No blog done last night ‘cos it was a very long day that was absolutely jam-packed!

The day started with me having to do some homework for my nitrox course. Once done, we headed to reception to prepare for the day’s diving and for Karen, a planned snorkel with an instructor.

It was a good half mile’s walk to the boat and the group we were with left us behind. Thankfully the instructor spotted our pace and held back.

Karen was nervous about being on a boat but she was fine with the swaying action and was not at all sick.

What she wasn’t ok with was the cold. Now, it wasn’t cold and we both got a nice suntan but the winds were howling which made it feel cool. Karen really felt it. She had to wrap a towel round her at times to stop the wind winning.

We stopped at a dive site called “The Gardens”. Beautiful spot. About 2 miles up wind was a sand dune and when the wind was calm, it looked great. But it gave us a cracking bit of notice that stormy winds were on the way because it would turn from a beautiful sand dune perching out of the crystal blue sea into a sandstorm heading our way – and then you couldn’t see the dune at all, just a wall of sand that hit us moments later. As soon as it started, it would subside. Apparently February is known for this weather. They say it is the cold (24′C) of Winter blowing itself out.

The boat was very busy. And the downside of this is that Karen felt too self-conscious to go snorkelling with her instructor

I had 2 great dives but found it hard to concentrate on the diving always thinking about how Karen would struggle up and down the step ladder between decks. She was ok and should pat herself on the back for doing so well on the boat!

I took my underwater camera on the second dive so hopefully will have some good photos to share on our return.

One funny moment which Karen was in stitches about on my return from the first dive. She had gone to the loo and couldn’t work out how to get out! (interesting how a year ago, she wouldn’t have been laughing about it, but crying). So , she’s stuck in the loo and can’t get out. She tried shouting but noone could hear her. The loo had a porthole at about 6ft up. All she could do was stick her hand out of the porthole and wave. Her wave for help worked and someone opened it from the other side. I was pleased she saw the funny side.

With the dives over, we returned to the hotel and I went to do an exam and watch a nitrox video. Once done, I had to do some homework for the Deep Dive course the following day. Quick Shower and we then went to a presentation by the sharkproject.org. We both found it fascinating. Sharks are NOT as aggressive as we are led to believe. More people die per year from bee stings than shark attack !!!

I was dead on my feet after this and we finished the night off at Pizza Hut!

Today I am doing 2 dives and Karen is staying on her own. Yikes!

We have done a few dummy runs for her so she should be able to find the beach. Here’s hoping! I will worry for sure, but she is so adamant that she us happy to have some time to herself.

Ok, got to go….

Picture attached of Karen on the boat