CALYPS3O
2007 Journal
Indiana
School for the Deaf
Indian Creek High School
Day
6, Monday, June 18, 2007
Brad (ICHS)
The
most common sports phrase I hear is “Practice makes perfect.”
This was made real today when our first real dive, not for certification,
was completed. It was as perfect as could be and one could not ask for
anything better. It all started when the alarm went off. Rolling out
of bed was a challenge, but once I realized it was time to dive, my
eyes quickly opened. Everyone in my shared suite was gathering their
things, and I think the most predominant thing on everyone’s mind
was “what am I forgetting.” Breakfast quickly passed and
it was 7:45, the time Bill told us the trailer would appear to load
up gear. Gear was loaded and in the vans we went. It was then I saw
the boat with tanks lining both sides. Instructions were given by the
captain and his mate (a dive master) and it was time for the boat ride.
I already mentioned it was a perfect day so naturally, no one on the
boat got motion sickness, not even Ms. Piety. The boat stopped at Davis
Reef and one by one we entered the water. My divers log reads bottom
time of 48 minutes with a very comfortable water temperature of 81 degrees.
The air was a little warmer at 87 degrees. The second dive was at the
Little Conch Reef. Most everyone stayed within an area of 300 feet and
followed the shelf. My log book reads a bottom time of 50 minutes. The
big talk in the boat once the dive was over was seeing two nurse sharks,
but my group’s eyes must have just missed them so can’t
officially report the sighting of sharks. I did however see two eels,
a trunk fish, and lobster. Of course there were thousands of other fish,
but we’ll leave those out for today. After discussion with everyone,
one major conclusion was made. The second dive was much better than
the first. For me, it was because I felt much more comfortable. The
first dive was more worries than fun, but it allowed for the second
dive to be much more relaxing. After the two dives, we got some food
in our stomachs and sat down in the teacher’s room. Not only did
we fill out our logbook, but we talked about how to use the cameras
and we watched footage that Dave took. I look forward to taking underwater
pictures. Diving in the Keys was even better than I thought it would
be. It was a perfect day to begin diving, and I could only hope that
the next four day’s dives are just as awesome.
Matt
(ISD)
We got up
at 6:30 am and got all of our scuba equipment ready and paced up for
the day. We watched the weather on TV, then we went to the teachers'
room to eat breakfast. We relaxed and talked for a while after eating
breakfast, then it was time to go. We put all of our scuba gear into
the red trailer and loaded up the vans. We arrived at the Florida Keys
Dive Center at 8:00 am and got out all of scuba gear. I got my weights
and put my gear on the boat. We had to watch a short safety discussion
about the rules, then the boat left the dock. I went above and sat on
the top level of the boat. We arrived at the first dive site, Davis
Reef, and the captain explained what was there and what we would see.
He also told us how to find our way back tot he boat. We jumped into
the water and when our group was together, we started to go down. Nyle
had trouble equalizing the pressure in his ears and had to go back up.
He ears finally were equalized and our group continued the dive on Davis
Reef. We saw many fish on our first dive. I loved it! We got back on
the boat and went to our second dive site, Little Conch Reef. We saw
hundreds more fish at this reef than the first dive! I saw thousands
of fish, a spiny lobster, a 7-foot nurse shark, and a jellyfish. My
favorite part was seeing all of the different colors of fish.
(photos
by Mike Ruddy and Teresa Huckleberry)
Our arrival
at the dive shop
Loading our
gear
The safety
briefing
On the way
to the first dive site
Greg, Gabriel, Ann
Butterfly fish
Ben
and Brad Orange
encrusting sponge and a barrel sponge
A stop light
parrot fish A
spiny lobster
Most of us
saw nurse sharks on the 2nd dive.
(Note for parents: Nurse sharks are not aggressive!)
French
angel fish Hundreds
of grunts hide under a ledge
Emails from home:
Ann-How did you like your seafood? How cute you were with a baby alligator!
I bet Colin is jealous!
Be careful with scuba diving in Key Largo. Love, Mom
Matthew:
Sounds like you all are having a Blast! Hope you all enjoy every bit
of this amazing experience! Be careful and have fun scuba diving. I
love you bubby! get some pictures for me! some palm trees if possible!
Love you~ Your big Sis Melissa
Matthew:
I enjoy reading and looking at your pictures of your everyday fun and
amazing expierences! Have fun and becareful! Will be checking back everyday
to see how the scuba diving is going... have fun and be safe. I love
and miss you!
Love~ MoM
Kailee,
Just think another big chapter in your adventure is coming, you will
be in the 'OCEAN' scuba diving, not in just a swimming pool. We are
so very excited for all of you and your new friends. Continue to have
a great time. Love and miss you, Sweet Pea. Mamaw Connie
Hello!
Rusty and I have been following the website and have enjoyed reading
it! It looks like an incredible experience for the students. Rusty loved
(and laughed) at the picture of Tyler with the snake. Thank you for
providing this opportunity for Tyler and the students. Jodee
Crace
Hi
All,
We
have really enjoyed reading about your journey so far! We look forward
to joining up with you in the Key Largo area for some diving. Other
divers here have told us that the seas have been calm (1-3') and that
visibility has been good. Lets go diving!!! The
Ruddy's
Kailee,
I viewed the air boat pictures and that looked fun and exciting, The
python didn't look too exciting. I had one around my neck about 25 years
ago. It looks like you guys have had such a great time. This next week
will also be so fun and interesting. Be safe and have a wonderful week.
We wish we were there. Love, Mawmaw Joyce
Hi
Kailee (& others)--I am enjoying your daily journals very much and
am amazed at all the different things you are getting to experience,
even right down to the variety of foods. Enjoy! It'll be memories that
will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. See you soon
Kailee! Love, Aunt Kelly
I
have been reading the student journals and checking out the pictures
everyday. Looks and sounds like everyone is having a great time. Enjoy
the rest of your trip and keep posting the pictures! Linda Lloyd
