the end.
I've yet to edit many of my photos, but more can be found at http://ambress.com/t...006/preview.htm
Regards,
Daryl
Well, after a period of time not keeping up with things here and instead prepping or my Roatan trip that is now complete, I see that everyone attending the Singles Week at Fantasy Island Resort had a great time. Most of the divers going to Roatan for the fall must've done so that week, because when I went the following week to Anthony's Key Resort, I felt like Taca was my own private jet service...only 20 of about 220 seats filled on their new Airbus. The return flight was similarly lacking for passengers, perhaps a sign of Taca losing business to the new Continental flights.
In any case, my trip to AKR was very much enjoyed and also very welcome after not having been diving in nearly 4 years...the last actually to AKR in 2002. I was a bit disappointed that the diving seemed lacking the bigger ocean life this time around, but perhaps I've now become jaded by my Holbox experience, satisfied by nothing smaller than a whale shark? In spite of less of the "big stuff", one thing I observed that was quite unique was a spotted snake eel, spinning quickly in an effort to unwind from the death clutch of a hungry octopus, its tentacle coming out from a coral head and wrapping around the eel. Efforts to photograph this were unsatisfying due to the clutter of soft corals that I didn't want to disturb, but at least I've got some minimal proof....
The first photo is obviously the head of the snake eel. The second photo shows the eel's body and in the dark blur below it, the suckered tentacle of the octopus. The third photo shows part of the octopus' tentacle and the looped body of the eel after the eel had turned around and gone head-in into the lair of the octpus...presumably to bite and fight its way free, but losing out in the end.
I've yet to edit many of my photos, but more can be found at http://ambress.com/t...006/preview.htm
Regards,
Daryl
Edited by Jazzdiver, 21 September 2006 - 07:00 PM.
Life has no meaning without depth!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
#111
Latitude Adjustment
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I spend too much time on line
- Location:Work in and live near Lakehurst, NJ
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- Cert Level:EanX
- Logged Dives:600+
Posted 21 September 2006 - 06:07 PM
Nice catch Daryl, the diving at AKR is very different with the "black rock" on that side of the island but Roatan or for that matter all of the Bay Islands are not known for big fish with the exception of Utila's whale sharks. I think most of the bigger stuff like groupers, hogfish and others have been overfished. In three trips there I've only seen a few big fish and a couple of sharks.
I, Latitude Adjustment (insert log in name), do hereby swear, (politely), that I shall not hold SingleDivers, (SD), nor any SD poster, (real or imagined), liable, nor shall I seek legal restitution, (real or imagined), for any perceived, (real or imagined), offenses I may incur, (or Incurrrrrrrrrr on talk like a pirate day), that may or may not be posted on this or any SCUBA related board, (real or imagined), by anyone, (real or imagined), anywhere, (real or imagined). Further, I void any right to privacy, (real or imagined), as it may, or may not relate to any posting, (real or imagined), about me, to me, for me, because of me, all about me, my dog, my cat, my bird, my monkey, my family, (real or imagined), my friends, (real or imagined), or my world, (real or imagined).
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
_________________________________________(log in name signature)
Signed and Dated
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
_________________________________________(log in name signature)
Signed and Dated
#112
Jazzdiver
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- Member
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- 56 posts
On a roll now.....
- Location:Fort Worth, TX USA
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- Cert Level:Rescue + Nitrox
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Posted 21 September 2006 - 06:59 PM
Hi Ray,
Yes, I know what you say is true, as I've never seen a great deal of larger ocean life one the north side of Roatan since I started going to AKR in '94. Large groupers were pretty easily found but not that numerous for what I could tell. On this recent trip, the south side definitely had a prettier and healthier look to it, and of course the shark dive gave me a taste of something larger...not to mention my first time to have been in the water with any sharks other than a random nurse shark or those Holbox whale sharks. Speaking of the latter, I learned that a trip to Holbox in late August found the folks only seeing 5-6 whale sharks each day. The 50-60 seen by the small group I went with in July must have truly been a lucky sighting. I know the folks here reported seeing a good number of whale sharks the week or two ahead of when I went, so that leaves me thinking July may be the optimum month for Holbox.
