GUE Tech 1, Croatia - PART ONE: Escape from Vienna!

Sometimes you end up having the best fun completely by mistake. Our trip to Croatia was one of those times. Let me explain. My job makes getting holidays at particular times; i.e. when one would actually like them, particularly difficult. As a result I have to 'fit' my diving into specific slots allocated to me throughout the year. Don't you just hate when work gets in the way of diving?

Having successfully completed GUE fundamentals last April, Wifebuddy and I decided to progress with our GUE training and take the next step: Technical Diver Level 1, fondly known in the business as 'Tech 1.' 

It was important to us to stick with GUE instructor Rich Walker, as we trained with him on a few occasions previously and he seems to know what he's at; well, most of the time ... but i'll come back to that. With Malta being the place to train these days, that was our initial plan, but my work decided that wouldn't be happening. 

I had ONE week to complete the class, and the ONLY space Rich had in his diary was in Croatia (he truly is the busiest GUE instructor IN THE WORLD!) Cost? I didn't care, we were going; and we signed up immediately. We were set for Croatia. I'd never been.



A few days later i asked Wifebuddy;

"Where exactly be Croatia?

Is it warm?

Do they have bacon?"

Obviously i didn't receive a reply, but more of a 'you simple, simple man...' look. Left to my own devices, i jumped onto google to find the answer, as i do with the majority of questions i ask Kerri. Croatia is in Europe, used to be part of something-oslavia, is pretty warm and has some awesome wrecks to dive. Coupled with Krnicia dive centre, which is a specialised GUE dive centre, i knew i was in for a fabulous time.

GUE TECH 1

Tech 1 is the first step GUE offer on the open water technical diving side of Jarrod's almighty empire. Completion of the class would allow Wifebuddy and I to dive trimix (up to 18/45), drop to a depth of 51m, alongside accelerated decompression on 50% or 100% oxygen.

Both Kerri and I already possess some technical training, but not the way GUE teach it ... we were apprehensive.






We prepared for the class as best we could; simply polishing all the skills we learned at GUE-F, read all the class materials, practiced swimming, and did our homework. At that stage it was so far, so good. I felt i was in good shape.

DEPARTURE

Stupid o'clock on a Sunday morning we loaded 90Kg of tech gear into the Ford Boring and drove 100 miles to Dublin airport. Yes, there is an airport in Belfast, but due to the time constraints we had to depart Dublin and fly into Venice .. or Viennna ... i can't remember - whichever one is in Italy. Once in Italy we had to drive to Croatia. Oh aye; no need to keep it simple eh?

SECURITY

The checking in process was all going quite well, until we hit security. I knew it would happen; it always does.

"Can you step to the side sir, and kindly explain what these weapons of mass destruction are in your hand luggage?"

"They are scuba regulators. I use them to breathe underwater. I'm going diving."

"Where are you going diving sir?"


"Croatia."

"Croatia?"

"Yes."

"Says on your boarding card you're going to Italy?"

"I am."

It got rather confusing for a moment. I was tempted to explain, but I just said it seemed nice in Vienna and we were going there first.

"Vienna?"

"I mean Venice. The one in Italy."

A blank stare followed.

"That's fine sir, but i would like to advise you in future you'd be best not bringing those with you. We're always going to stop you if you do."


"But i need those to breathe."


"I know, but still sir, but best leave them at home."

I was going to ask her if she tried to kill all airline customers, but felt it may go a little pear-shaped, so decided against it.

"Thanks. I will."

The security wench nodded triumphantly and we were soon on our way to Vienna; or Venice.

ARRIVAL

We arrived in Italy and i immediately felt the warm air enter my lungs; i love that sensation when you first step off the plane. We collected the luggage and met the first hurdle of our trip.


We kinda forgot about the european leg of the journey and omitted to bring any euro. No euro = no trolley = dragging 90Kg of bags across the airport = me bloody knackered and the arse ripped out of the luggage bags.




Thankfully we had purchased some decent scuba bags for this holiday, thus removing the nightmare of "The Monolith" from the Red Tec adventure, but it was still a tough haul.

Fancy new matching luggage

We met "Tony" at the gate, who was sporting a rather homemade page with our names etched on it. It made me feel very important though, which was nice.

We introduced ourselves as the pride of Northern Ireland, and he apologised for his placard.









