After one abortive attempt several years ago, I had not for a long time tried to go diving in the nearest salt water diving spot from Houston: the Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This place is difficult to get to since trips are usually canceled when the seas get above 5 or 6 ft. However, the weather report for today says that all is well: the water is “like glass” they said. So, Laura and I will be getting our first experience at true offshore diving. In addition to the Flower Gardens dive sites, the boat is supposed to stop at a rig on the way back for a rig dive. That will be an experience like I’ve never had before.
For Laura and I, this trip is a replacement for the usual Dive Turkey. However, this year we had to opt out with concern for our finances. Our first quarter trip to Hawaii ate the Dive Turkey budget. But, at a much lower cost per person, one can make about 8 dives in the Gulf over two days with all expenses paid. [They let you sleep on the boat…] So we don’t have to go without diving for the rest of the year.
So, off we go tonight and we’ll be back on Sunday with pictures to post.
I only hope I don’t run out of memory on my digital camera…
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