I did some research and found that there are two different kind of trips around the Keys. Generally there are snorkel-only trips and then there are combined snorkel and diving trips. They both use power boats to get the clients out where they can see reefs. The action is away from the coast. The combined trips appealed to me as the Lorax has his PADI card and has not dived the whole time we have been together. Time to fix that.
We walked in to Islamorada Dive Center and the gal behind the counter was super-friendly and helpful. She told us what items would be available for our use. We checked that it would be okay to use our own snorkels and masks. We bought some Aqua Lung fins, very light neoprene vests with hoods, and I picked up some gloves. I can never have too many gloves. We booked a mid week trip on the nicest weather day and left happy.
We were also on the prowl for wetsuit pieces. The Lorax and I have wetsuits, especially me, but we had left them all at home. Dumb. I did have my favorite pair of poly-o SUPreme pants, a pair of Roxy paddling capris, and a Title Nine poly-o pullover but the Lorax had brought nothing. We stopped at another dive shop to ask about trips and wetsuits. But the service was not as friendly and we left even happier that we had booked at IDC.
Day of the trip my dad and I went down to the pool to check our snorkels, masks, and fins. We swam around for about a half hour and then went home for an early lunch and shake down of equipment. I packed some snacks and water to share.
At the shop my dad borrowed a wetsuit and fins. My husband got fitted for diving, with suit and all the various pieces required. I wore my own vest, buff, gloves, and poly-o stuff and was pretty confident that I would be warm. I was concerned especially about jelly fish stings, hence I was completely covered except the area right around my mouth. I was, I think, the only snorkeler that was entirely covered. Almost everyone else was either wearing spring suits with bare arms and legs or just bathing suits.
My husband looked quite serious as we got ready to ride out. He was seated in the section with the divers, in front of the gear he would be using. I have never seen him look so intense.
The dive boat was quite interesting, large, and had plenty of room for the 30 or so clients, everyone's gear, and about 6 crew members. We traveled about 30 minutes to the first location, Davis Reef.
Right before we reached our first spot the Lorax handed me his waterproof Nikon Coolpix. It would not power up and upon inspection I found there was no battery. Sadly I could take no pictures of the dive as a result. My own Nikon Coolpix has visible corrosion bubbling up under its top coat and also has demonstrated a lack of water-proofing at this point in its "advanced life." So it never left the house. My phone, wrapped in its Otterbox, would have to do for above water photos.
The divers launched first and then the snorkelers. My dad and I buddied up and stayed near each other the whole time in the water without having to say much to each other. It was great to watch the divers below us. I saw an enormous light green moray eel, just enormous. And of course many fish including yellowtail snappers. I also spotted some grouper and several beautiful parrotfish. Electric blues, yellows, and magentas were easily seen in the clear water. The reef was about 25 feet below us. I found the trail of bubbles from the divers below us interesting. Okay, I found the whole thing interesting.
We climbed up the right side ladder as the divers assembled to climb up the left. We returned to our previous seats as instructed for the mile or so trip to the next reef, Davey Crockett. My husband was looking a lot better, more relaxed and he actually smiled a bit as we rode to the next drop.
Here the water was deeper, more like 35 feet and while we could see the reef we felt a bit more removed from the action. This time my dad and I made a conscious effort to circle the whole area around the boat. There were less fish swimming near us and whole large schools visible below us hugging the bottom.
When James came up he declared that he felt better and more relaxed for the second dive and so saw more fish himself. My dad was a little disappointed that he could not get down to the reef level. We both talked about getting PADI certified as a "next step." He did declare that he could cross one thing off his bucket list. That made me happy.
We rode back to the marina happy and content. I think my dad may have been a bit cold but he shared a snack I brought with me and wrapped up in a towel.
It was all good. All so good.
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