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Scuba Forum / General / August 2005Opinions wanted...
...<head down> I won't bore you with the finer details (if you want those go to http://www.mostly-diving.co.uk)... Circa 130 dives 40/60 Fresh/Sea (Of sea dives 50/50 coast or boat) Current dive cert - PADI DM Dive locales, UK, Med, Red Sea My current plan: AI and PADI Open Water Instructor before the calendar end of this year. Given the experience talked/typed/discussed on rec.scuba (no sarcasm intended) I'd like to ask: Is it worth completing one or a couple of training courses when...? I have been looking at diving in the Florida Keys (if I can bloody well afford it!) and gaining further skills (via courses or experience), I mentioned this to one of my LDS's and was very quickly told that I would be taught to pass the course but not taught to dive accordingly; obviously not what I would be paying for. Should I just plan on diving and gain the experience via second-hand knowledge or put up and shut up? Qualifier... I cannot check out the shops/schools (regardless of agency) personally because every yank ;-) I've talked to on the phone or via e- mail is trained to be nice to me and always 'sounds' sincere. I think my grammar has just gone out of the window; hopefully it's not my spelling as well because my Grandma maybe on the concrete outside.  SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. > ...<head down> Keep your head up, always. No need to be humble here. Find people who do the dives, and choose a mentor. The first quality you need is the one who doesnt brag about records or deep. Someone who is perfectly happy to do 30 feet or 300. > Keep your head up, always. No need to be humble here. > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Someone who is perfectly happy to do 30 feet or 300. Jim Wyatt's not teaching in the Keys any more. Lee > Jim Wyatt's not teaching in the Keys any more. He still wouldn't be a bad choice for a FL vacation - you probably get more real and useful skills out of a Cavern and Intro to Cave class than anything else you can take, and you get to see some very pretty stuff while doing it. >>Jim Wyatt's not teaching in the Keys any more. > > He still wouldn't be a bad choice for a FL vacation - you probably get > more real and useful skills out of a Cavern and Intro to Cave class than > anything else you can take, and you get to see some very pretty stuff > while doing it. Al is right (as always). Instructor courses teach you how to teach, not how to dive. A cave, cavern, or other advanced specialty course will advance yer diving skills. >>>Jim Wyatt's not teaching in the Keys any more. >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >teach, not how to dive. A cave, cavern, or other advanced >specialty course will advance yer diving skills. Even the Intro to Cavern course with a good instructor can be an eye opener. I suggested to him by email that if he ever made it to Florida and was very lucky he might get a chance to hook up with you, Lee and Al. Just following you guys around underwater is a learning experience and the dryland part is always entertaining. What is it, over 100 years of diving amongst you? I forgot to warn him about your 300 hp roller skate. JF "What embitters the world is not excess of criticism, but an absence of self-criticism." - G.K.Chesterton > I suggested to him by email that if he ever made it to Florida and was > very lucky he might get a chance to hook up with you, Lee and Al. Just > following you guys around underwater is a learning experience and the > dryland part is always entertaining. What is it, over 100 years of > diving amongst you? I forgot to warn him about your 300 hp roller > skate. I've been diving for 35 years. Al and Mike have more advanced skills than I do, but I don't think they've been diving as long, so it's probably a bit under 100 years. Mike's 300 hp roller-skate still gets driven fairly often. Mine spends most of its time appreciating in the driveway. Both of us use other vehicles to get to and from our dives. Lee > > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Lee Yeah, Lee's been diving the longest, Al has the superior skills and best training. I just have the best looks and fastest car. >> >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >Yeah, Lee's been diving the longest, Al has the superior skills >and best training. I just have the best looks and fastest car. And you also have better self restraint. You only leaned over to get a better look at the bosom pen.The way his tongue was hanging out I thought sure Al was about to do a cleavage dive. In his defence though, all the talk during the SI about porno charters probably had him feeling a bit emotional. That was Salty's fault. JF > Yeah, Lee's been diving the longest, Al has the superior skills and best > training. I just have the best looks and fastest car. I concede the looks part. It's been a long time since I even considered myself conpetitive in that department. We're going to have to define fast. If you mean around corners, I give up. If you mean top end, my Z is good for a bit over 160. Lee > > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Lee Actually, yer looking pretty svelte after getting rid of the excess pounds. Don't know what the top end is on the RX. It was supposed to be 156, stock. My mods have increased HP about 30%, should take it to 165 or so. It cruises nicely at 145, but I've never had it flat out. High speed scares me. The one place you can definately take me is 0-30, you've got gobs more torque. Once I get both turbos spooled up though, you ain't got a chance. >> >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >gobs more torque. Once I get both turbos spooled up though, you >ain't got a chance. I'll vouch for that. That thing delivers some serious facsimile for torque when everything starts spinning right. JF "What embitters the world is not excess of criticism, but an absence of self-criticism." - G.K.Chesterton > Don't know what the top end is on the RX. It was supposed to be 156, > stock. My mods have increased HP about 30%, should take it to 165 or so. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > The one place you can definately take me is 0-30, you've got gobs more > torque. Once I get both turbos spooled up though, you ain't got a chance. I'm adding nitrous tomorrow. > > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > I'm adding nitrous tomorrow. Don't forget the green sticker. >>>Don't know what the top end is on the RX. It was supposed to be 156, >>>stock. My mods have increased HP about 30%, should take it to 165 or so. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Don't forget the green sticker. 10-4 Good buddy. Lee > >>>Don't know what the top end is on the RX. It was supposed to be 156, > >>>stock. My mods have increased HP about 30%, should take it to 165 or so. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > 10-4 Good buddy. There is a reason why they make "nitrous pistons" as well... > > >>>Don't know what the top end is on the RX. It was supposed to be 156, > > >>>stock. My mods have increased HP about 30%, should take it to 165 or [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > There is a reason why they make "nitrous pistons" as well... Is your fuel line O2 rated? >> > >> I'm adding nitrous tomorrow. >> > > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> >> There is a reason why they make "nitrous pistons" as well... and valves > Is your fuel line O2 rated? No need, I'll use a continuous blending system. Lee > Circa 130 dives > My current plan: AI and PADI Open Water Instructor before the calendar > end of this year. > I have been looking at diving in the Florida Keys (if I can bloody well > afford it!) and gaining further skills (via courses or experience), I > mentioned this to one of my LDS's and was very quickly told that I would > be taught to pass the course but not taught to dive accordingly; > obviously not what I would be paying for. Should I just plan on diving > and gain the experience via second-hand knowledge or put up and shut up? Dive and gain experience. If you want to teach, shouldn't you be going the BSAC route where you're from? "Greg Mossman" <mossman@qnet.com> wrote in news:11edqqhsl3fpdc5 @corp.supernews.com: > If you want to teach, shouldn't you be going the BSAC route where you're > from? Agencies are becoming irrelevant as the each organisation appears to be learning from each other and the courses are (gradually) changing to suit. Agency bashing still happens but is not as common as it used to be. If you're saying that I'd gain more experience via a club then I accept that, but my local LDS (not the one mentioned in my OP) and PADI school has me working most weekends, then Monday and Tuesday nights on a variety of courses so the experience is coming thick and fast. They're also very good on the social side and are the closest thing to a BSAC that I've seen in this country whilst teaching PADI branded courses. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. > They're also very good > on the social side and are the closest thing to a BSAC that I've seen in > this country whilst teaching PADI branded courses. Ah, so you're just in it for the brand. I agree that PADI is a sexier name, much easier to pronounce than BSAC which sounds like something derogatory. (Get a load of that BSAC over there, he must be an American; I just took a big BSAC in your loo, hope you don't mind; Life is like a bowl of BSAC and vegemite, with jellied eels on top) >> They're also very good >> on the social side and are the closest thing to a BSAC that I've seen [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > American; I just took a big BSAC in your loo, hope you don't mind; > Life is like a bowl of BSAC and vegemite, with jellied eels on top) Christ, I nearly spat my beer everywhere reading that :-) No, I took the holiday route when I started and PADI got me in the water quicker. Family and friends who started diving around the same time as me went down the BSAC route... once I got past rescue diver they forgave me for my choice. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. > Christ, I nearly spat my beer everywhere reading that :-) Then I'll try harder next time. It's only a success when it shoots out your nostrils. > No, I took the holiday route when I started and PADI got me in the water > quicker. Family and friends who started diving around the same time as > me went down the BSAC route... once I got past rescue diver they forgave > me for my choice. It's not only your family and friends that you have to impress, it's yourself and us. You might be able to fool yourself, but frankly we aren't too impressed by a PADI Rescue Diver and would rather you take up with BSAC. You could try GUE too, but then you're not allowed to drink beer. > It's not only your family and friends that you have to impress, it's > yourself and us. You might be able to fool yourself, but frankly we > aren't too impressed by a PADI Rescue Diver and would rather you take > up with BSAC. You could try GUE too, but then you're not allowed to > drink beer. I'm not in this sport to impress anybody else, it's also not why I started. and certainly not why I'm continuing. You may want to read my OP before thinking I'm trying to impress anybody with my rescue diver status as well, mentioning rescue diver was an off- the-cuff comment. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> It's not only your family and friends that you have to impress, it's >> yourself and us. You might be able to fool yourself, but frankly we [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > started. > and certainly not why I'm continuing. Oh, so you're in it to meet guys? > You may want to read my OP before thinking I'm trying to impress anybody > with my rescue diver status as well, mentioning rescue diver was an off- > the-cuff comment. If that's an off-the-cuff comment, what do you consider an off-the-pants comment? Purely for research purposes, of course. No hidden agenda. > Oh, so you're in it to meet guys? And girls, but yes... it's a social sport out of the water. >> You may want to read my OP before thinking I'm trying to impress anybody >> with my rescue diver status as well, mentioning rescue diver was an off- >> the-cuff comment. > > If that's an off-the-cuff comment, what do you consider an off-the-pants > comment? Purely for research purposes, of course. No hidden agenda. I wouldn't know about an off-the-pants comment, is that a local dialect thing? SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> Oh, so you're in it to meet guys? > > And girls, but yes... it's a social sport out of the water. Girls too? I like that. > I wouldn't