When Octopus Attack...

I've been trying to write these stories for six years, and now that I'm not diving I have a little bit of free time to catch up on things.  First things first...octopus don't attack.  We've seen octopus on hundreds of dives, and we have some great stories. This is a little bit about octopus, spotting them, and a story about one of our encounters with a sleepy Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO).  

We dive a lot of locations up and down the Puget Sound, but our favorite dive sites are Redondo Beach in

Red Octopus

DesMoines, WA, and Alki in Seattle, WA.  In these two dive sites, I can guarantee an octopus sighting on every single dive, and have shared these sightings with many PADI Open Water students.  What a great way to finish your training and start your life as a recreational scuba diver.  

The Red Octopus, the smaller of the two can be found out in the open during the day and at night, you just have to know what you are looking for.  They do a great job of hiding as you approach and then pass over them, so the easiest way to spot them is to move slowly, and then casually sweep your flashlight side to side over the ground you just passed over.  Once you spot your first red octopus, the rest will become easier to spot.  

The Red Octopus in the photo above was taken at Redondo Beach during the day, and was about the size of a football.  We spotted this one in around twenty feet of water.

Squid Eggs
Photo by Maynee Desandies

Here's another trick.  If you dive any site and come across squid eggs, you can be sure that the squid parents are somewhere close.  Continue to scuba beyond the eggs until you look back and can barely see the eggs.  Find something to do to stay warm while you wait for the squid to return.  Fifteen to thirty seconds later, the parents will reappear, and then you can slowly move back to get a better look at the family.

As long as you approach slowly, keeping you lights pointed in the direction of the eggs, you won't spook the parents, and they will regale you with some beautiful displays of color changes and water dances.  They are brave creatures, and seem to be mesmerized by a diver's lights.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Getting back to the octopus story...The second type of octopus you'll find in the Puget Sound is the Giant Pacific Octopus.  The photos on the right were taken at around 7:00 am on a dive at Redondo Beach.  This GPO can be found under a boat that rests in about 40 to 60 feet of water, depending on the tide.  Can you see the slightly open eye in the photo on the right?

We've seen this octopus hundreds of times, but always under the small boat where she has dug out a large den to rest when she's not out gathering her meals.  Steve and I really wanted to see this octopus out in the open.  According to National Geographic, GPO's unt primarily at night, so we started a several month adventure to try to find her out in the open.  

We started diving every Friday night at different hours of the night and eventually every hour of the morning on Saturday's.  There were several dives where we found her den empty, but we were never able to spot her out in the open, so I had to settle for under the boat photos.  

You can clearly see how long her tentacles are, and how large her suckers are.  She is a calm, gentle octopus, and seems to handle annoying divers and their flashlights well.  

Giant Pacific Octopus

On this particular dive, we were excited because it looked like she had just returned to her den.  She was hanging out near the opening, close enough for us to reach out and touch her if we decided to be dumb enough to do that.  Instead, I backed up a bit and started taking these photos.  She was extremely active, moving every tentacle non-stop.  

Suddenly, and lighting fast, she reached out and grabbed my camera, almost pulling it out of my hand.  I wasn't too worried about it, the camera housing was too large to be dragged under the boat, and my left hand was covering the housing latch.  However, a moment later I could see I was in for an unexpected treat.  Still holding my camera with one tentacle, she had flanked me on my right with another tentacle.  I felt something on my face and could see her tentacle checking me out.  I bit down hard on my regulator, and grabbed my mask with my right hand.

What seemed like five minutes was over seconds later.  After showing me she was the boss, she retreated into her den to settle in for the day.  I've taken dozens of photos of her, but the photos I took on this dive were by far the most memorable.

Oklahoma Tornado...Help If You Can...Share If You Can't

Oklahoma Tornado

If you're watching the news today, you've probably seen the devastation in Moore, Oklahoma where a giant tornado, reportedly more than a mile wide, killed more than four dozen people as it tore through the large Oklahoma city suburb Monday afternoon.  The tornado flattened homes, tossed cars through the air and crushed at least two schools full of children.  These numbers are expected to grow as rescuers continue to search for all of the children and teachers in the schools and communities.

