166 replies to this topic

[Divegirl412]

Just glanced through my newest edition of scubadiving mag. They had a very nice write up on Heidi / Pocahontas by Scott Jones.

But I saw something else that alarmed me, and now I have a question!! I noticed that there is an ad (page 31) for a "family special with $800 children's discounts" great white shark dive on the Nautilus explorer for Oct 8-13. That seems like our trip time (singledivers). I know the trip has not filled up, but are we suddenly possibly going to be stuck on a relatively small boat for 5 days with children? Not quite what I signed up for. Any info? Is that an error?

Rosa

[Divegirl412]

Greetings Great White Gang:

I’m getting very excited about our trip to Guadalupe Island to view and spend time with the Great White sharks – we’re going to have a BLAST !!! And with two Researchers from the University of Baja California South with us conducting shark seminars we may even learn a thing or two about the Great Whites. I just hope the bubbles from the hot tub don’t cloud my memory – LOL. The other night I was watching the Animal Planet channel and they showed a segment about the Great Whites out in Guadalupe that was very interesting and it’s making the days go by even slower. Also, I will be flying to San Diego the Friday before the trip and I’m planning to go to the San Diego Zoo sometime that weekend, so if anyone would like to go please let me know. I will be staying at the Ramada Inn at the airport and the receptionist said that the Zoo is only about 4 miles away and that the beach is just right across the street. I can hardly wait until then, see you soon – tick tock, tick tock.

Hi there. I do have an annual pass to the zoo, so assuming that I am all caught up with packing etc, I would be glad to join you at the zoo. I don't go often enough. Anyone else coming in early? We can probably plan a pre-preboarding happy hour.

Rosa

[WRW]

Hello Rosa, aka Divegirl412:

That would be great if you could join me at the San Diego Zoo. I have heard really nice things about the zoo and people have told me that since I’m going to San Diego that would be one place to definitely visit. My flight arrives in San Diego at 4:55 PM on Friday, October 05th. Then I’m taking the shuttle to the Ramada Inn San Diego Airport (619-225-9461). So, if all is a go please give me a call. Oh, my name is William Roy Williams (WRW) from Tyler, Texas. I look forward to seeing you as well as the entire Great White group soon.

Sincerely,

William Roy Williams (WRW)

[Latitude Adjustment]

I can't get a flight home until the 14th. Anyone need a roommate for the 13th.?

[Divegirl412]

Hello Rosa, aka Divegirl412:

That would be great if you could join me at the San Diego Zoo. I have heard really nice things about the zoo and people have told me that since I’m going to San Diego that would be one place to definitely visit. My flight arrives in San Diego at 4:55 PM on Friday, October 05th. Then I’m taking the shuttle to the Ramada Inn San Diego Airport (619-225-9461). So, if all is a go please give me a call. Oh, my name is William Roy Williams (WRW) from Tyler, Texas. I look forward to seeing you as well as the entire Great White group soon.

Sincerely,

William Roy Williams (WRW)

Cool William. I will try to get my act together and be packed etc early, so I can show you guys my beautiful city. (Promises promises from a lifelong procrastinator). At the very least we can see the zoo, plan a happy hour (or two) before we leave on Monday. Anyone up for sailing??? Maybe we can do that Sunday afternoon? Oh wait, maybe not since we will be on a boat for 5 days!!! Lots of other things to do, including diving if you like cold water and 7mm suits (I don't). Maybe I will start a thread and see how many San Diegan single divers come out to say Hi. Kamala when do you get into town?

Rosa

[WRW]

Rosa, that sounds really good to me. You can count me in for it all, Happy Hours, seeing the town, San Diego Zoo, shopping at the local dive shops – whatever the group wants to do. Also, you have a great idea, visiting with all of the San Diegan SingleDivers at a Happy Hour – just like one big family. I can hardly wait, see you soon.

Sincerely,

William Roy Williams (WRW)

[WreckWench]

Doing NC right before this trip so arrive just in time to catch the boat. Depart on the RedEye to Dallas but go out later that night on the 13th. Too many things with these trips merely days after the Philippines and then right before DEMA.

I will however be ready for a number of drinks before that RedEye...so if we do it in the airport or close...count me in!

[Divegirl412]

Will have to swing by the Ramada and see what there is within walking distance that we can do a group thing at. Lots of bars / lounges along the water (Shelter island/ Harbor island etc), but a little more than walking distance from the hotel, I suspect. Will post a new thread this weekend.

Rosa

[WreckWench]

Will have to swing by the Ramada and see what there is within walking distance that we can do a group thing at. Lots of bars / lounges along the water (Shelter island/ Harbor island etc), but a little more than walking distance from the hotel, I suspect. Will post a new thread this weekend.

Rosa

Thanks Rosa...you are the best!


Update on the trip...

Well I have made contact with the boat to verify the article that Rosa saw. I asked the boat to help me fill the open spots...I will pay for any unfilled so while I do not know what they are doing to fill spots I would guess the article is true. You would not usually combine single people with kids and families but then we are not 'all single people' and help filling a boat is help I certainly need right now. Am I thrilled at a boat with half kids? Absolutely not...but then I can't imagine that many kids wanting to do this. I know most adults are afraid so I'm not sure how a kid would be any different.

I also know that many of you have expressed concerns about whomever might be on the boat with us...that is a common concern for SD in general and why we always try to rent the whole boat...we can control the experience for our members and not inconvenience someone else nor be inconvenienced by them. However we did not do well filling this trip and I did take the whole boat so any help in filling it or accepting anyone that does fill it is greatly appreciated.

[WreckWench]

Document Update:

1. William aka WRW got your waiver!

[shadragon]

I also know that many of you have expressed concerns about whomever might be on the boat with us...that is a common concern for SD in general and why we always try to rent the whole boat...

I see Moose is signed up as a possible on this trip. Just make sure he signs up as his court order specifies no kids are allowed within 100 feet of him.

[Divegirl412]

I have started a new thread for the pre-trip happy hour. Currently planned for Sunday, Oct 7th. Thread here...


Pre-Great White Shark Dive Happy Hour

[Latitude Adjustment]

I saw the ad in ScubaDiving, those 14 and under will be the perfect size for plugging the holes in the shark cages He's not my buddy, he's my chum!

[Divegirl412]

I figure I will need my 7 mm suit, booties, vest/ hood and gloves etc to stay warm in the water. Obviously we don't need regs etc. But do we need fins? Not sure how we get in / out of the cages. My assumption is that we are lowered already in the cages, but I could be wrong and have to swim for it among the sharks!! Fins would be helpful then . I just checked the explorer website, but that was not addressed, and there were no Guadalupe FAQs. Does anyone know?

[Latitude Adjustment]

I figure I will need my 7 mm suit, booties, vest/ hood and gloves etc to stay warm in the water. Obviously we don't need regs etc. But do we need fins? Not sure how we get in / out of the cages. My assumption is that we are lowered already in the cages, but I could be wrong and have to swim for it among the sharks!! Fins would be helpful then . I just checked the explorer website, but that was not addressed, and there were no Guadalupe FAQs. Does anyone know?

Everyone will tell you no because we don't need to out swim the shark, just our buddies