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Christmas is coming and it’s sooner than you think. If you are like me,
you haven’t kept that promise to shop early during the year and then
lounge around the last few weeks before Christmas because you have
purchased, wrapped and hidden all of the goodies.
I almost forgot that Christmas was creeping up because I’m a linear type
person. Get through every day before thinking about the next one.
Although we thought that the Wreck Trek in October was the last dive for
us this year, we were wrong. We were able to make our third traditional
Thanksgiving weekend trip with two other couples. Actually it was only
our 2nd because we had to skip last year when back surgery interfered
with our plans. So, once again, Friday morning we loaded up our van and
headed to the Keys. This year we spent the weekend in Marathon where we
feasted on Thanksgiving leftovers, home made ziti and delicious
marinated steak. The wind kept us from making too many dives but we did
have two really nice dives. We hit the water as soon as we arrived on
Marathon around 3 pm on Friday and enjoyed calm seas and 77 degree
water. By Saturday morning, the wind had picked up but we still got in
one good dive and were able to climb back into the boat without injuring
ourselves. We tried again in the afternoon but by then it was
obvious that the wind was not going to cooperate. It was obvious to a
Kite Boarder also as we spotted him floundering in the mangroves when we
headed back in the channel to the dock. It was too shallow to bring the
boat all the way to him so the three guys jumped into the shallow water
and hiked over to the mangroves to get the tired surfer out of the
water. He was still attached to his kite and trying to swim against the
wind and current and had become very exhausted by the time they reached
him. It was also interesting trying to get that huge kite into the boat
until we discovered the inflator release valves and with one big whoosh
the kite was reduced to a big pile of material that only took up a small
space in the bow of the boat.
We managed to find some time to rinse and pack our gear, pack up the
things we had spread all over the residence and then enjoy a little
shopping and an excellent dinner.
On the way down, Gary and I stopped to buy some new 5 ml wetsuits. Which
brings me back to Christmas – it’s really time to get serious and we
admit it is difficult. It just seems that lots of divers either have
everything they need or what they need is way out of your price range.
That doesn’t mean you should give up. As always, our local dive shops
have ideas that you might not have considered, so give them a call or
stop in for a visit (as early as you can). You might also consider a
gift certificate from the shops or from one of the dive operators we
frequently use for some of our dive charters. This is a gift that lots
of divers will really appreciate when the spring diving begins to warm
up again. Many divers are becoming interested in underwater photography
and there are many underwater digital cameras to choose from for
reasonable prices as well as add-on options for the more expensive SLR’s
and housed cameras.
As always, we ask that you support your local dive shops – when you need
air or repairs that is where you are going to go. If you want to know
about classes or trips, your local dive shops have the information and
activities that you can get involved in. If you don’t know who they are
– here are a few.
Brent Argabright, Deans Dive Center in Fort Myers,
www.deansdivecenter.com, Tel: (239) 489-0500 carries a full line of
scuba equipment and training classes. It’s his specialization in spear
fishing gear that will round out the empty spaces under your tree.
Dean’s carries an exceptional stock in the major brands of spear guns
such as Riffe International, AB Biller, Spear Fishing Specialists and
others. When we need stringers, lines, bands, shafts and other
accessories, we only have to stop in and make our choices. Deans also
has a full range of wetsuits in many brands and styles.
Pete Williamson, Capt. Pete's Diving Outfitters has two locations – one
in Cape Coral and one in Fort Myers www.captpetes.com, Tel: (239)
573-5919. He is now an Ikelite dealer also so you can look into some
camera parts for your own underwater camera or your budding photography
buddy. Don’t forget Capt. Pete’s gives discounts to Caloosa Dive Club
members all year.
Underwater Explorers in Fort Myers, Tel: (239) 481-4733,
www.underwaterexplorers.net, are always happy to help with your holiday
shopping. They have a full schedule of classes, a well-stocked store and
lots of things for the spearfishing enthusiast. Caloosa Dive Club
members receive a 15% discount on purchases.
Keith Loson at Ocean Images& Co., Inc. in Cape Coral,
www.oceanimagesinc.com, Tel: (239) 458-7155, manufactures top of the
line digital video camcorder housings at extremely reasonable prices.
Keith is always quick to have the right housing for the newest model
video cameras and this year is no exception. Whether you have the newest
Sony HC-1 or PC1000, the Panasonic GS-400 or any other model, they have
the right housing and lights to help you get the underwater action.
Wouldn’t a bright, yellow Ocean Images housing look nice under your
Christmas Tree?
Jim & Julie Joseph of Fantasea Scuba in Port Charlotte,
www.fantaseascuba.com, (941) 627-3888 have worked hard to provide an
extremely active training program as well as one of the busiest local
dive charter calendars in the area. They offer a selection of dive gear
from most of the major manufacturers at excellent prices and also carry
a huge selection of spearfishing gear. For the Technical Diver,
they have a huge list of training and upcoming dives for the next year.
Scuba Quest in Fort Myers, (239) 936-7106 and Cape Coral, (239)
458-1999, www.scubaquestusa.com, can help with your Christmas shopping.
Choose equipment, dive trips, gift certificates or specialty classes.
Stop by for a visit and make your decision.
Merry Christmas and the best holiday wishes to everyone. Enjoy your
family and friends and take some time to relax during the holiday
season.
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