Almost 50 and still trying new things!

Monday May 25, 2009.
Today is a big day – SCUBA DIVING--- we were picked up at 9:30 and taken down to the scuba shop to complete paperwork, watch a video and then get in the pool there. We learned three of the basic techniques removing the regulator from the mouth blowing out a little and then replacing it, simulate running out of air and using the instructors secondary regulator and clearing water from our mask. We did this in groups of three as the pool is fairly small and with three we were still running into each other as we were under water. Once we all completed the task to the instructors’ satisfaction the scuba equipment was loaded up in the vehicles and we were drove back past Summerset to a resort called Seascape where we did our diving. The resort was beautiful - so colorful as everything her is. The bar is called Ivans because it was completely destroyed by hurricane Ivan. Pictures were hanging up all around to show the damage before they rebuilt. We went down to a one of the lowest spots on the cliffs where we are at. The first group got ready and in the water they went. We stayed along the side and watched as one by one the first three disappeared into the ocean. We followed their bubbles for a little bit because we stay in the cove area for a little bit before venturing out further into the ocean. Simon one of the instructors started getting the tanks ready he seen the bubbles coming back, so I was our turn to get ready. Flippers on, tanks strapped to us while we sat on the ledge. Weight belts around our waist and in the jackets to help us sink. We spit in our mask and wiped it all around once in the water we rinse them out. This keeps the mask from fogging up. The first three Mona, Rebekah and Cody are out and we line up for our jump into the water. Chelsea goes first then I follow. We watch the instructor because he is watching the waves coming in and tells us when to jump. He gives me the nod and in I go I push on the red button that fills the vest with air and I come back to the top of the water. Jennifer is the last to jump in and once we are all in we are ready to descend into the depths of the ocean. There is a buoy with a rope that we follow down, the anxiety was a little overwhelming and as I started the descent I was wondering if I could make it. After relaxing a little bit it was a piece of cake. We got down to the bottom and swam around the cove for a little bit and then it was time to follow the instructor. We gave the signal that we were OK and off we went. I had give the underwater camera to the instructor when we first went down so he got pictures of us in the cove he then passed the camera back to me and I was just in aw at everything that I was seeing for the first time. The fish right there with you the large shell that he picked up with the creature going back in. Although the reef that we were swimming around was not very colorful the experience was amazing. We went about 150 yards out from shore and were about 40 feet down and now I can truly say I swam the ocean floor. We were out for about a half hour and before I knew it we were back at the cove. What and experience. The only problem I am have from it is my right ear I have been having problems getting the water out and have an echo when I talk – but I picked up some swimmers ear and hopefully that will help. We walked back to summer set and I spent the afternoon by the pool thinking about what I had just done. That evening we had a group meal so we left around 5:00 walked down to Xabia and watched the sun set and talk about how thing are going. My only concern at this point is having everything done by Friday, I explained that on Tuesday we should have Leon story finished and I have Kerean on the computer typing her story out and I am sure that Nikki will be able to complete her story because I think she was going to work on hers over the weekend but I am going to have to rewrite Leon’s story so it is in print for him to read. Some of the other students brought up some other concerns but I think after talking we all feel much better about it. We then headed over to Just Natural where we were having dinner. All of the eating places that we have been to are outside and Just Natural is no different. A beautiful yard with lights and a few tables put together to seat all of us. The food was amazing and we have found another place to go eat at a reasonable price. We are all starting to feel independent and are so much more comfortable getting around and dealing with individuals. Back to Summerset and to bed! School tomorrow morning and a very busy week ahead since it was shortened by the holiday. I miss everyone back home but I am having a wonderful time. I will try to get caught up on the days and get some pics posted but I am usually doing my writting and posting early in the morning so have not had a lot of time to go through the pictures to get posted. One Love