February 2, 2008 Video Project

Saturday February 2nd found us once again on our way to the ever-popular Sea Emperor aboard Fathoms O' Fun with a celebrity roster of divers on board. Besides myself, Kelly Turmaine (wife of Fathoms captain Jerry), Kimmie McKinney, Donna Sacco, Richard Finkus and two of his co-workers from the Shark Foundation, and last, but not least, Mikey (captain of Fish Food and DM for the day). There were also a lot of recently certified divers getting a chance to fill out some pages in their log books, and a rebreather diver. It was an extraordinary day - sunny weather, completely flat seas and no current at all!

After we get tied off to the Sea Emperor, we all drop in to see what's happening with the locals. Visibility was about 40ft or so and the water temp was around 74 degrees. Lots of activity today with the eels and groupers, but still no stingrays! Shot some excellent footage of Kelly playing with "Baby" the green moray, then went off to an area I seldom go to - the "Rubble Pile" which lies to the SSE of the wreck. Played around there a bit, then headed a little further east to the United Caribbean wreck to see what was happening over there. That wreck really got torn up by a hurricane a few years ago and pieces are strewn everywhere. At least the wheelhouse and some of the deck is still intact. Then it's back to the Sea Emperor to hit the ascent line, but along the way the eels still wanted to play and caught sight of the small (250 lbs) grouper.

After our surface interval, we arrive at Abbey Too Reef. Haven't been on this one in a while, so it was nice to get a chance to see how it is holding up. Visibility was about 40ft or so and the water temp was around 74 degrees. Lots and lots of schools of grunts and snappers, a burrfish, juvenile french angels, and an occasional blue angel.

An excellent day of diving all around. Lots of new divers on the boat who, I am sure, had lots of tales to tell their friends back home, and I got to spend time with good friends who enjoy diving!

Another day in Paradise,

The Video Dude