There are plenty of news stations where you can read or watch to get up to the minute information about the storm and its impact.  After listening to our local radio station, KISS 106.1 FM in Seattle, asking everyone for donations, and asking everyone to spread the word, I decided to take this opportunity to do my part.  

If you can help, please donate what you can to help the Moore, Oklahoma community.  If you can't donate, please share this.  Let's all do our part to spread the word to get these families the help they need.

Donate To The Salvation	Donate To The Red Cross

You can also text RedCross to 90999, to donate $10.00 to the American Red Cross.

Saying Goodbye...

Anyone that knows us will tell you that we love scuba diving, and we love love love teaching people to scuba. It's great to see someone's face when they walk out of the water and describe what they just saw underwater to their non-diving friends or family. Hundreds of shrimp, a giant pacific octopus, nudibranches, squid, ling cod, and so much more. So why did it have to end so abruptly? 

There are several reasons, but I'm only going to share one. I've always had a problem staying warm, in and out of the water. Even when I was living in Hawaii, California, and Florida, ten minutes in pool water and I would start shivering. With all of the advancements in fiber technologies, I've been able to solve most of my problems out of the water with smart wool and thinsulate. Unfortunately, things weren't going quiet as well underwater.

In early 2009 I started experiencing shooting pains in my left arm.  I was also noticing pain in my feet and my hands during and after dives.  I was diving in a dry suit with attached gloves, so the only thing actually exposed to the water was my head.  On most dives, my body was warm, but my hands and feet were almost always cold.  It didn't really matter to me, it was temporary, and I wasn't going to let a little thing like cold hands and feet stop me from diving and teaching in cold water.  

Pop.  That's the sound that woke me up early one Saturday morning.  I was shifting positions in bed when I heard a loud pop and felt lightning shoot through my right arm.  A few hours later, I was diving with a couple of students when I noticed the pain in my right arm and shoulder increasing.  After cleaning and putting all of my scuba gear away, I talked to Steve about the pain in my shoulder.  It felt like my shoulder was being torn apart.  By 1:00 am I was in more pain than I could handle, and decided it was time to see a doctor.

Herniated disks.  After more than ten hours in the hospital, Dr. Peter Brown tells us that my 5th, 6th, and 7th thoracic disks were herniated, pinching the nerves that ran down both of my arms causing shooting pains, numbness, and tingling.  In May 2009 Dr. Brown performed a discectomy, and successfully resolved the shooting pain issue.  Six weeks later I was back in the water.  However, the surgery did not end the numbness or tingling in my hands and feet.

My Hand With Raynaud’s Disease

During my last few months of diving, things were getting worse.  I felt like I was walking on blocks of wood.  I started leaving my gloves on until everyone was gone so no one would see how bad my fingers were, or dipping them in hot water until the color returned.  

I was working with a doctor to try to find a way to deal with the problem so I could continue diving.  Unfortunately, nothing worked, and some of the solutions made things worse.  The doctor says this is Raynaud’s disease.  On recent dives, I noticed my feet sometimes turning blue and purple, and the throbbing and pain lasting four hours after a dive.  

After a recent sports physical, my doctor and I talked about the risks of diving in cold water with this worsening condition.  With more than half my life ahead of me, I decided it's time to start taking better care of myself.  It took me a couple of months to make a final decision, and it has been tough saying goodbye to such a wonderful part of our lives, but no more cold water diving, for fun or teaching.

Now we are looking forward to our next warm water vacation...

Star Trek Into Darkness On The IMAX Screen In 3D

No Spoilers

Star Trek Into Darkness

I can't believe its been four years since the last Star Trek movie.  If someone asked me what's changed, I would have to say nothing and everything.  Star Trek Into Darkness is an explosive action thriller with twists and turns, staying true to their original 2009 format.

I am definitely a fan of the IMAX screen.  The point of the IMAX screen is to fill your field of vision, giving you a feeling of full immersion in the movie as if you are part of the film.  Add 3D, and the movie comes right out of the screen and taps you on the shoulder.  I think movie tickets are over-priced, especially when you add any concessions, and a family of five plus a friend or two, so I save these formats for the special movies that deserve it.  Star Trek Into Darkness is one of those films that deserves a few extra dollars.