But, back to Roatan, what really surprised me was that I saw no rays at all, and usually spotted eagle rays are pretty common over by AKR. The water was a warm 84° F, but that still isn't but maybe a couple degrees warmer than what I've seen there before, yet perhaps it is still enough to affect the overall abundance of fish, rays, etc.? Still, the trip was very enjoyable. I even learned that AKR reportedly gives a freek week's stay to anyone who has been there 5 times....true or not, I need to check into that, as I'd happily return for the cost of airfare only! I was happy with my camera, but while focusing is now far easier, there's a lot to learn before I start getting a higher percentage of "keepers".
Daryl
Yes, I know what you say is true, as I've never seen a great deal of larger ocean life one the north side of Roatan since I started going to AKR in '94. Large groupers were pretty easily found but not that numerous for what I could tell. On this recent trip, the south side definitely had a prettier and healthier look to it, and of course the shark dive gave me a taste of something larger...not to mention my first time to have been in the water with any sharks other than a random nurse shark or those Holbox whale sharks. Speaking of the latter, I learned that a trip to Holbox in late August found the folks only seeing 5-6 whale sharks each day. The 50-60 seen by the small group I went with in July must have truly been a lucky sighting. I know the folks here reported seeing a good number of whale sharks the week or two ahead of when I went, so that leaves me thinking July may be the optimum month for Holbox.
But, back to Roatan, what really surprised me was that I saw no rays at all, and usually spotted eagle rays are pretty common over by AKR. The water was a warm 84° F, but that still isn't but maybe a couple degrees warmer than what I've seen there before, yet perhaps it is still enough to affect the overall abundance of fish, rays, etc.? Still, the trip was very enjoyable. I even learned that AKR reportedly gives a freek week's stay to anyone who has been there 5 times....true or not, I need to check into that, as I'd happily return for the cost of airfare only! I was happy with my camera, but while focusing is now far easier, there's a lot to learn before I start getting a higher percentage of "keepers".
Daryl
Edited by Jazzdiver, 21 September 2006 - 07:00 PM.
Life has no meaning without depth!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
#113
kittydiverChris
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- Premier Member
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- 140 posts
Meeting folks
- Location:Buffalo
- Gender:Female
- Cert Level:AOW (2006), Nitrox (2005)
- Logged Dives:204
Posted 21 September 2006 - 07:12 PM
Daryl,
Looks like you had some good things to see on the other side of the island. I was, as well as many I spoke with, dissappointed with the lack of fish life. We saw no turtles or dolphins, and only minimal fish life. The coral and walls were superior on our side (FI), but most would have preferred to see more.
With so many other great places to dive, I am not sure I would return to Fantasy Island any time soon. Maybe AKR. That's the resort that was recommended, but I figured Roatan was Roatan. I was wrong. Considering I was sick for almost 2 weeks from the time I returned home, I will probably opt out next time. Go to Utila or the many other places I have yet to explore.
Great photos, what are you shooting?
Looks like you had some good things to see on the other side of the island. I was, as well as many I spoke with, dissappointed with the lack of fish life. We saw no turtles or dolphins, and only minimal fish life. The coral and walls were superior on our side (FI), but most would have preferred to see more.
With so many other great places to dive, I am not sure I would return to Fantasy Island any time soon. Maybe AKR. That's the resort that was recommended, but I figured Roatan was Roatan. I was wrong. Considering I was sick for almost 2 weeks from the time I returned home, I will probably opt out next time. Go to Utila or the many other places I have yet to explore.
Great photos, what are you shooting?
Edited by kittydiver, 21 September 2006 - 07:28 PM.
#114
Jazzdiver
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- Member
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- 56 posts
On a roll now.....