Tony had been sent from Krnica dive centre in Croatia by 'Maurizio' to pick us up. The poor fella had just driven 3.5 hours, and now had to drive the whole way back. He was very friendly, safe driver, and didn't seem to mind my inane ramblings for the 4 hours that followed.


The car journey was grand. I enjoy being driven, and it was very cool to have been in 5 different countries over the space of 12 hours.

The sun was shining while the air-con kept us cool as we hurtled our way through various borders and highways. Tony took care of all the border patrols thankfully. I liked to think of him as my 'fixer.'

He was very good at it, and successfully transport us from Venice (?) into Slovenia, and finally into Croatia.

There was a definite change once we entered Croatia. It was a little overcast, for which i blamed Tony, and for which he apologised, but the scenery was fantastic.

It was all greenery; fields and trees everywhere. I am fully aware Coratia has a history, but there was no sign of it.








The sights continued for the next couple of hours as the roads became narrower and narrower, and the bends became tighter and tighter, until we finally reached Krnica dive centre.

KRNICA

It was an amazing sight as Tony navigated another crazy hairpin bend, to be greeted by a picturesque harbour. The sea was flat calm and the sun glistened off the various little fishing boats that dotted the pier. It was surprisingly quiet around the dock, and to be honest, it continued that way for the whole of our trip; splendid.

The hand brake declared our arrival, and we stepped onto Croatian soil for the first time. We promptly headed for Krnicia Dive Centre.

KRNICA DIVE CENTRE

Dive centres are usually a bit mental, especially at a resort or a dive school etc. Krnica Dive Centre is far from mental, well, it was a bit, but not in a bad way, more entertaining; but i'll come back to that. As soon as i walked into the shop i was greeted by the hulk of man that is Maurizio.

Over 6 feet tall, and a man who obviously enjoys his grub, the man mountain thrust an arm out for a hearty hand shake and a warm welcome to his dive establishment. I was immediately put at ease, and knew that we would have nothing to worry about our entire stay.


Maurizio asked us if our journey was ok, ensured Tony hadn't upset us in any way, and explained the plan for the day. Everything to do with Murrizio is stripped down to it's simplest level, as a result life is extremely straight forward when he is about.

"You put scuba gear in boxes here, i take you to accommodation in car, i take you to see Rich, you go eat and have beer."

The KISS principal in all it's glory, and we followed his advice to the letter.

All our dive kit was placed in a huge plastic box and slotted into racks against the wall of the dive shop. I was promptly ensured it was my box now, and no one would touch it. I believed Murrizio entirely. It was comforting to see a row of properly banded euro cylinders, alongside a group of ali 80's with Halcyon rigging kits. It was clear the place was more than GUE friendly; it was a GUE hub.

ACCOMMODATION

Scuba stuff sorted, we jumped back into the car and Maurizio took us to our accomodation for the week. It was a cracking little self catering apartment. It suited perfectly; a double room, twin room, bathoom, and kitching / dining area. There was a nice area outside for enjoying the sun, and more importatntly - drying off scuba kit.

Next on the short list was a quick visit to see our instructor; Wreck & Cave's very own Richard Walker.

HI RICH

Despite keeping in regular contact with Rich via the anti-social networks i hadn't 'spoken' to him in over a year, and was looking forward to catching up on all things GUE, and life in general.


Maurizio brought us to Rich's apartment and kncoked gently as he was concerned he would wake Rich up. I couldn't have cared less and was going to blatter on regardless; it's important i let others take charge of such ettiquette.





The door opened and the GUE head of technical training in the UK greeted us wearing only a pink towel around the waist.

"Oh hi guys, sorry ... it's just that i've only been released from prison."

"WHAT????!!!!!"

PRISON BREAK

We allowed Rich to get dressed, but only just, in pure anticipation of how the hell he had ended up in prison. It was all true. Rich had entered Croatia, only to be taken to the side and promptly placed in police custody for the night.


I was very proud. Last time my instructor got in trouble it was a simple ban from a pub, but this was proper rebel shit right here. I never knew Rich had it in him.

Rich explained it was a simple misunderstanding regarding a payment that took place, but the passport people didn't receive word of. He was merely held captive until the issue was resolved. Either way; Rich Walker has served time; making him the coolest dive instructor out there.

