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 Where did we leave the kitchen sink? |
Day 6
by Simon North-Keeling
I really enjoyed today. After the highs and lows of the previous few days, everything seemed to settle into place for Al, Mike and I, who had completed our IANTD Technical Nitrox course. Our dive on the Brummer was perfect in the plan and the execution... ish.
Al began the dive well by leading from behind, as he managed to get swept off the top of the shot, leaving Mike and I blinking at each other at about 12m. Alex had already zoomed off into the blue below us, leaving a jacuzzi trail.
It was murky down at the sea bed (34m), but that did not deter the intrepid three from shining their torches threateningly at the dark and foreboding swim-throughs. Mike decided to go on his own dive at one point, assuming Al and I were following. We waited, and he returned, fortunately. We saw Alex disappearing into a narrow squeeze in the wreck, which prompted Al to have kittens later. More on that... later.
Our runtime was set to 25mins. We convened on the top of the wreck and Al managed to set a new precedent of bagging off while trying to clip one's second stage (on long hose) to one's blob. I managed to avert the near-Polaris and Al got his blob up safely. The ensuing boring hangs were only just alleviated by the others trying to guess what I was attempting to sing through my reg and Al and I laughing at Mike who was attempting to chew his wine gum through his reg. We also had fun with the sign for 2min stop, but that was childish and unlike us so I won't mention it.
On the surface, Al had kittens. We were all safely up bar Alex. There was no blob in sight. Nothing. Nada. Nichts. Only a few buoys and choppy surface. Not good. A deep sense of dread enveloped the boat until someone piped up that "the *******'s on the ****ing shotline!" The milk of human kindness evidently ran in abundance on the MV Karin this week. Alex definitely copped some flak for that one, but he's still grinning and high on herbal tea, so no damage done there.
The Tabarka was my favourite dive. I took Jeni's camera in for a dip (ta luv) on this, as I hadn't got anything to take back with me. Al and I were in straight away, which is more than I can say for my last attempt on this very wreck (Jeni and I decided to dive the Doyle instead).
Inside, the wreck was incredibly opened up. The boilers in the cathedral-like engine room were very impressive. The small shoals of fish, the green light coming through the holes above and to the side were awe-inspiring. Most of all, Al and I enjoyed 15m viz and no current. This is what diving is all about.
All in all, speaking on behalf of the group, we've enjoyed the week immensely and have all learned something. I shall definitely return. I just hope that the good conditions will still be here (or even improved) for the next time. Keith S. however needs to sort out his direct line with God (Met. Division).