- Location:Fort Worth, TX USA
- Gender:Male
- Cert Level:Rescue + Nitrox
- Logged Dives:165
Posted 21 September 2006 - 10:24 PM
Hi Chris,
Well, the dolphins of my photos were predictable...they're the ones from the AKR dolphin dive. But, on our trip from Mary's Place to Herbie's Place, we did get escorted by a pod of wild dolphins, and that was great. Plus on the return from diving the Odyssey wreck, a boat had spotted a large pod (30-40??) of pilot whales about a 1 mile north of Bailey's Key, and we were able to get out to see them. Unfortunately my housed camera was rigged with a +2 diopter lens that cut off my distant focusing limits and my photos of the pilot whales were largely worthless blurs. The 2 sea turtles were the largest animals I saw during the course of a dive, well, ignoring a couple or so green morays.
I've always enjoyed my stays at AKR, this being my 5th time there, yet I've often thought I should try a resort on the south side of Roatan, with Fantasy Island or CocoView being the most likely choices. It's interesting you don't sound too enthusiastic about FI, as a woman I spoke with on my return trip home said she really enjoyed FI, the quality of the dive operation, and the diving in general. About the only thing she said that might be construed as negative, was the lack of any planned events as AKR does with their lunch on Anthony's Key, the barbecue dinner on Anthony's Key, and the beach lunch at Tabiyana Beach. The beach lunch is changing locations however due to the impact of cruise ships and property development upon the ambiance of Tabiyana Beach. Instead, AKR is readying Osgood Caye near Coxen Hole for their beach lunches. What I'd enjoy about FI from what I've been told, is the broader dinner menu where AKR only offers a choice of two entrees, often a fish and a beef entree. But, I had no complaints about the food there this past week...it was all quite good although the beef isn't up to US standards for being truly more "steak-like".
Answering your question about my camera, that was a big reason for my choosing to return to a resort and dive sites I already had some familiarity with...the camera rig was all new, and a change from diving with a Nikonos V in the past. I'm now shooting with a Nikon D200 digital SLR, housed in a Sea & Sea DX-D200 housing (http://ambress.com/D200/DX200), with dual Inon Z-240 strobes and either a 12-24mm DX Nikkor zoom, 10.5mm DX Fisheye Nikkor, or 105mm Micro-Nikkor lens. Most of my shots on this year's trip were with the 12-24mm lens, but I did swap over to the 105mm for a few dives. One of my concerns this year was my carry-on and seeing Taca had a 22-lb. limit on carry-on luggage. My camera with strobes and a lens will easily peg that, and my full backpack was more near 40 lbs. Fortunately, as with all travel I've done, Taca did not weigh any carry-ons and I had no problems at all.
I came back from Roatan with a bit of a cough but nothing too persistent. A fellow diver however did get struck by some sort of bug that caused nausea and other problems, knocking him out of diving for a day. Perhaps I was lucky that there weren't too many people around to spread germs.
For my next dive trip, whenever that is, I'd like to return to Cozumel for a week if possible, as I've not been there in several years. Or, I'd like to try some new destination. A return to Cayman Brac would also be nice, yet I just learned through Undercurrent that Divi Tiara Beach Resort is closing its doors, so I'd be looking elsewhere if I went there.
Daryl
Well, the dolphins of my photos were predictable...they're the ones from the AKR dolphin dive. But, on our trip from Mary's Place to Herbie's Place, we did get escorted by a pod of wild dolphins, and that was great. Plus on the return from diving the Odyssey wreck, a boat had spotted a large pod (30-40??) of pilot whales about a 1 mile north of Bailey's Key, and we were able to get out to see them. Unfortunately my housed camera was rigged with a +2 diopter lens that cut off my distant focusing limits and my photos of the pilot whales were largely worthless blurs. The 2 sea turtles were the largest animals I saw during the course of a dive, well, ignoring a couple or so green morays.