I had delussions about a GUE Tech 1 class being done 'on the lamb,' and staging a reinactment for 'Banged Up Abroad' but, alas, there was no more heard of it.




I did enjoy Rich explaining he wasn't able to contact Maurizio initially, and resorted to ringing his girfriend in the UK whilst at her work. I wish i had been a fly on the wall for that reaction.

"Yes darling, it's me. 

Yes, I'm in Croatia now. 

  

 Yes, the flight was good.

Oh, and i've been arrested."

Classic.

LIAM BATEMAN

As the day was drawing to a close we elected to visit the local pizzeria for beer, and strangley enough, pizza. A word of warning, Croatian beer is rather strong, and comes in rather large bottles.

When the waitress came over Rich signalled, "large beer." I figured this to be a swell idea and ordered one as well. They really are big, and they really are strong. 3 and i was done.






As we enjoyed the beer i asked Rich about our 3rd team member. Ideally Tech 1 is conducted with a team of 3, so Rich sourced our comapanian for the week on our behalf. Rich explained he was an English fellow who answered to the name 'Liam Bateman,' but didn't know him personally.

As a GUE student it can be a bit stressful if the team doesn't gel. Our usual team of 2 get on the best, seeing as we're married, but the addition of a 3rd outside party provides a risk of working with a knob. This may sound harsh, but i have no doubt Liam was just as concerned about the 2 Irish knobs he'd been signed up with.

It could just be me, but with a surname of 'Bateman' i believe there is no alternative but to picture Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.

Images conjured in my mind of Liam dressed in a dry suit, wielding an axe, chopping me into small pieces, and promptly chasing Wifebuddy around the apartment with a chainsaw; all conducted to the tune of 'Huey Lewis - Hip to be square.'







Just as my mind wandered even further down a spiral of madness, Liam appeared at the table and we were all introduced. He didn't want to kill me, and didn't have an axe. Liam seemed a grand fellow, we chatted merrily, and our team of 3 headed back to our apartment having enjoyed some salami pizza and one too many beers.










Day one of Tech 1 beckoned...

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6

The Want

"Once you buy the gear, diving is cheap."

I have heard that statement sold to new divers, myself included, SO many times. To some extent it's true, but only if you dive air, dive from the shore, and don't have to travel too far. Most of us slightly more seasoned divers will appreciate that statement is mostly balls. The primary additional expense to a qualified scuba diver is the accompaniment of the dark passenger; 'The Want.'


This post is aimed to prepare a new scuba diver for The Want. No one is safe from it, but at least this article may allow you to understand the dark passenger you have invited into your home.

What is The Want?

The Want is an evil scuba demon that every diver faces on pay day, and fights an eternal battle with in between. 

The Want requires feeding on a regular basis, and even once fed it soon develops a new hunger; a thirst that cannot be quenched.

What does it need?

It needs scuba stuff. This may consist of gear, gas fills, holidays, or a dive. However, it's stable diet is scuba gear.

What type of gear, specifically, does it want?

Anything. It will devour everything scuba related, or anything that may be considered remotely beneficial to diving; this includes a new scuba wagon; so beware!

But i already have scuba gear; how can it still want?

It wants more. It wants new. The Want has no desire to use the same old scuba equipment for a long period of time. 

It is a manipulator, a puppet master, and you will feed its every desire. 

The Want will convince you the gear you currently own is inadequate, archaic, looks crappy, and MUST be replaced; immediately.

I have no money; how can i feed it?

The Want has no empathy for your financial burdens. It will convince you to sell 3 items of gear in order to buy one new shiny piece. It will allow you to borrow more than you earn, convince you that finance is "ok" and "everyone does it."

Any diver will recall owning other items related to a distant hobby or interest. No more; the want will have pawned all such items to feed the need, the addiction.

The king manipulator will also twist your thought patterns beyond all rational thinking. Any time you receive a bill for telephone, heating oil, car repairs etc, and it is less than you predicted; The Want will convince you there is excess money, have in fact saved money, and it should be used to purchase scuba gear at once.

How can i survive The Want?

Feed it.

There is nothing you can do. It demands you buy a shiny Shearwater Petrel, the beautifully crafted Hollis Stainless Steel Spool, the warmest undersuit money can buy, a dive light that will blot out the sun.


There is nothing you can do ... ever.

