Double Hose on ESPN ??

[ScubaLady]

Just a quick update from Key Largo. The primary purpose of this trip was to hold signage for a SCUBA buddy of mine who does independent camera work for all of the major sporting networks. He is covering the NASCAR race in Homestead this weekend and he had the job of filming the signage for spots, highlights, the countdown, etc. It was all shot underwater at Key Largo. We did the dives with the signage and i was able to do one of the dives in my AquaLung double hose (with black hoses). While I have no idea what will hit the cutting room floor and what might be aired, there is a very slight possibility that one of the shots with the double hose might survive and be aired. Personally, I think the shot where the huge grouper looked like he was reading the sign should make it. We had another one where a moray eel acted like he was going to eat the sign, however, we think we needed him about eight inches closer to make it worthy of keeping. All in all, it was an awesome experience.

In other ScubaLady diving news, we did five dives and saw five manatees, dolphins, an eagle ray, a nurse shark let me, darn near, pet her, huge groupers and a logger head turtle. The most exciting was the night dive. The captain suggested we turn off our lights and let our eyes adjust to the moonlight as it was strong. I took his advice, and doused my light for at least 50% of my dive. It was awesome. I ended up diving the Benwood for nearly thirty minutes with nothing but moonlight. Way cool. Even better was when I spotted a lion fish, using only the moonlight. Just when I think diving can't get any better...it does!

[Herman]

Sounds like you are having fun. One of my favorite dives on Bonaire is a night dive with no lights. It's amazing what you can see and if the bioluminescent critters are in abundance, it's like diving with fairy dust.

Who is the dive op you are using and what is the DH configuration? BC? Octo? Just curious how the dive op is taking the DH reg and what they are requiring.

[JES]

Thank you for the great trip update!

Please keep them coming for us to enjoy.

[ScubaLady]

Second day from Key Largo, did classroom this morning as I am squeezing in my Boat, Deep and Wreck certifications while I am here. We dove the Spiegel Grove this afternoon. The dive op is Quiescence. Great crew. Especially Don (who has over 7,000 dives), Tim with 6,511 dives and Chelyn with over 3,500 dives.

For my classes, they want me to use my modern gear, but they have no problems with my double hoses for "my dives." Today was all coursework diving, so I was gear-blue (missing my double hose). The Grove was awesome. Saw a Goliath grouper.

The video went to the editors today and they were asked by my buddy to get at least one in with the double hose. Here's hoping. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough vintage gear to make this a true vintage thing of beauty...but he may get this gig again next year and I am already plugging to hold signs in 100% vintage.

Because color was needed, I am decked out in my coordinated modern gear of black and hot pink; with exception of my double hose. Looks like the primary airing of the spots will be around the countdown show and the race..aired on ABC (I believe) and ESPN.

I have been talking up vintage diving and double hoses with anyone who will listen. They look at me a little funny, but let me dive it. One gentleman today was diving an OMS bladder, so they seem pretty open to what folks want to dive. I was using a modern BCD.

I was diving the DA Double hose that I got from Bryan with a Phoenix (engraved with the 328th #11). I did have my Octo on...but, I did make three dives without a SPG, because one of their crew switched my inflator hose, octo, and dive computer from the DH to the modern while I was doing paperwork...resulting in my HP adapter getting left in the shop. So, I just used my watch and tucked in close to my buddy at the 45 minute mark. Not sure that every crew member would have let that pass, but I have a way of sweet talking my way thru things...LOL. They did tell me that you cannot do the deep dives without a dive computer.

Tomorrow morning is back to coursework diving, then an afternoon with the double hoses. However, I will refrain from letting anyone touch my gear but me.

Thanks for your interest in the trip updates. I appreciate the encouragement.

Tomorrow we are hunting lion fish!!

[Herman]

"Tomorrow morning is back to coursework diving, then an afternoon with the double hoses. However, I will refrain from letting anyone touch my gear but me."

There is a lesson well learned. It never fails to amaze me when "divers" simply stand back, allow a total stranger to set up their gear and then jump in without so much as a quick inspection. My gear is hands off thank you very much.

My Phoenix has been on the Grove several times, including one dip to the bottom at 130 ft. Nice to hear the dive op is being receptive, the more they see us the easier diving vintage will be.

[Ron]

I agree Herman. It's the equivalent of letting someone else clean and assemble your rifle, then going on a patrol with it. That's also why I VIP my tanks, and rebuild my valves, regulators, and other ancillary gear. Only you, Bryan, Roger, and a few others get to touch my dive gear.