SLS033112A - First Day on the Water

The first full day was a tough one. The crew was not fully rested from their travels and they had to be up at 07:45 for Flags. After Flags it was breakfast. After breakfast we met at the Commisary where the real work started. First the crew loaded six large coolers with ice. The coolers were loaded into the trailer then a few coolers of food and a bunch of containers with more food. It takes a lot of food to feed 15 people for a week on the ocean. Although the trailer seemed full there was still alot more to be loaded. We moved over to the SCUBA area where we loaded all of the SCUBA gear, the personal gear and 15 tanks into the trailer and a truck. With everything loaded we headed out.


Schooner Conch Pearl

 We were headed to Stock Island a 1 1/2 hour drive from Florida Sea Base. It's the island right next to Key West and is the home of the Conch Pearl. The drive isn't too bad; the scenery is nice.

We arrived at the marina to be greeted by Captains Denny and Holley. Now it was time for the real hard work. Everything that had been loaded into the trailer and truck had to be carried to the boat, about 50 yards away. The trip included a small set of steps. The crew was motivated and completed the task in good time, without any complaining. Once everything was at the boat it all had to be loaded. The food was taken down below and stowed, the SCUBA gear was set up and all of the personal gear was brought on board. Now it was time to set out.

Emmanuel (spelling?)

We untied the Conch Pearl and headed out to the ocean. We had lunch on the way to the dive site. We were headed to Toppino's Buoy, a popular dive site. On the way the ocean was smooth, like summertime and the water was clear. We tied up to mooring ball no. 2 and prepared for our first dive. The first dive is a lead dive, where the crew stays with the instructors. This way we can assess their skills and work out any remaining problems, of which there was only one. One diver couldn't clear his head and had to return to the boat. I lead the dive and Megan followed up. The water was beautiful; no current, no surge and about 80 feet of visibility. Everyone did welll on the first dive so we turned them loose for the second dive; a buddy dive. This is where they go off on their own with their dive buddy. I was in the water for this dive and stayed around the boat watching the divers and taking pictures. This was also an awesome dive.

We motored around Key West, past the Sunset Festival, to our mooring ball. On the way Denny fired the cannon at the Jolly II Rover who in turn returned fire. Arrrrgh! Once we were tied to the mooring ball we had dinner; hamburgers, mac and cheese and salad. After dinner the crew settled into their bunks. I don't know what else took place, I was down for the evening.