What has The Want has done to I Are Diver?

It has nearly bankrupted me for starters.



I have sold a faber twinset, added money to it, and bought a set of euro cylinders - purely to satisfy The Want and it's urge to look cool.

I use mostly Halcyon kit; its ludicrously priced, but i must have it all ... and it MUST match. Nothing else will do.






I almost sold my Scubapro regs to buy Halcyon regs - and they are the SAME design! It be madness.

Scubapro = Halcyon

What does it want at the moment?

Currently i am in the process of obtaining a new drysuit. I know, i know; i have a perfectly adequate, dry, Seaskin drysuit that will facilitate all my diving. The Want has convinced me it's a little tight, i need a pee valve, and perhaps it might break soon?

New drysuits for everyone!

It also wants a computer, but it tortures me with so many options that i cannot decide which one. My twitter friends will appreciate the pain i go through in my purchasing decisions (sorry Jay!) - i need to keep The Want happy don't I?

CONCLUSION

Perhaps this post will prepare new divers for the extortionate financial journey ahead, or ease the conscience of every diver that has just dropped a grand on a new dive computer. It may also be used to defend another credit card bill to a divers better half?


Those with a non diving spouse, count yourself lucky - we have TWO dark passengers in our house...

BUY SCUBA GEAR!

Safe diving folks...

Review: Tektite Strobe 200

Tektite Strobe 200

As the title suggests, this post is a review of the Tektite Strobe 200. For those who are unaware of it's function, a strobe is a light that flashes; that's about the height of it. Strobes aren't the most exciting of things, but are highly functional and can be heavily relied upon by a diver for locating a shot line, boat ladder, the shore, or a dive buddy.


A strobe is a handy light to have in your kit bag. I currently have a different model of strobe, but the switch is a bit rubbish so i tend not to use it very often. I was keen to take this little flashy thing for a dive.

TECHNICAL STUFF (what Tektite say)

Specifications:-



Depth Rating: 500 feet (150 m)
Bulb: Xenon strobe
Bulb Life: 1,000,000+ flashes
Burn Time: 30+ hours
Batteries: 2 C-cell Alkaline
Weight: 0.75 lbs. (0.34 kg)
Dimensions: 7.25" (18 cm) L x 1.9" (5 cm) Dia



Where to buy:-


Tektite UK Strobes

WHAT I ARE DIVER SAYS

PRICE

£42

LOOKS / BUILD

Tektite Strobe 200 - in orange

I don't know what it is with Tektite, but they seem to like bright colours; a lot. Unlike the Tekna Lite 3, which came in yellow, the Tektite Strobe 200 is bright orange. Personal preference of course, but it's certainly not to my taste; what's wrong with techie-black?

rear attachment point

Build quality is good, a sturdy, chunky piece of kit with minimal moving parts.

FEATURES

It's great to see a manufacturer keeping things simple. The light is operated by screwing the head of the strobe clockwise; hence eliminating the need for a switch. As with their back up light, no switch is a big positive; less moving parts the better. Two o-rings protect the body from flooding.

2 C cell batteris, xenon bulb

It has a ridged handle for grip, an eyelet on the end for securing a lanyard (not included), and two slots for attaching the included velcro strap. The velcro strap would be suited for attaching to a divers arm, a bcd, shot line, stage bottle, or dive ladder.

The velcro strap is a handy solution, although I'm a personal fan of a bolt snap and a length of cave line through the eyelet; i find it easier to use underwater. However, Tektite have gratefully allowed the diver the option; nice touch.

included velcro strap

It requires two C-cell batteries to power the xenon bulb. As usual, the batteries are a good choice as they are readily available, both at home and abroad.

batteries located under bulb

TEST DIVE

conditions: UK waters. Dark, murky, visibility 2m.

operating

The strobe is a chunky big thing and getting a grip of it in cold conditions, even wearing dry gloves, was no problem. A simple twist of the head and the flashy thing came to life. Nice and simple.

fills the palm of adult hand

brightness

A strobe is used mostly as a locating device; i like to think of it as an underwater lighthouse. Therefore, it is only of any use if it is bright enough to see pretty far away. The strobe did not disappoint.