I've always enjoyed my stays at AKR, this being my 5th time there, yet I've often thought I should try a resort on the south side of Roatan, with Fantasy Island or CocoView being the most likely choices. It's interesting you don't sound too enthusiastic about FI, as a woman I spoke with on my return trip home said she really enjoyed FI, the quality of the dive operation, and the diving in general. About the only thing she said that might be construed as negative, was the lack of any planned events as AKR does with their lunch on Anthony's Key, the barbecue dinner on Anthony's Key, and the beach lunch at Tabiyana Beach. The beach lunch is changing locations however due to the impact of cruise ships and property development upon the ambiance of Tabiyana Beach. Instead, AKR is readying Osgood Caye near Coxen Hole for their beach lunches. What I'd enjoy about FI from what I've been told, is the broader dinner menu where AKR only offers a choice of two entrees, often a fish and a beef entree. But, I had no complaints about the food there this past week...it was all quite good although the beef isn't up to US standards for being truly more "steak-like".
Answering your question about my camera, that was a big reason for my choosing to return to a resort and dive sites I already had some familiarity with...the camera rig was all new, and a change from diving with a Nikonos V in the past. I'm now shooting with a Nikon D200 digital SLR, housed in a Sea & Sea DX-D200 housing (http://ambress.com/D200/DX200), with dual Inon Z-240 strobes and either a 12-24mm DX Nikkor zoom, 10.5mm DX Fisheye Nikkor, or 105mm Micro-Nikkor lens. Most of my shots on this year's trip were with the 12-24mm lens, but I did swap over to the 105mm for a few dives. One of my concerns this year was my carry-on and seeing Taca had a 22-lb. limit on carry-on luggage. My camera with strobes and a lens will easily peg that, and my full backpack was more near 40 lbs. Fortunately, as with all travel I've done, Taca did not weigh any carry-ons and I had no problems at all.
I came back from Roatan with a bit of a cough but nothing too persistent. A fellow diver however did get struck by some sort of bug that caused nausea and other problems, knocking him out of diving for a day. Perhaps I was lucky that there weren't too many people around to spread germs.
For my next dive trip, whenever that is, I'd like to return to Cozumel for a week if possible, as I've not been there in several years. Or, I'd like to try some new destination. A return to Cayman Brac would also be nice, yet I just learned through Undercurrent that Divi Tiara Beach Resort is closing its doors, so I'd be looking elsewhere if I went there.
Daryl
Life has no meaning without depth!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
I get high by going down.
Dive SAFE!
the only thing better than diving in life, is women!
#115
ASDmike
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- Member
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- 418 posts
People are starting to get to know me
- Location:Fort Worth
- Gender:Male
- Cert Level:AOW, EAN
- Logged Dives:700ish
Posted 22 September 2006 - 07:02 PM
Hey Searanger, great question and definitely something we should have all talked about. This was a big group and very much a challenge for Kamala, Kim and all the many folks who helped out. I had a great time and I know much of the success was because of their tireless enthusiasm.Ok..so your all back now. I'm kind of curious on the reactions to such a large group. (43) By far this is twice the size of a normal S.D. trip. So was it too big, too small or just right. W.W. has an uncanny knack for remembering faces and names, but wow this must have been a challenge.
The SD group was big by itself, but also, anyone that knows the personalities of the group can imagine how quickly the 70 other single divers were welcomed into the SD fold. The happy hours and all the activities were about seeing old friends, and getting to know new friends, no matter what brought them to Fantasy Island.
So, did I meet all the SD members on a trip this big? No definitely not, but I did meet some really great folks that I very much want to dive with again. The SingleDivers group filled 2.5 of the 7 boats, and being on the "mixed" boat, I met just as many non-SD buddies as long-term SD members. So my dive buddy was a new SD member, Mitch, and my other new buddies from boat included Fingrabber, ScubaPunk, Airhead, Sandiegocarol and several other SD regulars. I also have several new dive buddies that were not SD folks. These new non-SD dive buddies from my boat include Shelley, Sylan, Mike F. and Terry. Actually, I was fortunate to spend several great dinners enjoying the company of the two great non-SD Texas gals, of which one is joining SingleDivers and the other is checking us out.
