I've been real busy lately, but still haven't forgot to let others know
what diving in 'paradise' is like.

This past Sunday, we dove the Oregon again. Being a very large ship,
there is always discovery of something new that you haven't seen before.
The morning started (5am)out to be one of 'doubt' as to whether we would
go diving or not. With small craft warnings, and seas running 4-6' on 4
second intervals, the trip looked extremely in doubt. We all waited to
hear from the captain if we were going out or going for breakfast at the
diner. No one loaded gear on the boat. Nothing like taking it on, then
taking it off again. Or worse, like last week, go for a boat ride to
find out that the ocean was too rough. Of course, the gear got all wet,
which meant washing it again AND lugging the stuff off the boat.
But, Capt. Wes Carmen said let's go (hoping he made the right choice).
As we approached the inlet to the ocean, we all looked out see if there
were breakers. None were spotted. And once out in the ocean, it really
wasn't that bad (being on a 60' aluminum dive boat CG rated for over 70
people helps).
After a 2+ hour trip (I napped of course), we arrived at the wreck. It
was slightly overcast with a nice breeze. The ocean was a little rough,
but nothing determind divers and crew couldn't handle.  Water temp on
the surface was near a boiling 70 degrees. Makes me want to have on wet
suit instead of a dry suit. But once through the thermo, the temp
dropped to a comfortable 47 degrees. Vis was, for us here in NY, a good
25'. We were tied in again at the engine of the wreck. It is a truly
massive structure reaching to within 80' of the surface (the bottom for
me on this dive was 122'). You can swim through the pistons, which are
covered with anemone and other marine growth. Fish congregate around it
in the hundreds. Cod, black fish, sea bass, ling cod, sea pouts, and
many others make this wreck their home. And, of course lobster (with
claws). Scallops were collected by the bag full off out in the sand.
Another great dive on this splendid wreck.
We BBQ'ed during the SI, and then off for another dive. The second was
like the first except it was totally overcast, making this dive almost
like doing a night dive.
Both of my dives were about 50 minutes including decompression. While
doing the deco hang, you can look at the the little jellies and other
marine "stuff" floating by. The little jellies with the constant
changing of the colors can hold my attention and help make the deco time
go by 'faster'.
Back on the surface, time for the BBQ as we head back home. Polish
sausage, marinated pork loin, burgers, dogs, chips, "adult" beverages
and good talk of the dive (while Glenn and Phil shuck scallops) make the
2+ hour trip home fun. Oh, and yes, I did take another nap.

Just another day of diving in NY/LI paradise.