Day 5: Columbia, Chankanaab and Felipe Xicotencatl C-53

Day 5: Columbia, Chankanaab and Felipe Xicotencatl C-53

Three dive day today. The first was Columbia Gardens which had amazing coral formations with lots of swim throughs. We saw a nurse shark resting on the sandy bottom and good variety and abundance of fish. The second site was Chankanaab Balones which was a shallow drift dive with many coral heads to explore.

The highlight of the day was the Felipe Xicotencatl C-53,a minesweeper built in 1944 which was donated to the marine park and sunk in 1999 to form an artifical reef. The dive started on top of the ship then we went inside to explore the lower levels. There were many rooms to look in and the 4 of us hopped on the toilets in the lavatory for a photo op. We saw a large crab, a huge green moray and as we looked out one of the windows an eagle ray. When we finished the interior exploration we went outside and found the eagle ray again. Gary got some great still photos and a video. Once again we were fighting the current and had to surface shortly afterward (it's all about getting the good photos).

Day 4: Delilah and Paradise Reef

Day 4: Delilah and Paradise Reef

We woke up today to a completely calm ocean which continued all day. Our first dive was at Delilah Reef where we saw a very large eagle ray near the end of the dive. Gary must have burnt 200 psi trying to swim him down against the current to get the video. What appeared to be so effortless for the ray definitely was not for us. The second dive was at Paradise reef which has a great abundance and variety of fish. We saw many schools amung the coral heads and a couple large crabs.

A short time in the sun this afternoon, we're a little burnt from yesterday's boat trip (don't think the new sunscreen I bought for my face works). Finished the day with my first night dive off the shore. It sure was different at night, lots of crabs (arrow and hermit) running around, urchins, star fish and a really cool anenome which was loving eating all the baby fish that were attracted to our light :(

Day 3: Palancar and Tormentos Reef

Day 3: Palancar and Tormentos Reef
Started the day with breakfast at 7 to be ready for the dive boat at 8:15. Boarded the Reef Cat and we were on our way to the first dive at Palancar Reef. Highlights included a huge lobster walking along the sandy bottom between the pinnacle swimthroughs and two turtles. Unfortunatley, the bottom got churned up a bit and the photo didn't turn out but Gary did manage to get a great photo of another lobster hiding in the coral. We had a one hour surface interval and repositioned to Tormentos Reef. We were told the currecnt was stronger here and once we passed over the reef we'd be done so were advised to swim around and 'browse the reef'. The current was definitely stronger and it was fun just to ride along. We saw a large Midnight Parrotfish near the beginning, lobster, arrow crab and a Conch which we thought was really cool (never seen an occupied shell before).

Got back to Scuba Club around 1:30, had a huge lunch and spent some time in the sun. While we were lounging two pelicans came in for a sieta, perching on top of the pier lights and during the sunset a third joined them. A little time in the hammocks then it was time to eat again.

(A&N there is dessert for lunch and dinner - loving the coconut ice cream; I've started a really great hand tan again)

Day 2: Town and Shore Dive

Day 2: Town and Shore Dive

Went into San Miguel this morning to change money and buy a few drinks for the fridge. We started walking back to the hotel around 11:30 and by that time the cruise ships had unleased the passengers on the small town,thousands come through every day except Sunday. Just a few blocks away and the streets were quiet again. Shopped at Chedraui (similar to Walmart) on the way home and picked up our favorite beverages.

We did a shore dive this afternoon to check our weight and make sure all equipment good to go. Gary got a couple good shots of a small ray who couldn't seem to shake the fish swimming above it. Looking forward to the boat dives tomorrow.

(click picture to see album)

Day 1: Spokane to Cozumel

The day started with the alarm at 4:30 to get ready for our

5:00 shuttle to the 6:30 flight.

We were forced to rearrange the checked bags at the last minute due to an unforeseen addition of some Keen sandals which put us over by two pounds (redistribute or pay $75). After a little shuffling we were on our way (straight to Starbucks for coffee). Our first flight was on Lucy the Canadian Goose, all the Frontier planes have animals on the tails and wings.

Only one connection in Denver and we

arrived in Cozumel at 3:30 (1:30 our time).

We hopped a tourist shuttle to Scuba Club and were

greeted by the little bird to the right.

Wandered around the hotel, registered for diving and enjoyed a 3 course meal. Now time to hit the hay.

Day05 Bright Angel Trail

(click 'title' to see Day 05 album)

Holy Crap we have to Hike out of here!