So was the group size good, bad or otherwise? Well, since I was there to "dive and relax", and that I only knew Kamala before the trip, its pretty much a given that my new dive friends and buddies are from the boat I dove from. I had a great time and think I would have, even if the group was much smaller or much bigger. But with forty folks, the pressure was on Kamala and she performed trip leader tasks with her well-known energy and enthusiasm. She and those that stepped in to help are what made this week great.
So everybody, did you have a great time? And did you thank those that made this great for you? Remember the resort/dive part really was “cheap” and I personally doubt Fantasy Island gave much (if any) of a commission to SingleDivers.com (based upon what I “saw” with the GM and staff during the week). Also as an occasional trip leader (non-dive groups), I know the work behind the scenes is much greater than anybody would ever imagine. Kamala, you have twice now earned my enduring
and an enormous 
Once again, remember the WreckWench is busy planning next year. Everybody, if you already have not done so, please post in on your thoughts on this trip (and any late thanks like mine
). If you liked a big group, I think Kamala might need some motivation for tackling this much work again. 
Yes, I too want to go somewhere else next year, but I would love to do another big group trip with many fun and cool folks of SingleDivers.com! 
So, Fantasy Isle again-> no / Honduras-> maybe / a big SD group-> definitely!
'06 - Fireworks on History, Singles Fantasy
'07 - Ancient Egypt/Red Sea Liveaboard
'08 - Bonaire Singles Week ...In STYLE!!!
'07 - Ancient Egypt/Red Sea Liveaboard
'08 - Bonaire Singles Week ...In STYLE!!!
#116
OHDiver
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- Member
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- 133 posts
Meeting folks
- Location:Columbus, Ohio
- Gender:Female
- Cert Level:AOW, Nitrox
- Logged Dives:150+
Posted 22 September 2006 - 09:29 PM
Hey Searanger, great question and definitely something we should have all talked about. This was a big group and very much a challenge for Kamala, Kim and all the many folks who helped out. I had a great time and I know much of the success was because of their tireless enthusiasm.Ok..so your all back now. I'm kind of curious on the reactions to such a large group. (43) By far this is twice the size of a normal S.D. trip. So was it too big, too small or just right. W.W. has an uncanny knack for remembering faces and names, but wow this must have been a challenge.
The SD group was big by itself, but also, anyone that knows the personalities of the group can imagine how quickly the 70 other single divers were welcomed into the SD fold. The happy hours and all the activities were about seeing old friends, and getting to know new friends, no matter what brought them to Fantasy Island.
So, did I meet all the SD members on a trip this big? No definitely not, but I did meet some really great folks that I very much want to dive with again. The SingleDivers group filled 2.5 of the 7 boats, and being on the "mixed" boat, I met just as many non-SD buddies as long-term SD members. So my dive buddy was a new SD member, Mitch, and my other new buddies from boat included Fingrabber, ScubaPunk, Airhead, Sandiegocarol and several other SD regulars. I also have several new dive buddies that were not SD folks. These new non-SD dive buddies from my boat include Shelley, Sylan, Mike F. and Terry. Actually, I was fortunate to spend several great dinners enjoying the company of the two great non-SD Texas gals, of which one is joining SingleDivers and the other is checking us out.
So was the group size good, bad or otherwise? Well, since I was there to "dive and relax", and that I only knew Kamala before the trip, its pretty much a given that my new dive friends and buddies are from the boat I dove from. I had a great time and think I would have, even if the group was much smaller or much bigger. But with forty folks, the pressure was on Kamala and she performed trip leader tasks with her well-known energy and enthusiasm. She and those that stepped in to help are what made this week great.