I tied the strobe to the shot line; the plan being to use it as locator beacon when the dive was over. The visibility was poor, but as i finned away from the shot i was still able to see the flickering white light up to 10-15m away. I was especially impressed as i could barely see my buddy's 21w HID light right next to me.


When the dive terminated and I returned to the stern of the wreck, I could clearly see the strobe flickering away awaiting my return. It was great to know the light was working in my absence.

VERDICT

It's got everything a diver needs from a strobe. Ok, it looks a bit horrible, and is a bit big to simply stick in your pocket and forget about, but functionally it is an excellent piece of kit. The strobe does as it is designed; it puts out a very bright flash, and is easily operated.


I'd be happy to rely on the strobe to help me find the shot line on a murky dive, or to help a dive boat locate me on the surface. It would be fantastic attached to a dive buddy in bad visibility or a night dive.




PROS: Easily operated, bright flash, multiple attachment points, long burn time, takes normal batteries (C-Cells).

CONS: Looks horrible (in orange), Xenon bulb (would be nicer if LED), quite big.

Review: Tekna Lite 3 back up light

Tekna Lite 3 back-up light

Before this review begins let me establish the 'rules.' This torch is back-up light. A back-up light is designed only to be used should a divers primary light fail; allowing a scuba diver to terminate the dive safely. 

A back-up light is not designed to be used for the sole purpose of lighting an entire reef, night diving, or diving a ship wreck in murky waters. It is what it is, and this review reflects how effective it is as per design.

TECHNICAL STUFF (what Tekna say)

Specifications:-

Depth Rating: 1,000 feet (300 m) 

Lamps: Hi-Power LED 

Lamp Life: 10,000+ hours 

Burn Time: 20+ hours at full power 

Batteries: 3 AA Alkaline 

Power: 150 Lumens 

Materials: ABS and LEXAN® 

Dimensions: 7.75" (20 cm) L x 1.25" (3 cm) Dia. 

Weight: 0.28 lbs. (0.13 kg) 

Where to buy:-

Tektite UK LED torches

WHAT I ARE DIVER SAYS

PRICE

£40

LOOKS / BUILD

Yellow, includes permanent bungee lanyard.

Back up lights are pretty much aimed at a technical diver. The Tekna Lite 3 i got was yellow. Technical divers tend to dislike bright colours; especially yellow. It looks a bit cheap and fragile, the yellow ABS and LEXAN doesn't make me want to have one. 

If you like yellow; you'll like the look of it.

Long, skinny shaft.

It's a long and skinny light, which again creates the illusion it's a fragile piece of kit. It's not as brittle as it looks being made of ABS and LEXAN, but it doesn't exude that air of invincibility that delrin lights profess. I very much doubt you could break the light whilst diving, but i wouldn't like to drop a twinset onto it on land.

FEATURES

This is a simple little light, which is perfect for a back up light. The torch is operated by screwing the head of the light clockwise; hence eliminating the need for a switch. No switch is a big positive in a back-up light, as the less moving parts the better. The head is protected by 2 o-rings so you would need to unscrew it pretty far to flood it.

3 x AA batteries. Double o-ring protection. LED module. Screw down light head.

It has a ridged handle for grip, and an eyelet on the end for securing the attached lanyard. I imagine most technical divers would remove the lanyard, and replace with a steel bolt snap via cave line.

Hand held.

It requires 3 AA batteries to power the small LED module. I like lights that take 'normal' batteries. AA batteries are both cheap and readily available; another excellent decision by Tekna.

Remove light head to change batteries.

TEST DIVE

conditions: UK waters. Dark, murky, visibility 2m, depth 21m, duration 60 mins, temp 6C.

operating

Twisting the light head to operate the Tekna Lite 3 was a simple affair. Even wearing dry gloves and thick under gloves, the light was easy to switch on and off. The shaft of the light proved pleasant enough to hold, although it became instinctive to hold the light like a pen. It was weird, but it worked.

Twist light head to switch on and off

Our preferred method of holding

brightness

The brightness of the light was impressive. The beam from the Tekna Lite 3 is extremely tight, as expected from such a small light head. It is a white light and is very much a 'pencil-beam,' in that it throws the light very well, but it is concentrated into a narrow field.

It cut through the poor visibility well, and provided enough illumination for me to navigate the way back to the shot line, and follow it to the surface.

