day 9

Subject: Dominica

Morning Kind Folks,

Dominica was a total treasure for us scuba divers, it had the most unspoiled marine life of all the islands, by far. It is easy to tell by all the underwater photos that I took. We docked on the last day of their Marti gras, which the locals call the last lap. As most business were closed for the parade, and the many on-going party's, I was lucky to get in a dive as a walk on. As a result we were passed from one dive operation to another, finally getting on with ALdive in Roseau, it was almost $100.usd compared to the $77usd in Aruba, for the 2 tank dive. Also the equipment seemed well used, and the small dive boat saw better days, back in the 60's. I'm again glad the I carry my own dive gear, despite this we dove on the point, to 70ft.. I was totally amazed by the size of everything, the sponges were big enough to get inside, while the sea fans were gargantuate. We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of fish, and behind them were 3 times as many half their size. Lobsters and crabs are good indicators of a healthy reef system, and there they were a-plenty. There were only three of us and the dive master, so we took our time, with John, from the ship, and I teamed up to explore this brave new world. We wandered around in total amazement for 45 min. then headed back to the boat, for fresh tanks. We moved a short distance to do the " champagne dive", close to shore where very hot water bubbles up from an active volcanoes deep below. Again the marine life was overwhelming, and at 50 to 20 ft. we spent about 50min. below the snorkels. We came out of the water totally satisfied, as we enjoyed the sunny ride back to the dive shop. Someone forgot about us and we were stranded there till the owner grudging drove us back to the first dive shop, where they demanded another $10usd, to get us back to our ship. While I may never dive with that shop again, I found better and cheaper on the internet, I will try to get back to Dominica, just cause it was so dammed good. However there are no five star hotels, or restaurants, so it is humble accommodations at best. For someone who camps out, this presents no real problems, just don't drink the tap water.

Photo 431 shows the bubbles coming out of the coral, and shot 401 is an eel, the rest are just pure scuba heaven.. So back to the ship for a late lunch then off to the local dockside market for a towel and trinkets.. A colorful band on a float were practicing beside the market and one could tell that the natives were restless to finish off with us tourists and get on with their last lap.That night at supper was another gastronomical treat, with cigars and drinks cappuccino's on the fan tail. Rocking to sleep that night I was again in scuba heaven, in my dreams..............Andy