So everybody, did you have a great time? And did you thank those that made this great for you? Remember the resort/dive part really was “cheap” and I personally doubt Fantasy Island gave much (if any) of a commission to SingleDivers.com (based upon what I “saw” with the GM and staff during the week). Also as an occasional trip leader (non-dive groups), I know the work behind the scenes is much greater than anybody would ever imagine. Kamala, you have twice now earned my enduring
Once again, remember the WreckWench is busy planning next year. Everybody, if you already have not done so, please post in on your thoughts on this trip (and any late thanks like mine
So, Fantasy Isle again-> no / Honduras-> maybe / a big SD group-> definitely!
OK... Couldn't have said any of it better myself... SO... I'll simply steal your thunder ASDmike and say DITTO!
Thanks too, to everyone that worked so hard to pull it all together... I'm SURE it took a heck of a lot more work than any of us realize... And you made it look effortless...
Karen
Karen~
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
#117
finGrabber
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- Member
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- 5,276 posts
I need to get a life
- Location:dfw
- Gender:Female
- Board Status:thinkin' about diving
- Cert Level:DM; TDI Adv Nitrox and Deco Procedures
- Logged Dives:1200 ish
Posted 22 September 2006 - 10:11 PM
Thanks Mike and Karen for your comments!
I appreciate everyone's comments so far - I had a great time putting names to screen names all week
It is great to know that our eforts were not wasted and that everyone had a great time
I really loved stopping off at Mike's every afternoon for a post dive beer...hanging out with Mike, Steve, Phyllis, Mark, Pam, Stan and whoever else stopped by everyday
then, trying to lock the Wench out of our room and figuring out the perfect time for a happy hour (Thanks Karen!) in my and the Wench's room
and that Shark Dive rocked!!
Plus, the divers on my boat all week! We had a great time
and laughing on the blue seas it was a week I won't soon forget...thank you all for making all the work worthwhile!
I appreciate everyone's comments so far - I had a great time putting names to screen names all week
It is great to know that our eforts were not wasted and that everyone had a great timeI really loved stopping off at Mike's every afternoon for a post dive beer...hanging out with Mike, Steve, Phyllis, Mark, Pam, Stan and whoever else stopped by everyday
then, trying to lock the Wench out of our room and figuring out the perfect time for a happy hour (Thanks Karen!) in my and the Wench's room
and that Shark Dive rocked!!
Plus, the divers on my boat all week! We had a great time
and laughing on the blue seas it was a week I won't soon forget...thank you all for making all the work worthwhile!
#118
ScubaPunk
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- Admin
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- 8,029 posts
Houston HH Planner + Angel
- Location:Houston, TX
- Gender:Female
- Cert Level:AOW, NITROX
- Logged Dives:500+
Posted 22 September 2006 - 10:16 PM
[Once again, remember the WreckWench is busy planning next year. Everybody, if you already have not done so, please post in on your thoughts on this trip (and any late thanks like mine
So, Fantasy Island again-> no / Honduras-> maybe / a big SD group-> definitely!
I have to agree with your sentiments completely! I like a large group, although I have to admit, I don't think I was able to spend a lot of time getting to know everyone because it was such a large group. I also like a group around one half the size, because it gives you the chance to get to know the people in the group better and spend more time with them. I almost don't think it matters the size of the group. Of course that depends on what your expectations are of the trip. My expectations are to experience diving in areas that I have never been before. At least for now, while I am still merely a new diver of 2 years, 100+ dives. Many people were there on this trip to "hook up", as well as diving (not necessiarly SD members). Or maybe they were looking for that "special soul mate" or whatever. If that is what you were there for, then you may prefer a larger crowd so that there would be more potential to meet that "one and only". In my case, I wanted to experience the diving in Roatan, and the price was right. The "Singles Thing" was just a bonus, as I prefer to travel with single people, being that I am a single person. Not that I have anything against "couples", it's just that I prefer not to be single on a trip with a bunch of people that are already coupled up. That is was keeps me here at SD. I am single, period. Therefore, I like to hang out with single people. I have met people here that I will be friends with for a life time.
I think the thing you are after here is, should Kamala offer this up to us again? I would say definitely yes. Should we do it at Fantasy Island again? DEFINITELY NO!!!!.