I passed the light off to Wifebuddy, and even alongside our team mate with a 21w HID, i was able to distinguish who was who. Of course, placed too near to a 21w HID beam the Tekna Lite 3 vanished.

21w HID vs Tekna Lite 3

It was certainly suitable for signalling, even in the poor visibility.

VERDICT

I like the little Tekna Lite 3. Wifebuddy used it for two weekends and became fond of it also.

It is certainly effective as a back up, and i would have no hesitation using it for such purposes. It would not be a replacement for derlin back up lights, they are in a different league. It's certainly a contender as a cheap alternative.

PROS: Cheap, effective light output, tight beam, good switch, takes AA batteries.

CONS: Looks horrible (in yellow). Not derlin, so not as durable as i would like a back up to be. No good for anything but a back up light.

Portroe Quarry; 5 degrees C and the need to pee

A few weeks ago was my 4th wedding anniversary.

Like any good husband, I know how to treat my woman; flowers and a dive in sub zero temperatures to the bottom of an inland quarry 5 hours from home. Oh yeah ladies, she has it good.


The trip to Portroe Quarry in Tipperary (IRE) was on.

Kerri is the queen of organisation, to the point where she took my jeep to work so I could pack up the Ford Boring with dive kit; as i was off work for the day. I was especially amused to find she had taken all the car keys to work, and locked me in my own house.









Despite initial pre-trip organisational issues, by 3PM we were on the road. It was a fair 'oul hike down to Tipperary, but with the aid of the ithingy and some doom metal, we arrived at our posh hotel in no time.

Kerri at the posh hotel

I had been in charge of the posh hotel booking, and although Wifebuddy was happy to relinquish her standard organisational role for a brief moment, i was constantly grilled regarding the relevant documentation; and if i had printed the confirmation email. Of course it never occurred to me to 'print' something; I mean, this is a digital age, I would just show the receptionist my confirmation email on my iThingy. As I checked the email on my phone I also noted the price was a little higher than I recalled. Whoops; prices "from" not prices "are." Always read the small print people. I decided to retain that information until after the trip.

Booked into the posh hotel, I relaxed with a little Irish tv viewing, gaffa taped remote control and all; then we retired to the bar for a nice pint and a dry burger. 

Satisfied with the dry burger and a Heineken, we hit the hay in preparation for the following days diving.

PORTROE INLAND DIVE SITE

Portroe is a 40m+ slate quarry. Entry is €20 per day, and offer air fills at €5 per cylinder. Parking is plentiful, it has a changing cabin and a couple of portaloo's. 

The reception area has tea and coffee making facilities, which the owners are happy for divers to work away at. Portroe is a small operation, but it provides a much needed asset to irish diving: somewhere to train.






I enjoy training. The more I train, the more confident I feel in the water, and as a result my diving becomes more enjoyable. I appreciate not every diver subscribes to this, but it works for me. That said, I don't conduct skills training as much as I should; so Wifebuddy and I planned the quarry trip to spend all day conducting drills and skills in preparation for our GUE Tech 1 course. 

Our good mate DIR Dave was joining us as well, in preparation for this GUE fundamentals class. On paper it was set to be a grand day out.






Hmmm...



We arrived at 10.30am to find the dive site filling up, which was no real surprise for a weekend in the midst of appalling weather conditions. Dave arrived shortly after and we were set for our first dive of the day.

Barry McGill hard at work with students 

Kerri off to get changed

Kerri and lots of kit

Kerri had a very clear plan for the first dive; basic 5, valve drill, OOG drills and propulsion, and no stages allowed (much to Dave's dismay - he loves stages). We trundled down the much too long entry slope, and stepped down into the 5 degree Celsius quarry water.

The long walk

Kerri was up to her waist and expressed she was mildly upset:

"My fucking pee valve is leaking."

Did I mention Kerri had a pee valve installed lately? Well, she did; and evidently incorrectly. 

It was one of those horrible moments where you realise diving was ruined, and there was absolutely nothing we could do about it. Being rather stubborn, Kerri managed a 32 min dive wearing a dry suit with a 2 inch hole in it. Well done love, well done.




During the dive I noticed Kerri's trim was way off, her knees were dropped, and simply did not look her usual fabulous self. The dive was terminated, and once on dry land it all became rather apparent. We hauled the twinsets back up the slope and Kerri hurried to get changed into dry clothes; she was blue with cold.

