The Deep Blue Sea

This afternoon rounded out our second day of diving here in beautiful Anguilla. I started out pretty afraid, as I have never been diving off a boat, let alone in the open waters. I think that the ride over to the first dive I was more nervous and scared than I was at any point during the whole wedding thing. Although the thought crossed my mind, I decided against staying on the boat and enjoying some brew. I got suited up, and back rolled off of the back of the boat where my lovely husband was waiting for me. Once I was in the water, all of my fears dissipated and I was ready for FUN!

Our first dive was amazing in many respects: it was my first to the clear blue Caribbean waters; there were no other divers to cramp our style; and we went exploring a wreck at almost 75 feet. For a girl that was too scared to join her family on the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls about 17 years ago, I would say this was quite a feat!

To this point, we’ve done four dives: a few on reefs, and the first to the wreck of a 150-foot ocean liner. We’ve seen lots of cool marine life, including some huge stingrays and turtles. I would have to say that I’ve developed quite a relationship with the local barracudas. For some reason those lovely silver fish with too many teeth like to invade my personal space and get “too close for comfort” by my standards. For those fearful instances I have developed quite a useful technique: I create a human shield by pinching Pat on the leg and throwing him between Billy the Barracuda and I. I mean come on, he vowed to take care of me in sickness and health, barracudas or sharks!

We are taking tomorrow off from diving and taking in some of the Aguillan nightlife. We are back in it on Monday, for our final dives. Thanks to everyone who contributed to our digital camera fund, as we also acquired an underwater housing for it and we have some pretty cool pics. They are posted here.