FANTASY ISLAND HAS ISSUES. They need to address the sewage odor that is in front of the lobby entrance. I also noticed it in a couple of other areas. It also kind of makes me wonder about so many people stating that they became ill after returning home. Fortunately, I did not experience any physical illness from this trip. They need to explain why they do not provide a NITROX analyizer, which is against everything we have been taught about analizing our own tanks. At the very least, they should have told us this up front, so that we would have been aware to bring our own analizers or trust that they are analizing them accurately. Running out of NITROX tanks and having to make the boat wait an extra 15 minutes so that they can fill a tank for you is unacceptable. Not enough lockers for all the divers at the resort, is unacceptable. Running out of white wine before my first drink at Happy Hour is unacceptable (they didn't really run out, but were to lazy to go to whereever it was stored to get it, until I went "ALL OUT PUNK" on them), running out of coffee at breakfast, and refusing to make another pot is unacceptable, waiting over an hour for a van to take us back to the resort after the shark dive is unacceptable. They need to understand that Americans (at least Yankees from Detroit), do not understand or accept the phrase "we ran out". It's not like they did not know we were coming. The resort seemed to be unorganized. The first day orientation was held too late, and dragged on too long. They planned activites while we were on our dives...(Hello)...we are divers first....schedule the activities and contests so that we can participate (after our dives).
Please know that I still enjoyed this trip completely. The reason I enjoyed this trip was because of the people I was with, and the fact that I was diving. When all is said and done, the resort is simply a roof over your head and food to eat. But if you could imagine the same great people, and great diving. and a great resort, and a great dive destination.....well you can count on me again next year.
Kamala, Kimmy and Mark...ya'll did a fabulous job.THANK YOU for all the work you put into this trip. Most people think that Kamala is soooo lucky to be going on all these dive trips, month after month....etc. Well....let it be known....that I have been on three dive trips with Kamala over the past two years and I can tell you that she has worked like a dog on every trip that I have been on. She is constantly addressing the concerns and complaints of all the SD members, issues with the Resort, and organizing chartible events for the locals at the destainations where we travel. I definitely got my moneys worth and more, thanks to your efforts, not those of the resort.
Edited by ScubaPunk, 22 September 2006 - 10:36 PM.
#119
Latitude Adjustment
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- Member
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- 2,658 posts
I spend too much time on line
- Location:Work in and live near Lakehurst, NJ
- Gender:Male
- Cert Level:EanX
- Logged Dives:600+
Posted 23 September 2006 - 06:17 AM
Scuba Punk, you're lucky they ran out of white wine before you got some, we had some with dinner and it was awful but the white over at BIBR for the pig roast much better.
I, Latitude Adjustment (insert log in name), do hereby swear, (politely), that I shall not hold SingleDivers, (SD), nor any SD poster, (real or imagined), liable, nor shall I seek legal restitution, (real or imagined), for any perceived, (real or imagined), offenses I may incur, (or Incurrrrrrrrrr on talk like a pirate day), that may or may not be posted on this or any SCUBA related board, (real or imagined), by anyone, (real or imagined), anywhere, (real or imagined). Further, I void any right to privacy, (real or imagined), as it may, or may not relate to any posting, (real or imagined), about me, to me, for me, because of me, all about me, my dog, my cat, my bird, my monkey, my family, (real or imagined), my friends, (real or imagined), or my world, (real or imagined).
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
_________________________________________(log in name signature)
Signed and Dated
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
_________________________________________(log in name signature)
Signed and Dated
#120
Boatlawyer
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- Member
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- 221 posts
People are starting to get to know me
- Location:Fort Lauderdale
- Gender:Female
- Cert Level:OW
- Logged Dives:40
Posted 23 September 2006 - 08:40 AM
The Fantasy Island value, FOR THE PRICE, was about right. I think I had one of the best rooms there, and I was very pleased.