Bright Angel Trail Summary:

• Total Time: 5h 34 min (4 hours moving time)
• Speed: 3 km/h average
• Total Ascent: 1,323 m (4,340 ft)
• Total Distance: 16 km (avg. grade 11%)

View Larger Map

Morning arrived sooner than anyone would want. The group across from us were up earlier than the crack o’dawn and let me tell you ammo cans on metal tables is not a quiet thing. Needless to say we were up earlier than we wanted to be. Gary got the water going for the coffee then proceeded to make the Backpacker version of Denver omelets. We wrapped eggs in the left over tortillas and added ketchup or salsa and had our own version of breakfast burritos. Some of us had to tend to our 'BLUE' toes (those steps took their toll). Trail hikers and and a 4000ft decent don't cut it.

We packed up and hit the trail at 8:30. Spirits were high as we set out to stroll along the Colorado River for the first 3 km's. We discussed it and today we were not going to be those tired looking people we saw hiking out yesterday “Team S’more” (as we called ourselves) was going to greet everyone with a big smile no matter how we felt. The first run of switchbacks appeared a little daunting but the grade was low enough that it didn’t feel like you were going uphill. The first half of the hike was a nice meandering trail at a comfortable 7% gradient. A few steeper sections up through the Garden Creek Canyon leading to the mid point rest stop at Indian Gardens Campground for some food and water refills. The second half of the journey started out in a similar fashion. A Mule Deer grazing on the side of the trail, a few dances at the creek crossings and a comfortable grade that was just getting us closer to the 'WALL'.

It wasn't until the last 2.5 km and the final climb out at an average gradient of 13% where the legs started to feel it. Each 'Blue Toe' step felt like it was 12" high and 24" high if you stubbed your toe. All you see are switchbacks and people moving along at a turtle's pace. We pressed on to the top enjoying the beautiful views and taking pride in the fact that we just hiked out of the Grand Canyon!

The hike was absolutely amazing and the experience is hard to express in words or pictures. You really have to see it for yourselves.

(click 'picture' to see Day 05 album)

Day04 Down South Kaibab Trail

(click 'title' to see Day 04 album)

We hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back – Holy Crap!

Packing 115 pounds between us (the guys carried the brunt of the weight).

Indulging delicious freeze dried delicacies including s’mores – really?!?

South Kaibab Trail Summary:

• Total Time: 3h 10min total time (2 hours moving time)
• Speed: 4 km/h
• Total Decent: 1,430 m (4,693 ft),
• Total Distance: 11.3 km (avg. grade 13%)

View Larger Map

With a late start on Saturday, driving up from Sedona and arriving around 1 pm. We had to grab some food and sort out where to park and catch 2 buses to get to the trail head. The second bus was a little delayed due to an RV blocking the road and we started to worry a little that we were going to be setting up camp in the dark (based on the estimate of 4 hours down we were given).

Arrival at the trail head at 2:30pm, we began the decent. The first thing you see is a jaw dropping set of switchbacks the carries you down the cliff face leading you to the ridge line trail that is etched into the canyon walls. Every 5 steps was another view that deserved 10 pictures, but not one of them would truly capture what we were seeing. The decent was a comfortable grade, 6" log steps every meter that would come to haunt us later (Blue Toe Steps). We continued through the middle section that was just as picturesque and found ourselves making good time reaching the bottom of the last decent by 5:00pm. A short jaunt along the banks of the Colorado river and we arrived with plenty of time to set up camp.

There were only a couple sites available when we arrived and we were lucky enough to get a one along Bright Angel Creek. We pitched the tents and were careful to unload all our food into the ammo cans provided so that the critters didn’t ravage our packs. Gary strapped on the headlamp and cooked up a Mexican feast. Some precooked southwestern chicken, added a few veggies then rehydrated some beans and rice, wrapped it in a nicely warmed tortilla and that was dinner. The piece de resistance was the dessert – freeze dried s’mores. Imagine chocolate pudding with those little marshmallows that are in hot chocolate mix but because the water isn’t warmed they don’t really hydrate and melt, they remain crunchy. Add some graham crumbs to top it off and you have something that’s not particularly delicious but you “just can’t stop eating it”. With nothing to do after dinner (there are no campfires allowed) we headed up to Phantom Ranch to have a drink and play cards. We successfully completed the drink part of the mission but were too tired to break out the cards. Anticipating an early start we headed to bed around 9:30.

(click 'picture' to see Day 04 album)

Day 04 Getting ready to Go

Just distributing gear between the packs and getting ready to enjoy the breakfast buffet. 2 hour drive back to the Grand Canyon then green trail down red trail up!

Day03 Verde Canyon Railroad

Started the morning with coffee by the creek. Not quite 4am that we know Rick would have been swinging in the chair by. But still a good start.

Relax for the rest of the morning and then spent the afternoon exploring the Verde Canyon by train. As you can see from the pictures the scenery was quite spectacular.

Off to Grand Canyon tomorrow for the hike and overnight camp.

Day 02 Montezuma Tour

After checking into our hotel we headed south to visit Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. We were going to come back up to Sedona for sunset but decided to drive a little further to the outlet mall for an afternoon of shopping.
This afternoon we are heading to Clarkdale to ride the Verde Canyon Railroad and check out Tuzigoot National Monument.