On Friday, I drove my daughter and her best friend to Portland so they could see Marianas Trench in concert at the Hawthorne Theater.  When I asked them why they couldn't go to the concert in Seattle, they reminded me it was the same time as Prom.  Just after arriving in Portland, I got a text from my husband telling me that he and Taylor were going to see Star Trek at 11:30 pm.  I dropped the girls off at the concert and used the Poynt app to locate theaters near the Hawthorne Theater.  By 5:15, I was sitting in a mostly empty theater, completely unprepared for the twists in this twelfth Star Trek film.

This movie is all about the details.  Good art grabs your attention and then takes your eyes and your mind on a ride, never letting you get stuck in one place.  Star Trek Into Darkness grabs your attention the moment it begins, and fills the screen with details that keep your eyes moving and your mind trying to keep up with the action.  They also flooded the theater with the sounds of this fifty year old cult classic, adding to the feeling of being part of the action.  At some point during the movie, someone a couple rows in front of me stood up.  I was struck by the fact that he looked like he was part of the movie, appearing to stand between objects in the movie.  The IMAX and 3D format are definitely my favorite.

Star Trek App

Download the App and be the first to experience Star Trek Into Darkness!!  Join Starfleet for your chance to rise in the ranks, unlock exclusive content, & win prizes!!  Gain access to all exclusive materials, videos & content first and stay up-to-date on the latest Star Trek Into Darkness news!

An Unexpected Lesson

Healing Hearts Ranch

This summer, Danielle and I are traveling to Montana to spend some time in the saddle; my graduation gift to her.  Today, we are both very excited about this trip, but it definitely didn't start out that way.

Danielle has always been very naturally comfortable around horses, and like many children do, she learned everything and anything to do with them very quickly and easily.  She took lessons for a couple of years, but eventually had to stop for awhile.  I don't think there was a moment in time when she wasn't yearning to return to the saddle.

I on the other hand have never been comfortable in the saddle.  In fact, I have been just the opposite.  I could fool most people, appearing calm and courageous, but inside I was terrified.  This is a huge admission for me because I don't think I've ever admitted being even a little scared of anything.

I decided I had better take some lessons before departing for this summer vacation that I'm supposed to enjoy.  Danielle had already started lessons at Healing Hearts Ranch in the fall of 2012, and at the same time she volunteered to help them with their therapeutic riding classes.  We both agreed to make a couple financial sacrifices so that we could take riding lessons together, and I'm extremely happy we did this.

Heart Strides Therapeutic Riding

Someone else will have to tell you whether or not I'm riding well, but I can tell you that I'm loving my lessons.  I was sure I would never want to canter by choice, and definitely feared an accidental canter.  Kristi, our instructor, uses tactile and illustrated techniques to teach, which works well for me.  She could see right through me, sensing my fear and my tension.  She reminds me to breath, use soft hands, press and release, and so much more.  I'm no longer afraid of a canter, in fact, the only things I fear now are the mistakes I might make that send the horse the wrong message.

I'm always excited about our Monday riding lessons.  With each lesson I learn a little bit more about myself, gain confidence, and enjoy the precious time I get to spend with my daughter.  Today, Kristi taught me that my grandson is not an autistic child, he's a child with autism.  Leg yielding, one hand and gentle reining, a few laps at a cantor, and a more compassionate vocabulary; definitely love my Monday lessons.  You can learn more about Healing Hearts Ranch on their web site.

For Sale...A Little Bit Of Scuba Gear

UR/Pro Filter

Two Ikelite Removable External UR/Pro 
Blue Water Color Filter 
6441.46 Port Diameter 3.9 in (99mm)
For tropical blue water settings. Enhances warm reds and oranges with available sunlight up to 80 ft. (24m). Ikelite Color Correcting Filters press fit to the outside of Ikelite lens ports offering easy attachment and removal underwater. 

DUI Dry Suit

Signature Series Mens M DUI CLX 450 Cordura Top, CF 200 Crushed Neoprene Bottom

The CLX450™ is often referred to as the “Tuxedo of Drysuits”. A well-deserved name with its handsome, Cordura blend polyester/butyl rubber/polyester material on the upper body that also offers extra durability.