I lifted her dry suit and was shocked by how heavy it was. It was heavy with water. I up-ended her suit and about 10 litres of water gushed out. It was met with various "oooooooooo's" and "ahhhhhhhhh's" from the dive fraternity around us; looks of sympathy and empathy ebbed from behind neoprene hoods.





Kerri's pee valve leaked; her diving was done. Balls.

Kerri's it all packed up

It never ceases to amaze me how many trips Kerri has planned for us and yet not managed to dive. Having said that, I always get to dive; the quarry trip was no different.

Despite having her day ruined, in true Wifebuddy fashion she insisted I continue on. As an adoring husband, I hung on every word and prepared for a second dive. Dave was more than happy to oblige and 40 mins later we were kitted up and ready to rock.

Kerri not diving

Just as we were getting ready to dive I had the pleasure of meeting another man from the Internet; I do so enjoy meeting the Facebook people. I was introduced to Daniel, a UTD instructor who had recently moved to Ireland, whom I had chatted with online on many occasions. The dive world is truly a small place.




We left Daniel and hit the cold stuff for a full-on training session. It was hard work layered up in undersuits, but the skills circuits were improving with every repetition; although I did forgo the mask removal drill - it was just too bloody cold. 40 mins later we surfaced, de-kitted, and spied Wifebuddy, who was at it again. She met Dave and I with soup, chicken sandwiches and chocolate. She does rock.



Half way thorough lunch I got to meet more Internet people; Frank and Anna. Again, I have chatted to Frank on Facebook and stuff, but it was cool to meet in the 'almost' real world.




Kerri continued to turn a paler shade of blue, while Dave and I psyched ourselves up for the third, and final dive of the day. Dave seemed a bit shocked by the prospect of a third dive, but i was intent on polishing my valve drill, and I wasn't going in alone. In hindsight I may have failed to appreciate Dave was getting cold; I was rather content in my lovely whites thermal fusion undersuit.

Me and Dave kitting up

Ready to rock!

Our final dive was to be repeat of all our drills, plus we agreed to take stages along. I don't use a stage bottle too often and I needed the practice, so was happy enough. In water I signalled we should simulate a gas switch. instead Dave unclipped his ali 80 and passed it over to me. It was good practice as I felt immediately task loaded swapping stage bottles over. I wasn't prepared for it at all, and admit I need practice finding that ever elusive rear bolt snap.


Frank joined us and snapped a few excellent pictures of Dave and I practicing skill sets. It's always nice to get some super shots underwater; thanks Frank!

Dave OOG 

Dave stage handling

OK

Me OOG

40 mins later we called it a day and began our ascent. My ascent was poor, something i do need to sort out for tech 1. It wasn't a complete uncontrolled disaster, it just wasn't nice and smooth. Once ashore we left frank to carry his own twin 18's up the slope; what a crazy size of twinset to take diving!



By that stage of the day Kerri was completely foundered (Irish term for very frozen) and definitely ready for the posh hotel. We said our goodbyes to DIR Dave and the Internet people, then cruised the Ford Boring up the road.

Diving done!

Finally a little romance followed as we enjoyed a gorgeous 3 course meal, and a few cold pints. I thoroughly enjoyed the barman's attention to detail, recalling my preference for Heineken from their Carlsberg free bar. I'd like to add they need to address that for my future visits; no Carlsbeg? It be madness!

Beer and dinner. Very posh.

The following day we were up at dawn, shovelled a huge Irish breakfast, and hit the road. The journey home was piloted by Wifebuddy, as I appeared to have destroyed all the tendons on the back of both hands. Be careful conducting multiple bolt snap manipulations in cold conditions people. My hands have only just recovered; although I do suffer from tendonitis from years of guitar abuse without warming up properly - stupid heavy metal fan.

As a mere passenger I sacrificed control of the music selection. Wifebuddy and I have fairly similar musical tastes, but apparently I am flawed as duet partner.

It was soon apparent I had neglected Bon Jovi over the years and he isn't "Going down on a bed of roses, looking for a bag of nails."

Meh.

Apparently Suzie is much better company.





Overall, it was a fabulous weekend, but mostly for me; after all it was MY anniversary.

Happy Anniversary to ME!

Safe diving folks, and we should be back in Portroe soon.