know about an off-the-pants comment, is that a local dialect > thing? Uh, yeah. Sort of a cock-ney thing. > "Stef" <scuba@mostly-diving.REMOVE.co.uk> wrote > >> I wouldn't know about an off-the-pants comment, is that a local dialect >> thing? > > Uh, yeah. Sort of a cock-ney thing. I always thought I was a cock-knee until I realized it was about where you're from. LD. > And girls, but yes... it's a social sport out of the water. It's a social sport in the water too. There are few things more satisfying that finding something really unique and showing it to somebody who appreciates it as much as you do. Lee > > And girls, but yes... it's a social sport out of the water. > > It's a social sport in the water too. There are few things more satisfying > that finding something really unique and showing it to somebody who > appreciates it as much as you do. What? That "cock-ney" thing? > You may want to read my OP before thinking I'm trying to impress anybody > with my rescue diver status as well, mentioning rescue diver was an off- > the-cuff comment. Relax, Greg was just having some fun at your expense. There is, however, some truth to what he says. Given the range of experience and knowledge represented in this group, we're not real impressed with how many dives somebody has done, how many cards they have, or which cards they are most proud of. We do, however, listen closely for signs that you know what you're talking about and look even closer if/when you get a chance to dive with us. So far, you're doing fine. If you happen to make it to south Florida, by all means, let Mike and/or me know. Mike's time is pretty much his own to schedule. I still work, for now, but can usually arrange my schedule to suit what I want to do. Then again, if I'd thought about it in advance, I'd be drinking on the boat after a long day catching lobster and getting ready to do it again tomorrow. My local dive buddy is doing just that on his boat. Lee > Relax, Greg was just having some fun at your expense. There is, > however, some truth to what he says. Given the range of experience [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Lee I was relaxed, I tried to write a reply three times before posting that one. Even after lurking here for over 3 years there are times when I can't gauge a sense of humour from abuse, most of the time it's the same thing as far as I can tell. And having taken the giant stride into the murkier side of Usenet :-) I don't want to get sent back to the boat just yet. Hang on I'll start again... I've been diving for around three years with a variety of people (in case you care, a more detailed profile is at www.mostly-diving.co.uk) and am thinking of going over to the Florida Keys, I want to extend my experience but don't know whether to commit to paying for training or just dive, enjoy it and learn from those around me... what do you think? SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >>Relax, Greg was just having some fun at your expense. There is, >>however, some truth to what he says. Given the range of experience [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > experience but don't know whether to commit to paying for training or > just dive, enjoy it and learn from those around me... what do you think? I would go to Scapa... >:-) SignatureMichael Wolf ----- Cthulhu For President. Why settle for the lesser evil? remove stopspam to reply > I was relaxed, I tried to write a reply three times before posting that > one. Even after lurking here for over 3 years there are times when I > can't gauge a sense of humour from abuse, most of the time it's the same > thing as far as I can tell. And having taken the giant stride into the > murkier side of Usenet :-) I don't want to get sent back to the boat just > yet. You're probably too smart for us. > Hang on I'll start again... > I've been diving for around three years with a variety of people (in case > you care, a more detailed profile is at www.mostly-diving.co.uk) and am > thinking of going over to the Florida Keys, I want to extend my > experience but don't know whether to commit to paying for training or > just dive, enjoy it and learn from those around me... what do you think? I think you should give it a try. Actually, I'm recommended against what you suggest in the past. The Keys are great for somebody that's trying to save travel dollars. If you are going to be in the States anyway, it's worth a trip to the Keys. They are about as good as it gets for a US location you can drive to. In my personal opinion, though, they are not the best if travel dollars are not an issue. There are places all over the Caribbean that I think offer better diving and, personally, if I were going to pay to cross the Atlantic to dive, I'd pay a few dollars more to get to the better places. I've not been to Cozumel since they expanded their cruise ship facilities, but last time I was there, I enjoyed the diving as much as any diving I've done anywhere. All three of the Cayman Islands are very nice. Unlike most people I know, I prefer Grand Cayman. There's no shortage of good wall dives, there is plenty of after dive stuff to do, and the shore and night diving is some of the easiest and best I know of. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are much less developed, but also more pristine. I won't even try to pick between the Bahamas Islands. Many of them have world class diving and each of them is a little bit different. I try to avoid New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama Island (Freeport), but thoroughly enjoy diving pretty much anyplace else. Lee > You're probably too smart for us. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... now that's sarcasm, right? It's just the differences in sense of humour, I didn't know if Gregg was being serious or not at first and had maybe mis-read my OP. My first response was humour but before I hit send I realised how my reply could have been taken out of context... ...anyway this is way too serious. 2 Parrots sitting on a perch, one turns to the other and says... ...can you smell fish? SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> You're probably too smart for us. > > Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... now that's sarcasm, right? No, but it was meant to be humorous. Your period of lurking and cautious entry into dangerous waters is a lot safer and smarter than the way most of us got here. Lee > ...