Roatan is not exactly Vegas, but, as with most islands, there is plenty of rum. Alcohol consumption should be based on that availability, which was pointed out by WW early on in the trip. When travelling to less developed countries, there is always a tension between our "American" expectations and reality, and if our expectations were met everywhere in the world, it would just be one big Walmart Supercenter.
Health concerns are always an issue when travelling, especially in places like Central America. Simply because we're travelling on American passports does not immunize us from exercising common sense and due diligence. Everything I had read before hand said DON'T DRINK THE WATER. Still, after one particularly alcohol infused evening, in the wee small hours, having used all the purified water in some rum concoction, and feeling very dehydrated, I took a big gulp from the sink. And paid the price when I got home. Similarly, on Friday night, I dove into the lobster, drenched it in plenty of that buttery goo and lime juice (after having read to be careful about "oils" in central america), and, well, suffered later.
Some of the logistical problems were clearly caused by trying to balance SingleDivers.com promotional needs and the resort's understanding that SingleDivers.com was merely another sponsor. We paid the exact same price as every other diver there, and it is understandable that the resort would not want to offend it's Other Sponsors and guests by offering special perks to us. That is what I believe was behind the need to be "inclusive." Nothing wrong with being inclusive, but it probably goes a long way in explaining FI's unwillingness to provide happy hour facilities, or instructional facilities for NAUI courses at a PADI sponsored event.
Other problems seemed run of the mill, personality issues in large part, which arise in any group, and magnified with groups this large. It is always interesting to watch how people behave out of their comfort zone.
I initially agreed that scheduled events during dives was lame. After the second day, however, when people were scrapping dives left and right, due to illness, or lack of desire, I was thinking it probably wasn't a bad idea. I'm sure everyone noticed how empty those afternoon boats were.
After the first night, I adjusted my expectations to fit the reality of the situation, and was rarely disappointed. It was what it was.
I was very surprised at the lack of marine life at the reefs we dove, and judging from JazzDivers report, it was limited to that side of the island. For that reason, I would like to experience the North side or Utila in the future.
Roatan is not exactly Vegas, but, as with most islands, there is plenty of rum. Alcohol consumption should be based on that availability, which was pointed out by WW early on in the trip. When travelling to less developed countries, there is always a tension between our "American" expectations and reality, and if our expectations were met everywhere in the world, it would just be one big Walmart Supercenter.
Health concerns are always an issue when travelling, especially in places like Central America. Simply because we're travelling on American passports does not immunize us from exercising common sense and due diligence. Everything I had read before hand said DON'T DRINK THE WATER. Still, after one particularly alcohol infused evening, in the wee small hours, having used all the purified water in some rum concoction, and feeling very dehydrated, I took a big gulp from the sink. And paid the price when I got home. Similarly, on Friday night, I dove into the lobster, drenched it in plenty of that buttery goo and lime juice (after having read to be careful about "oils" in central america), and, well, suffered later.
Some of the logistical problems were clearly caused by trying to balance SingleDivers.com promotional needs and the resort's understanding that SingleDivers.com was merely another sponsor. We paid the exact same price as every other diver there, and it is understandable that the resort would not want to offend it's Other Sponsors and guests by offering special perks to us. That is what I believe was behind the need to be "inclusive." Nothing wrong with being inclusive, but it probably goes a long way in explaining FI's unwillingness to provide happy hour facilities, or instructional facilities for NAUI courses at a PADI sponsored event.
Other problems seemed run of the mill, personality issues in large part, which arise in any group, and magnified with groups this large. It is always interesting to watch how people behave out of their comfort zone.
I initially agreed that scheduled events during dives was lame. After the second day, however, when people were scrapping dives left and right, due to illness, or lack of desire, I was thinking it probably wasn't a bad idea. I'm sure everyone noticed how empty those afternoon boats were.
After the first night, I adjusted my expectations to fit the reality of the situation, and was rarely disappointed. It was what it was.
I was very surprised at the lack of marine life at the reefs we dove, and judging from JazzDivers report, it was limited to that side of the island. For that reason, I would like to experience the North side or Utila in the future.
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