The crew was up and in 'Class A's' for flags by 07:45, right on time even though we all lost an hour of sleep due to daylights savings time. They had done all of their packing the night before so they were just about ready to go. After flags and a little Sea Base 'excercise' we had breakfast then had our picture taken. With that out of the way it was time to get down to business. The crew went back to the dorm and changed into their bathing suits for the swim review. Right after we started our swim review a large group of snorkelers came into the swim area to use the ladder, screwing everythign up; but like all good divers we adapted and completed our task. Everyone completed the review, although a few of them could have listened to instructions a little better. Next it was off to the scuba pools for the gear and skills review.
On the way to the pools I had to see Steve Willis about a paperwork problem. We were doing something very special and unusual, we had one diver that had to complete his open water dives for certification. We usually don't accomadate such a special request but I think the 'Texas thing' helped. It sure is saving him alot of money. Some of his paperwork was wrong but after a bit of twisting and turning we were able to take care of the problem...a little forethought to get a power of attorney for the boy did the trick.
In the scuba area the crew assembled their gear and got into the 10' pool for a 'scuba review'. For fairly new divers, including the student, they did very well setting up their gear. In the pool we put them through a set of skills to see what we are dealing with. Divemaster Mike and I agreed that there were a few divers that were a little weak but all we able to dive without direct supervision.
With all of that done it was now go time. The food, scuba gear and personal gear was packed into the trailer, we hopped into the vans, and it was off to Stock Island. Stock Island is the island next to the Island of Key West. It is the home to the Conch Pearl and is about a 1/1/2 hour drive from Florida Sea base...that is unless it's Spring Break, and there isn't a Seafood Festival in Maraton and an accident at MM12.
We arrived at Stock Island to be greeted by howling winds. The crew unpacked the vans, transported everything to the boat, and load the boat in record time. This is a highly motivated group! Captains Denny and Holley gave the group the second of their detailed orientations and then it was finally lunch.
We cleaned up lunch and headed out to the ocean. Since the ocean was really 'sporty' due to the winds the captain opted to sail rather than risk a first dive in rough conditions. We put up the sails and headed to the mooring field on the other side of Key West. We sailed past Mallory Square where everyone was taking pics and waving. As we nearing the mooring ball we spotted the Jolly II Rover...arrrrgh...ready the cannon. Denny fired on them as we passed but they failed to return fire until they were well passed. Another engagement won by the Conch Pearl.
We tied up to our mooring ball and the crew, led by Divemaster Mike, went about fishing for Pinfish with Cuban Yo-Yos. They caught quite a few; one was going to be used for a shark line later that night. Dinner was prepared, brats and beans, and soon we were sitting down, stuffing our faces. It wasn't long after dinner was cleaned up that some of us went to bed. It had been a long day, daylight savings time, rushing to get to the boat, a late lunch and dinner in the dark.
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