<head down> > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > My current plan: AI and PADI Open Water Instructor before the calendar > end of this year. Why? Are you planning to make this a career or a money earning hobby? > Given the experience talked/typed/discussed on rec.scuba (no sarcasm > intended) I'd like to ask: > > Is it worth completing one or a couple of training courses when...? Assuming the answer to the above is "yes," then where do you plan to teach? Diving in Florida is a great experience, but unless you're planning to hook up with a "known great" course director, then I'd think it would be better to do your instructor training in a less friendly environment, especiallly if you intend to teach in the UK. > € ...<head down> > € [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Why? Are you planning to make this a career or a money earning hobby? OP not too clear... I'll be doing the AI, IDC and IE in the UK, not sure about the short-term goals other than to keep racking up the experience and enjoy passing on the knowledge. > Assuming the answer to the above is "yes," then where do you plan to > teach? Diving in Florida is a great experience, but unless you're > planning to hook up with a "known great" course director, then I'd > think it would be better to do your instructor training in a less > friendly environment, especiallly if you intend to teach in the UK. My long-term aim is to earn enough now (obviously not in the dive industry) to support myself later on in life to allow me to take time out and teach without having to worry about the lack of finances. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. > I have been looking at diving in the Florida Keys (if I can bloody well > afford it!) and gaining further skills (via courses or experience), I > mentioned this to one of my LDS's and was very quickly told that I would > be taught to pass the course but not taught to dive accordingly; > obviously not what I would be paying for. Should I just plan on diving > and gain the experience via second-hand knowledge or put up and shut up? I think I'd find another LDS. That sounds like a very self serving answer. Maybe not, but that's the way it sounds. Whether you should take a course or not all depends on what you want to learn. Unless you have something specific, I think I'd say no. If you do, well, then yes. I would not expect you to be disappointed with the quality of the education available in the Keys, but I also doubt you'll learn a lot that applies to UK diving. We dive relatively shallow, in relatively clear and warm water. You guys don't, at least that's what I understand. > Qualifier... I cannot check out the shops/schools (regardless of agency) > personally because every yank ;-) I've talked to on the phone or via e- > mail is trained to be nice to me and always 'sounds' sincere. OK, I promise not to be nice to you or sound sincere. 8^) It's a shame that pretty much all of the operations I could recommend from experience, are no longer in business in the Keys. Jim Wyatt, a member of this group is now in the central state diving in caves. Gloria, who once owned Lady Cyana Divers, is now a part owner and operator of a restaurant. Banny Thorn, who was highly recommended by those that did dive with him, is off driving a limosine or something. Whatever he's doing, it's not running a dive boat. That leaves the shops/operators I've heard, or know good things about: 1. Quiesence Divers in Key Largo runs small boats and is consistently complemented on the quality of their operation. 2. Conch Republic Divers in Islamorada who are nice people and often recommended by others. 3. Rachael who is a nice, and sexy, lady who just started an operation somewhere in the Keys . . . whose card I got this weekend and have lost already. Shoot me a message when you think you're coming and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to break free and do a dive or so with you. I don't discriminate, even against British, PADI DMs. Lee > I think I'd find another LDS. That sounds like a very self serving > answer. Maybe not, but that's the way it sounds. They can be like that, but the whole industry is pretty mercenary. > Whether you should take a course or not all depends on what you want > to learn. Unless you have something specific, I think I'd say no. If [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > relatively shallow, in relatively clear and warm water. You guys > don't, at least that's what I understand. I have dived in clear shallow water in the UK... hang on that'll be the swimming pool. No, you are right clear waters are a rarity... Warm? That's when the water temp gets above 11 degrees (52 fahrenheit) isn't it? I'd like to do some of the eco courses that have been springing up and TBH I want to see the critters not have to imagine them or go dive in a fish tank to claim a shark awareness ticket. >> Qualifier... I cannot check out the shops/schools (regardless of >> agency) personally because every yank ;-) I've talked to on the phone >> or via e- mail is trained to be nice to me and always 'sounds' >> sincere. > > OK, I promise not to be nice to you or sound sincere. 8^) LOL (quick check my message header it's NOT webtv!), actually I'll organise a new PADI specialty when I come over... how to sell to Brits with the recommended skill - queuing for beginners. > Shoot me a message when you think you're coming and maybe, just maybe, > I'll be able to break free and do a dive or so with you. I don't > discriminate, even against British, PADI DMs. > > Lee Thanks for that, I will. It's not likely to be until next year but when you're planning on travelling half-way round the world it's best to start planning sooner rather than later. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> Shoot me a message when you think you're coming and maybe, just maybe, >> I'll be able to break free and do a dive or so with you. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >you're planning on travelling half-way round the world it's best to start >planning sooner rather than later. Rent biiiiiig tanks. JF "What embitters the world is not excess of criticism, but an absence of self-criticism." - G.K.Chesterton >>Thanks for that, I will. It's not likely to be until next year but when >>you're planning on travelling half-way round the world it's best to start >>planning sooner rather than later. > > Rent biiiiiig tanks. Stop, John. You'll spoil all our fun. Lee >> I think I'd find another LDS. That sounds like a very self serving >> answer. Maybe not, but that's the way it sounds. [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] >you're planning on travelling half-way round the world it's best to start >planning sooner rather than later. Pound strong, dollar weak. Now is a good time. What's the current rate, something like $1.80 to the pound? It was $1.53 about a year ago. Signaturedillon Linux, it's not just an OS, it's a way of life. And a damn fine one, at that. > Thanks for that, I will. It's not likely to be until next year but when > you're planning on travelling half-way round the world it's best to start > planning sooner rather than later. I'll be here, or be dead. I've been in the area for 57 years. I'm not planning on moving soon. Lee > I'll be here, or be dead. I've been in the area for 57 years. I'm not > planning on moving soon. Damn, you been in Florida since you were a teenager? Curtis ""Magilla"" wrote >> I'll be here, or be dead. I've been in the area for 57 years. I'm not >> planning on moving soon. > > Damn, you been in Florida since you were a teenager? a.sholes, all my friends are a.sholes. Mike's the old guy. Lee >>> I'll be here, or be dead. I've been in the area for 57 years. I'm not >>> planning on moving soon. >> >> Damn, you been in Florida since you were a teenager? > > a.sholes, all my friends are a.sholes. Mike's the old guy. CTMRH Sorry, couldn't resist. Curtis > ""Magilla"" wrote > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > a.sholes, all my friends are a.sholes. Mike's the old guy. I'm your friend... One does what one does best. :-) >> a.sholes, all my friends are a.sholes. Mike's the old guy. > > I'm your friend... > > One does what one does best. :-) No doubt about it. Lee >> I'll be here, or be dead. I've been in the area for 57 years. I'm not >> planning on moving soon. > > Damn, you been in Florida since you were a teenager? Classic! I love the laughs here, hate the mess it makes. LD. >> I have been looking at diving in the Florida Keys (if I can bloody well >> afford it!) and gaining further skills (via courses or experience), I [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] >somewhere in the Keys . . . whose card I got this weekend and have lost >already. Why did I know that I should scan that card into the computer when I got home. >Shoot me a message when you think you're coming and maybe, just maybe, I'll >be able to break free and do a dive or so with you. I don't discriminate, >even against British, PADI DMs. > >Lee Hell, I'll come down to dive with'em. But I gotta ask, what the hell are we gonna do with "two" of these Limey souls down there at the same time? There won't be a bar safe enough if both of'em get together. Rick Simms > Why did I know that I should scan that card into the computer when I > got home. After I got the scan from you and after I had mentioned putting the card where I could not lose it . . . or find it, I pulled my credit cards out to check to ensure I covered them all in my bill paying frienzie. Guess what was in the middle of them. For those that are interested, Here's Rachel's information. She's one of the most interesting ladies I've met while diving and a skilled diver as well: Wreckreation Charters Any Wreck, Any Reef, Any Depth P.O. Box 420572 Summerland Key, Florida 33042 (305) 515-2750 Rachel Chalmson rachel@wreckreationcharters.com > Hell, I'll come down to dive with'em. But I gotta ask, what the hell > are we gonna do with "two" of these Limey souls down there at the same > time? There won't be a bar safe enough if both of'em get together. No problem, mate. We simply make sure we get our drink first and, when the Brits drink the bar dry, we move on to the next one. There is no shortage of bars in the Keys. Lee >> Why did I know that I should scan that card into the computer when I >> got home. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >check to ensure I covered them all in my bill paying frienzie. Guess what >was in the middle of them. Ya never lose the important stuff. Just temporarily misplaced. >For those that are interested, Here's Rachel's information. She's one of >the most interesting ladies I've met while diving and a skilled diver as [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >Rachel Chalmson >rachel@wreckreationcharters.com I'll second that. Lovely, smart, great diver and can hold her own with Popeye and crew on Duval street. Jeeez, the woman should get a medal or something. Maybe a CID to start with. >> Hell, I'll come down to dive with'em. But I gotta ask, what the hell >> are we gonna do with "two" of these Limey souls down there at the same [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Brits drink the bar dry, we move on to the next one. There is no shortage >of bars in the Keys. Oh, this should be fun. Maybe we'll get another neighborhood award for the party. >Lee Rick Simms >>> Hell, I'll come down to dive with'em. But I gotta ask, what the hell >>> are we gonna do with "two" of these Limey souls down there at the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Oh, this should be fun. Maybe we'll get another neighborhood award for > the party. Not sure what a neighborhood award is (note: I can spell in American!) but I can guarantee I'll help you win it. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >>>> Hell, I'll come down to dive with'em. But I gotta ask, what the hell >>>> are we gonna do with "two" of these Limey souls down there at the [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >Not sure what a neighborhood award is (note: I can spell in American!) but >I can guarantee I'll help you win it. No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? Rick Simms > No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? It's not neccessarily my first choice but I do drink it. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? > It's not neccessarily my first choice but I do drink it. Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik Gold, the high octane beer from the Bahamas. All US beers are low test. Lee >>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Lee I can't promise a case but I'll bring some with me... nice beer, one of my favourites. I've never tried Kalik Gold but I can feel my taste buds tingling... SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik >> Gold, the high octane beer from the Bahamas. All US beers are low >> test. > I can't promise a case but I'll bring some with me... nice beer, one of my > favourites. I've never tried Kalik Gold but I can feel my taste buds > tingling... Limey Dave, our resident Brit, tells me there are specialty shops that sell it here in the States. Considering how much higher in alcohol content it is than our native brews, I'm surprised. Still, it's worth tracking down if it's here. Lee >>> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >>> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >Lee There's a specialty wine and beer store here in town that sells lots of imports. They're my source for Crown Lager, a great little Aussie beer, unlike Foster's piss water. Signaturedillon Linux, it's not just an OS, it's a way of life. And a damn fine one, at that. > There's a specialty wine and beer store here in town that sells lots > of imports. They're my source for Crown Lager, a great little Aussie > beer, unlike Foster's piss water. Foster's is kangaroo piss... Still, that's better than Clydesdale piss... >> There's a specialty wine and beer store here in town that sells lots >> of imports. They're my source for Crown Lager, a great little Aussie >> beer, unlike Foster's piss water. > >Foster's is kangaroo piss... Still, that's better than Clydesdale piss... I thought we were talking about beer. Not Saint Louie river water. Signaturedillon Linux, it's not just an OS, it's a way of life. And a damn fine one, at that. > I thought we were talking about beer. Not Saint Louie river water. Nawh, St. Louis river water probably has more flavor to it... All in all, Shiner is not too bad of a beer... Not a *great* beer, but it at least *approaches* being classified as *good*... Lone Star, of course, only has one thing going for it -- it's the NATIONAL BEER OF TEXAS... Probably best classified as longhorn piss though... Oh well, believe it or not, I actually miss it now since I've been stuck up here in Cedar Rapids... I should be back to Texas pretty soon though -- end of August at the most if I don't just get fed up with the lack of good BBQ around here and just say, "f.ck it", and move back before then... Hell, even Lake Travis is going to look like a *great* dive spot after what I've seen around here... Checked on a U-Haul trailer to move my stuff from my apartment up here back to my home in Houston... Turns out that they charge twice as much to move it from Cedar Rapids to Houston as they do from Houston to Cedar Rapids... Even checked what it would be out of Chicago instead and it was still the same... Asked them about it and they said that eveyone moves south, so they discount it on the way back up so that they don't have to ship them up here... Now I'm wishing that I hadn't moved so many things up here to be 'comfortable'... Oh well... >>I thought we were talking about beer. Not Saint Louie river water. > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > wishing that I hadn't moved so many things up here to be 'comfortable'... Oh > well... rent it in texas and do a round trip. Signature"Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions" G.K. Chesterton > rent it in texas and do a round trip. If I do that, it becomes a per-day type rental... Not bad, but the cost of the gas additional gas to go down there probably makes up for the money saved... It's around 1200 miles down there... I would need to drive down there, pick it up, and drive back, so 2400 miles... Assuming 12 mph while towing the trailer, we're now at 200 gallons of gas needed... Assuming $2 per gallon, we're now talking about $400 just in gas, not including the cost of renting the trailer for that many days... Nawh, the math just doesn't work out favorably... >>rent it in texas and do a round trip. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > of renting the trailer for that many days... Nawh, the math just doesn't > work out favorably... buy a used one locally and sell it when you get home? Signature"Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions" G.K. Chesterton >> I thought we were talking about beer. Not Saint Louie river water. > >Nawh, St. Louis river water probably has more flavor to it... > >All in all, Shiner is not too bad of a beer... Not a *great* beer, but it at >least *approaches* being classified as *good* I really like Shiner Bock, especially in the winter. I've grown rather fond of Coopers Ale when I can't get Crown Lager. >... Lone Star, of course, only >has one thing going for it -- it's the NATIONAL BEER OF TEXAS... Probably >best classified as longhorn piss though LOL, I'm an Aggie living in Austin. >... Oh well, believe it or not, I >actually miss it now since I've been stuck up here in Cedar Rapids... I >should be back to Texas pretty soon though -- end of August at the most if I >don't just get fed up with the lack of good BBQ around here and just say, >"f.ck it", and move back before then... Hell, even Lake Travis is going to >look like a *great* dive spot after what I've seen around here Catch me some weekend and I'll buy the beer and the BBQ. Salt Lick sound good? >... Checked on >a U-Haul trailer to move my stuff from my apartment up here back to my home >in Houston... Turns out that they charge twice as much to move it from Cedar >Rapids to Houston as they do from Houston to Cedar Rapids It's been that way for quite a while. Nobody wants to live in the Rust Belt anymore. >... Even checked >what it would be out of Chicago instead and it was still the same... Asked >them about it and they said that eveyone moves south, so they discount it on >the way back up so that they don't have to ship them up here... Now I'm >wishing that I hadn't moved so many things up here to be 'comfortable'... Oh >well... Signaturedillon Linux, it's not just an OS, it's a way of life. And a damn fine one, at that. > I really like Shiner Bock, especially in the winter. I've grown > rather fond of Coopers Ale when I can't get Crown Lager. I stumbled across a Louisiana beer on my last contract for the Navy in New Orleans called Abita TurboDog... It's a rather dark beer, pretty much of the class of Guinness... I didn't like their rasberry beer, Purple Haze, but TurboDog was rather tasty... Greg and I drank quite a bit of it when he was down there paying off his last bet... > LOL, I'm an Aggie living in Austin. I meant longhorns as in the cows, not the students... <grin> > Catch me some weekend and I'll buy the beer and the BBQ. Salt Lick > sound good? I've heard of it, but haven't ever eaten there... Yeah, sounds good... > It's been that way for quite a while. Nobody wants to live in the > Rust Belt anymore. Or the Corn Belt, it seems... >> I really like Shiner Bock, especially in the winter. I've grown >> rather fond of Coopers Ale when I can't get Crown Lager. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >TurboDog was rather tasty... Greg and I drank quite a bit of it when he was >down there paying off his last bet... Celis used to be a micro here in Austin. Damn good Belgian beer. Then Miller bought them, f.cked everything up and closed the brewery and the brand. Pete Celis bought the name back for a pitance, is now using a custom brewery in MN and Austin is the only place in Texas where you can still get Celis. >> LOL, I'm an Aggie living in Austin. > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >I've heard of it, but haven't ever eaten there... Yeah, sounds good... Supposed to be the best BBQ in the state. Can't disagree. They are slammed most nights. It's BYOB and the coolers are numerous and large. >> It's been that way for quite a while. Nobody wants to live in the >> Rust Belt anymore. > >Or the Corn Belt, it seems... Signaturedillon Linux, it's not just an OS, it's a way of life. And a damn fine one, at that. >>> There's a specialty wine and beer store here in town that sells lots >>> of imports. They're my source for Crown Lager, a great little Aussie [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >I thought we were talking about beer. Not Saint Louie river water. That is an insult to the St. Louis River. Rick Simms >Foster's is kangaroo piss... Still, that's better than Clydesdale piss... That is an insult to kangaroo's. Rick Simms >> There's a specialty wine and beer store here in town that sells lots >> of imports. They're my source for Crown Lager, a great little Aussie >> beer, unlike Foster's piss water. > > Foster's is kangaroo piss... Still, that's better than Clydesdale piss... Negative, you've obviously never had real kangaroo piss. LD. > unlike Foster's piss water. That is an insult to both water and urine. Rick Simms >>> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >>> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >Lee I just called Liquor Barn and they carry it. You want a case? Rick Simms > You want a case? Yes, but only one. I've had bad luck with good beer spoiling. When I lift the glass and there are things floating around in it, I know I've screwed up. Old peculiar is a bit rich flavored for serious drinking. One is nice, two is OK, but before I drink the third, I'm ready to move to something with a bit less full of a flavor. Lee >>You want a case? > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Lee Not to mention, it is on the expensive side as far as beer goes and likely sits on the shelves much longer than the Buds. World Market carries it, but it's hit and miss and I haven't seen more than 2 six packs on the shelves at any one time - probably for that very reason, maintaining freshness. If you have the patience and want it really fresh http://ericsbeerpage.com/Beer/Recipe/peculiar.html >> You want a case? > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > two is OK, but before I drink the third, I'm ready to move to something > with a bit less full of a flavor. I remember in the good old days when I could hold my booze.......(pause for laughter) I went to the 'Great British Beer Festival' in London with a fella who figgered he could drink. We finished the day off with a half pint of "Baz's Bonce Basher" a rather hefty 13%abv "beer" that had the other guy making a mess of a McD's restroom on the way home. Anyway, things floating around in it were considered normal by most of the hardcore Ale makers then. LD. > Anyway, things floating around in it were > considered normal by most of the hardcore Ale makers then. > > LD. And still are. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> Anyway, things floating around in it were >> considered normal by most of the hardcore Ale makers then. > > And still are. yup. Point. >>> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >>> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > content it is than our native brews, I'm surprised. Still, it's worth > tracking down if it's here. Lee, try the 57 on Cordova, just south of yer favorite dive shop. If they don't have it I'll be surprised, but I know I've seen it. LD. >>>> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >>>> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >LD. Come to think of it, Crown Liquors off of US-1 in Lauderdale had a pretty good selection of Brit/German/Belgium beers as did their store out by mall on Falmingo. Rick Simms >Lee, try the 57 on Cordova, just south of yer favorite dive shop. If they >don't have it I'll be surprised, but I know I've seen it. Just south of Fill Express? Oh, you mean my other favorite dive shop. Are we to assume that this is the full power UK version or, perhaps, a toned down version for US consumption? Lee > >Lee, try the 57 on Cordova, just south of yer favorite dive shop. If they >>don't have it I'll be surprised, but I know I've seen it. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Are we to assume that this is the full power UK version or, perhaps, a > toned down version for US consumption? I'm pretty sure thay don't make a toned down version......and the days of 4% beer for the Florida market are quite long gone. LD. >>>>> Hey, I need some more Old Peculiar. See if you can sneak a case into >>>>> your luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > pretty good selection of Brit/German/Belgium beers as did their store > out by mall on Falmingo. Yeah, that's where yer son and I ended up on that beer run. We got the 99 AND the Strongbow there. That was going to be my second recommendation. LD. >>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >Lee I'll check at Liquor Barn and see if they stock it. If they do I'll bring a case for the fridge in Aug/Sept. Rick Simms >>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > luggage when you come. I'll send you back with a case of Kalik Gold, the > high octane beer from the Bahamas. All US beers are low test. Aaaah, there's a couple. You gotta search for 'em but there's a couple. LD. >> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? > >It's not neccessarily my first choice but I do drink it. Nor mine. But one of your fellow Brit's got me and my son drinking a Brit cider in an Irish pub that was located in Florida. It was unusual enough to keep some around the house to give to unsuspecting Budwiser drinkers that come over for BBQ. Suprisingly enough, they have drank up what was in stock last weekend and asked if it would become a staple in the beer fridge. Who would have thought! Rick Simms >>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Who would have thought! More converts! Aaaaah, come on over to the other side. The water is warm.....and the cider is ice cold! LD. >>>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? >>> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > >LD. I converted when ya started me on those Sand's rum runners. Rick Simms >>More converts! Aaaaah, come on over to the other side. The water is >>warm.....and the cider is ice cold! >> >>LD. That's when I like my cider, funnily enough it's not my staple drink in the UK! Give me a good bitter any day. Having said that I was in Orlando (work not pleasure unfortunately) for 4 days and was please to see that the hotel sold Bass on draught. That is pleased until I tasted it... cold and fizzy!!! > I converted when ya started me on those Sand's rum runners. > > Rick Simms Rum Mmmmmmmmmmm SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >>>More converts! Aaaaah, come on over to the other side. The water is >>>warm.....and the cider is ice cold! [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > That's when I like my cider, funnily enough it's not my staple drink in > the UK! Give me a good bitter any day. Never been a big bitter drinker meself. > Having said that I was in Orlando (work not pleasure unfortunately) for 4 > days and was please to see that the hotel sold Bass on draught. That is > pleased until I tasted it... cold and fizzy!!! Last time back in the UK I had to argue with a bartender and talk to the manager to get an "American" black & tan. Over here, it's generally Bass and Guiness. Who'da believed it? >> I converted when ya started me on those Sand's rum runners. > > Rum Mmmmmmmmmmm Oh, do I have the spot for you. Dave. (snip) >> Rum Mmmmmmmmmmm >> >Oh, do I have the spot for you. > >Dave. Uh-oh! Rick Simms >>>>> No worries. You drink "Strongbow" by chance? >>>> [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > I converted when ya started me on those Sand's rum runners. Now that is something we need to get Popeye into on his next trip down. I do believe he'd appreciate the RR at Sands almost as much as yer missus does. LD. (snip) >> I converted when ya started me on those Sand's rum runners. >> >Now that is something we need to get Popeye into on his next trip down. I do >believe he'd appreciate the RR at Sands almost as much as yer missus does. > >LD. And she hasn't let me forget that she didn't get to partake of any this trip nor does she intend to let me forget it. Right! You, I, Lee, ESG, Pop's, JOF (if he can) and a cast of others with CB as the D/D this time. Stef (if he can make it) can be indoctrinated into the group in a very righteous manner. God help South Florida! Rick Simms >(snip) > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > >God help South Florida! I'll bet yer head is already hurting. If I get there I'll be a designated driver, for at least one night. It's not that I don't trust you guys to get around. It's the long recovery times that scare me. JF "What embitters the world is not excess of criticism, but an absence of self-criticism." - G.K.Chesterton >>(snip) >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > designated driver, for at least one night. It's not that I don't trust > you guys to get around. It's the long recovery times that scare me. Ya didn't think those little green O2 bottles we carry around were diving related didya? Dave. (Snip) >> I'll bet yer head is already hurting. If I get there I'll be a >> designated driver, for at least one night. It's not that I don't trust [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >Dave. The miracle hangover cure. Well, that and the Bloody Mary's, (breathe-drink, breathe-drink). Rick Simms > (Snip) > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Well, that and the Bloody Mary's, (breathe-drink, breathe-drink). What? You're saying that's supposed to be two separate operations? Who knew? LD. > Right! You, I, Lee, ESG, Pop's, JOF (if he can) and a cast of others > with CB as the D/D this time. Stef (if he can make it) can be > indoctrinated into the group in a very righteous manner. > > God help South Florida! I can't promise when I'll make but I WILL make it at some point in the next 12 months. I'll make sure you all get a fair warning so you can either meet up or evacuate to another State. SignatureStef the pragmatist Hope for the best Plan for the worst Sometimes the glass is half-full; most of the time I’m waiting for a refill. >> Right! You, I, Lee, ESG, Pop's, JOF (if he can) and a cast of others >> with CB as the D/D this time. Stef (if he can make it) can be [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > 12 months. I'll make sure you all get a fair warning so you can either > meet up or evacuate to another State. Drop emails for those of us that don't read the group often. Dave. >>> Right! You, I, Lee, ESG, Pop's, JOF (if he can) and a cast of others >>> with CB as the D/D this time. Stef (if he can make it) can be [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > >Dave. Evacuate? Hell, most of'em here won't evacuate for hurricanes, why would you think having another Brit belly up to the bar would cause a skeedaddle? Rick Simms >>>> Right! You, I, Lee, ESG, Pop's, JOF (if he can) and a cast of others >>>> with CB as the D/D this time. Stef (if he can make it) can be [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > would you think having another Brit belly up to the bar would cause a > skeedaddle? Hurricane Party.....now there's something we haven't had this year YET! Limey. |
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