Got the Permit

We were lucky enough to get the permit this morning so are heading to Sedona for two nights and driving back up Saturday to hike in.

Packing the Gear

Getting organized for departure. Trying to minimize gear to fit in 2 bags. Not sure we will get it done.

Bonaire2010 Roundup

I needed a distraction from work, so I took a little time today and went through the pictures and picked a selection to highlight the whole trip. It was hard choosing, I managed to get it down to 162 pictures.

If you need a distraction from your day, check out the Bonaire2010 Picture Roundup, or check back in at the blog.

Another great trip with great friends. So glad we could share it with everyone.

My next distraction will be a video roundup. Keep you all posted.

Day17: Back to Work

We are packing up and heading out the door to catch the 1st of three flights, when we will arrive in Spokane at 8pm. We depart ways with A&N in Houston where they go through LA to Van. A great trip: 25-28 dives each, 2000 pictures and videos totaling 15 gigs of digital data. See you all soon.

GVAN

Day16: Relaxation - No diving

Nothing to exciting today. Cleaned up and packed all the dive gear, headed out for some morning shopping and relaxed the rest of the day around the hotel. Managed to see the last unseen four-legged terrestrial wildlife on the way home from dinner to finish off the day.

Day 15: Last Day to Dive

Last day to dive today with the 24 hour no fly rule. We were up early again hoping to dive the Blue Hole on the windy west side of the island. We checked it out yesterday and it seemed doable from shore as long as the wind was down (if the wind is up you are promised a serious thrashing trying to get back to shore). Unfortunately, it was one of the windier mornings we've had here so we went back to Something Special. Down to 130 ft on the first dive hoping to see a ray on the sandy bottom but instead we were greeted by a 'field' of garden eels. A ray would have been a nice touch on the last day but we always enjoy the little eels. We decided to go back to Karpata for the second dive, our favorite sight by far, it was a great way to end the diving for the girls. The boys headed back out around 3:30 for a late afternoon dive at Red Beryl. Managed to track down another green moray eel, several baracuda and an assortement of what are now the usual suspects.

Video 3: Cool Things

Day 14: Early Dive

Headed out to Alice in Wonderland at 7:30 for a earlier morning dive. All the usual suspects were out. Thought it might be a little different,didn't see anything new but marked a lionfish for removal. Garden eels on the sandy floor between the two reefs. Second dive was Margate Bay where Noha spotted a large lobster at about 80 ft. He was out cruisin' so we got to see him head home and back into his reef spot. Also saw some barracuda that weren't shy about being followed or photographed and a hawksbill turtle. In the afternoon we headed for the other side of the island - Lac Bay where the windsurfers hang out. We stopped at the slave huts, the Wilemstoren Lighthouse and had drinks and a snack at Jibe City. Headed back to the Hotel for our in house BBQ to round out another great day.

Day 13: Wreck and Double Reef

First dive today was the Hilma Hooker, a 72m cargo freighter that was sunk in 1984. The second was Angel City which is one of the many dive sites in the double reef system. Andy spotted our first Lionfish which are not native to the Carribean and are removed when found. Unfortunately, we did not have any flagging tape to mark the location so the Lionfish will see another day.

After a leisurely lunch and a couple hours relaxing we decided to knock off our third dive of the day at Bachelor's Beach. As we were on our way back through the shallows, several fish scooted by us one by one, now dubbed 'the crazy train fish' by Andy, we half expected to see a smiling shark chasing after them. It's easy to see how the writers for Finding Nemo come up with the characters.

We had dinner as Casablanca restaurant which was recommended in a local food guide. It suggested trying the mixed grill for two and stated "Guaranteed you won't leave hungry!" Three of us shared the stack o' meat (mixed grill) and still brought back a whole chicken for lunch.

Day 12: Land and Sea

We packed up the truck with 12 tanks and a picnic lunch and headed for Washington Slagbaai National Park for a little land and sea today. It was about a two hour drive to the first site up north and through the park. We saw lots of birds, goats and iguanas en route and enjoyed the variety of cacti. At the first site, Playa Fungi, we descended toward the sandy bottom and Vicky spotted a southern stingray, we hung out at 120ft for a bit then checked out the rest of the reef.

During our snack stop the lizards were coming from all directions looking for a snack. Seems they are fed frequently by the tourists and one was so bold as to climb Andy's leg trying to get his PBJ (Peanut butter and jam sandwich). Finished the second dive and headed to Boka Slagbaai for our lunch stop.

On arrival we decided we really weren't too fussed about getting another dive in so we had a leisurely lunch and enjoyed the beach areafor awhile. We headed back south past Gotomeer to see the flamingos and got back to the place around 5:30. A little review of today's pictures, some diner and of course the three C's...cribbage, cookies and coffee....

Click to view all pictures.