Material Top: Trilaminate material made of Cordura® blend/Butyl Rubber/Polyester
Material Bottom: Patented crushed neoprene

Features: 
Diagonal front-entry zipper - Brand New
Patented QuickZip design
Telescoping torso
Suspenders, crotch strap, relief zipper - Brand New
Warm neck collar
Zipper guard - Brand New
Apeks swivel inlet & adjustable, automatic exhaust valves
Cordura® overlay down the arms
Internal waist adjustment cord
Double layer material over knee area
Low pressure inflater hose
Neck Seal: Latex
Wrist Seals: Latex
Pockets: Two Cordura Zipper Pockets with D rings.
Bag: DUI drysuit bag

USIA
Superstretch
Undergarment

Weezle
Compact
Undergarment

USIA Superstretch Undergarment
An extremely warm and comfortable double- layered four-way stretch fleece one piece dry suit undergarment jumpsuit with foot and thumb loops. The USIA Superstretch has been tested in the cold waters of the Puget Sound and Oregon Coast, and divers have responded overwhelmingly to the warmth of this garment.


Weezle Compact Undergarment
The Weezle undergarment is comfortable, easy to dawn and remove, and warm.  It does a good job of keeping you warm, and won't overheat you in the spring, summer, and fall.

Deep See
Neoprene Boot

Deep See Neoprene Boots
We have two pairs of these boots, both in excellent condition. Purchased when our children were twelve and fourteen, now eighteen and twenty. The Deep See Profile Neoprene Boot provides a low profile molded out sole which is excellent for protection with minimal bulk.  The zipper makes it super easy to dawn and remove.  Kids 5 and Mens 10.

High Tide Pro Neoprene Boots

High Tide Pro Neoprene Boot

We have two pairs of these boots, both in excellent condition.  We purchased these when we were diving in our USIA Dry Suits.  They fit easily over our latex socks without squishing our feet.  They are durable, and constructed to last a very long time.  Another boot with a zipper that makes is super easy to dawn and remove.  Sizes large and medium.

DUI Dry Suit Hood

DUI Dry Suit Hood

Brand new, never used, not even once, large hood.  Made with the highest quality 7mm superior stretch neoprene that makes it easy on/easy off and incredibly comfortable to wear. Vented to allow air to escape yet keep the water out. Larger face seal allowing for more face coverage for warmth. Strategically placed seams for longer wear - No seam under the chin. Tapered behind the head for a closer fit to reduce water flow. In warm neck style skirt is 4mm for easier tucking into warm neck collar. In standard style no seam around the neck allowing superior stretch.

High Tide Pro Neoprene Hoods

These hoods are in excellent condition.  All three have the zipper in the back for easy dawn and removal.  We have two large and one small. . Main panels are 7.0mm commercial neoprene rated to 165 feet. Titanium foil technology for maximum warmth. Easily trimmed face seal is 5.0 mm thick. Twin air vents on top of hood, flapper inside to stop water flow. Oversize chin piece of super stretchy X7000 foam neoprene. No seam down the middle of your chin. Extra stretchy neck panel for comfort. Back zipper features extra large zipper and tab.

DUI Dry Suit
Rock Boots

DUI Dry Suit Rock Boots
The DUI Rock Boot has set the standard for durability, support and traction for drysuit boots. The DUI Rock Boot comes standard on all DUI drysuits or can be worn with any wetsuit when combined with a wet sock. A must for any diver who walks, hikes or climbs to a divesite - even great on boat ladders!

SeaSoft Adjustable
Tank Weight Pocket

SeaSoft Adjustable Tank Weight Pocket

Great way to keep the weight off your hips and add some to your cylinder with this Sea Soft Adjustable Tank Weight Pocket, just mount and adjust the band to your cylinders diameter and you have shed some lead from your waist to your cylinder. Placing weight on the cylinder will also help eliminate the buoyancy you may experience from an aluminum cylinder when near empty. If your cylinder rides up in the second half of your dive due to cylinder buoyancy this tank weight pocket is what you need.

Weezle Compact Boots

Weezle Compact Boots
Cold feet are a major complain of divers.  Weezle boots use the same innovative materials as used in the Weezle undergarments to help keep you feet as toasty warm as the rest of you.  We've got two of these, one small, and one medium.