Background: Continuation of trip aboard Big Papa Lulu in the Spanish Virgin islands, Aug 3-16.

After a lot of pussyfooting around, it was determined that I was the only one who wanted to scuba dive on day 7. I needed to get my second two dives in, so the crew said to go ahead, and they would rent a car and tour Culebra.

So we all went ashore about 10am and the crew went to rent a car and I went back to Aquatic Adventures.

This time is was just me and Taz, so things went pretty fast! Dive 1 was at Horseshoe Reef off Louis Pina Island. After reviewing a couple of required dive skills we went exploring and found a huge Hog Snapper, two 5-inch shells from a naval bombardment (no touch!), and some lobsters. We had lunch, and dive #2 was was again near "The Wall" at Carlos Rosario. Here I practices an "out of air" controlled emergency swimming ascent (or CESA) which was a swim slowly and in a controlled manner up the anchor line from the bottom in about 30-feet of water. Since I can snorkel down to 30 feet, this was not much of a test and I passed with flying colors. This was the last test and means I am a certified diver, and I'm quite proud that after 30 years I finally "got 'er done!"

Here are a few pics...

Me and Taz on a very empty dive boat


Scuba selfie


Massive Hog Snapper


Nicely arranged coral


After a quick run back in there was just enough time for a celebratory Heineken at the Dingy Dock waiting for the crew to arrive.



Then we drove the rental car around some more, hitting a few other beaches. Here's one on the north east side of the island with a view of the northern islands. Zoni beach, I think.



We timed our driving to arrive at Playa Tamarindo for some mellow beach combing and sunset. Here we were treated with a beautiful sunset and a rare spectacle - THE GREEN FLASH. I've spent probably between 500 and 1000 days at sea and have only seen the green flash 3 times. This makes 4. What a treat! What's even more amazing is that Jim Fairman, one of our crew, caught it on film. I've never seen anyone catch it on film before.

Bayo Tamarindo Sunset



I'll leave you with the Green Flash

Great pictures!!! I have a green flash picture somewhere--no idea where!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Need to try to find it someday!

I've only seen the flash once on the water. BUT a year ago we took a trip to our local observatory for some star gazing. You arrive an hour before sunset and get shown the equipment and get an intro talk during dinner. Then right before sunset we run out with binoculars and stand facing the sunset. The docent said you will all see it. 29 of 30 saw it, he was right.
Here is the setup. We were at 9000' and the horizon was low without obstruction. When the sun is only 10-20% left look thru the binocs. This one set over a pointed peak and I actually saw the flash twice in the same sunset. He explained the 'conditions' are right in this scenario much more than happens on the water. We have done it several times since and when the weather is clear we see it all the time.

It is interesting that I always associated the flash with a marine condition but it is not. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Congrats Walt, good job

Excellent. I'm enjoying this one!

Cheers, RickG