It’s all smiles at Punta Gruesa, we have the long awaited blue skies and warm breeze!
With the Advanced Open Water Training out of the way the “spot dives” have begun to hone our skills at coral and fish identification and sizing. The colours of the fish and the shapes of the coral are wonderful to observe. The divers had many thrilling sightings: a seahorse, flying fish, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, a big southern stingray, moray eels and from a safety stop a shark sighting - questioned by a few who did not see it but not in question by those who did! May none of us ever become blasé about what we are seeing! The multitude of electric Blue Chromis’ are no less fantastic just because we see them so much. The coral folk are studying hard and will add coral diseases next week. The fish folk added juvenile versions of the adult, often completely different in colour, plus more adult species.
The Emergency First Response Course is almost complete, “My name is ‘your name’” can be heard echoing around base. We’ve finished the skill practice sessions and are nervously awaiting the scenarios which the instructors have promised to spring on us when we least expect it…It is pitch black night when we get up in time for 5.45am chores but soon the sun rises over the horizon straight out from base. 6.30 is breakfast and briefings and the day is in full swing by 7am with the first wave of divers already leaving in the two boats by 7.45am.
The days off were enjoyed with visits to Mahahual, snorkelling from Punta Gruesa’s beach, naps, making pizza and some fine seaside lounging.
The wild wind is an almost constant feature, blowing the palms, drying the laundry, keeping the mosquitoes feasting instead of gorging and occasionally keeping us from diving, but we will dive mañana.
This is a great group, most are here for the 6 month divemaster program. About a quarter are here for the 10 weeks, though some may change their mind and want to stay if things keep going as they are!
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