Dive #203 - Rich Torkington's Dive Log
© Copyright 2010 Rich Torkington Mesa, Arizona

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Bottom Time to Date:

176h
45m


Dive Info:

Dive Start:
11:45AM

Bottom Time:
45 minutes

Maximum Depth:
49 feet

Safety Stop:
3 minutes

Beginning Air:
3000 psi

Ending Air:
1000 psi

Weather Conditions:
Clear 75°F

Surface Conditions:
Calm

Surface Water Temperature:
75°F

Bottom Water Temperature:
75°F

Visibility:
100+ feet
203
TITLE
* * *½
March 13,
2005
THE PLAZA
ANDROS ISLAND, BAHAMAS
BOAT DIVE
VIDEO
Linda, Janel, Shannon
Small Hope Bay Lodge
Andros Island, Bahamas
http://www.smallhope.com/
Photo
A big Nassau grouper at a cleaning station.
Videograph by Rich Torkington in Bahamas 2005 
Dive Journal: Johnny decides to sit out the next dive – he’s feeling too cold to contemplate jumping back in the water. The boat cruises just a short distance toward shore and re-anchors at a site called The Plaza.

Linda, Janel and I switch back to air for this shallower dive. We find the Plaza to be a big patchy “swim around” dive in 40’ flats. To me, the reef is a lot prettier here than at the Catacombs. We spot a very large Nassau grouper getting cleaned and lots of vibrant coral settings.

Linda and Janel get cold after about 20 minutes and signal that they’re surfacing when we swim beneath the boat. I head north and explore an interesting zone of sand patches and crevices. There are lots of hamlets (barred and indigo), blue tangs, doctorfish, schoolmasters, and yellow goatfish.

I’m definitely hypothermic when I get back onboard, with numb fingers and uncontrolled shakes. We Arizonans are just wimps about the cold. I’m perfectly fine in about 15 minutes, though.

Buffet lunch is waiting for us when we get back, served outside at the bar/patio. How idyllic to sit and fill up on great eats while gazing out at the sea under the trees. We decide to nap this afternoon instead of dive. I’m especially happy with this plan because I’m continuing to cling to my worldly stresses, although they’re starting to fade.

Just before dinner, we each grab a lodge bicycle and head out the driveway. The bikes are big heavy beach cruisers with fat tires, what else! We head up the road away from Fresh Creek and ride three or four miles. I’m scouting for birds, but don’t really see any. We come across a few shops, a gas station, and the “Taste and See” restaurant that looks plenty local and very promising.

Johnny and I decide to race on the return trip, and we’re soon pedaling like mad doing over 20 mph. Just as I am catching up with him the chain slips off my drive gear, and the pedals slam nicely into the back of my ankle. I then have to tap my shoes into the pavement flying by in order to brake, which takes a long distance. Nice bruise and some small cuts – guess I’ll live.

At dinner, we continue to meet other guests, including a really nice family from Austin, TX. Their son Patrick is 14, an avid diver, and quite conversant with all the adults – we take an immediate liking to him.

More
Dive
Info:
Fins:
Mares Avanti Quattro
Computer:
Oceanic Véo 200
Tank:
80 ft3 Al
BCD:
SeaQuest Spectrum 4
Breathing Gas:
Air
Body of Water:
Caribbean Sea
Mask:
U S Divers
Protection:
3mm full wetsuit
Regulator:
SeaQuest
Spectrum XR2
plus Oceanic
Slimline octopus
Weight:
10 lb
Water Type:
Salt
Video Equipment:
Sony DCR-TRV11 digital handycam in Top Dawg housing