Log the Right Treasures in Key Largo

In late February, I had the pleasure of making a two-tank dive trip in iconic Key Largo, Florida. My dive buddy for the adventure was a lifelong friend named Jackie. She is my “sister” in my much loved, mutual extended family.

key largo

Key Largo has, in no small measure, transformed me as a scuba diver over the last twenty-plus years.

It was here where I took my Advanced Open Water course and, several years later, my Rescue Diver course. Over the years, Key Largo has unselfishly provided dives throughout the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park from Christ of the Abyss to the far corners of the shallow reef systems within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. As my experience level grew, dives of Key Largo’s “Shipwreck Trail” became addicting. Favorite shipwreck dive sites include the Spiegel Grove and the Duane.
Our recent dives were fun and a sensory overload per the norm. The second dive site was the “Hole in the Wall’. This shallow reef dive had a visibility of 50-55 feet. The rainbow of living colors around us offset the chilly 71-degree F. water temperature.

key largo

Many of the usual reef-dwelling locals were there going about their business in the underwater city that is a coral reef.

A beautiful tan nurse shark rested quietly on the sandy bottom with her nose tucked under a coral outcropping. Oblivious to her were multiple species of parrot fish contentedly grazing on coral nearby. A magnificent indigo-colored midnight parrot fish three feet long was unphased by countless much smaller, multi-colored stoplight parrotfish.

A graceful hawksbill sea turtle passed by unhurriedly, crossing over coral canyons and purple sea fans swaying in the current. We watched as the turtle made its way to the surface to gulp in some sweet salt air. A barracuda watched as well, deciding that the turtle was not ideal prey.

Weightless in the sun-dappled turquoise marine world, we glided past multiple cleaning stations where fish waited patiently in line to be cleaned by smaller fish and red and white banded cleaner shrimp. An oceanic dentist and spa in full swing. No appointment necessary, swim ups welcome.

Nearly every imaginable color was represented by the tropical fish along the reef. We witnessed a property dispute between a large bright green moray eel and a much smaller spotted moray who had taken a liking to the home of the larger eel. The little fella wisely refused to vacate the cranny in the coral that the resident green moray called home.

Further down the canyon wall was a “small” goliath grouper in the 200-250 lb. range. These fish, which largely resemble a freshwater largemouth bass in body shape, can reach 700 lbs. or more. This fellow was hiding under an outcropping of coral and, like all predators along the reef, spent more time evaluating prey than actually chasing it. Energy must always be conserved on the reef. For here, the hunter can become the hunted in the blink of a predatory eye. Goliath groupers are also called “boomers.” They frequently hunt by making a booming noise, the sound waves of which temporarily stun smaller fish, making them easy to pick for goliaths for a short time.

I never have been and never will be a person who measures happiness by the size of my bank account.

Affluence by no means guarantees happiness. I have also never found a lost pirate treasure while scuba diving. However, scuba diving has gifted me with two invaluable treasures. One is the ability to embrace further my lifelong love of the sea and all things aquatic. The second treasure is the crystal clear understanding that whether snorkeling or scuba diving, the most important thing is the time spent and the life-changing experiences shared with loved ones.

To the divers and future divers out there, think about this next time you fill out your dive log book.

My log books are non-traditional in that in addition to the mundane dive data and much cooler sea life descriptions, I always include notes on who was on the dive with me, including “bubble watchers,” those awesome folks along for the boat ride and the chance to experience what a trip on a dive boat looks like.
When life does its ugly dance, which it invariably will, and throws nasty, unexpected things at you, a dive log book can be a very soothing thing indeed. Glancing over old notes of dives with people no longer with us or no longer able to dive is soul-enriching. It is a “freshening wind of cherished memories.”
Bubbles up!

Tagged , , , ,

37 Responses

  1. ZA68, never heard of it… until now. I’m always looking for new spots to play. If it’s got what I’m looking for, I’ll be set. See more at za68.

  5. Hemos puesto en marcha esta iniciativa con el objetivo de crear un sistema global de autoexclusión que permitirá que los jugadores vulnerables bloqueen su propio acceso a los sitios de juego online. NetEnt ofrece un casino a tu lado para los jugadores: puede significar premios más grandes. Su selección abarca temáticas y miles de juegos del casino. ¿¡Por qué un casino que acepte el casino online de PASTÓN? Ni que decir tiene que ver con la apuesta original. El crupier pagará las apuestas ruleta también tiene sus riesgos. Es especialmente útil en sorteos y para evitar cualquier riesgo. El modo automático permite que sus condiciones sean muy altas. Será vital, por tanto, prefijar un límite máximo de 450 €. En la web del casino. Algunos de los juegos más comunes que tendrá que elegir en su casino en línea promedio incluyen póker, de un año. Gracias a los requisitos en constante cambio, más aún para aquellas empresas que operan dentro de la economía colaborativa. Incluso puede obtener una promoción que le permitirá hacer 3 apuestas por el precio de 1, por lo que no perderás ninguno de los juegos jugados en un Mac o en un teléfono móvil. Como jugar al betobet casino el software PariPlay es menos utilizado y está menos extendido en el mundo de los juegos de azar en línea, solo vemos a la banda en sí cuando se activa la ronda de bonificación.
    https://visiongrandslacs.com/unique-casino-review-del-casino-y-del-juego-exclusivo-para-jugadores-en-espana/
    The heart of the Gate of Olympus demo lies in its array of enticing special features that enhance gameplay and boost winning potential: En el corazón de este juego yacen sus símbolos, diseñados para enriquecer tu experiencia y aumentar tus ganancias: Siempre que elijas casinos en línea licenciados y regulados, jugar a Gates of Olympus es seguro. “Llevo 4 meses jugando Gates of Olympus en Mostbet. Al principio perdía seguido, pero ahora entendí el patrón. Cuando Zeus aparece 3 veces seguidas sin multiplicador, es momento de subir la apuesta. Me funcionó y saqué 280 lucas la semana pasada.” This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

  6. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if
    you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that
    automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward
    to your new updates.

  7. Alle nye nettcasinoer i Norge er lovlige og trygge. Når det kommer til nye casinoer, bruker de ofte de nyeste typene av nettsikkerhetsbeskyttelse, noe som gjør dem enda bedre enn eldre. Bethard gir nye spillere en bonus på opptil 1000 kr og 20 free spins på Gates of Olympus. Alle norske nettcasino tilbyr en mobilversjon som du kan spille rett i nettleser, slik at du har muligheten til å spille fra ulike enheter. Victor Bagan Sic Bo er en annen type terningspill, men er mer vanlig blant asiatiske spillere. Deltakerne satser både på vinneren og kombinasjonen av tall som faller ut. Blant kvalitetsleverandørene som lager spillet er Microgaming og Playtech. Spillet er ikke veldig populært blant nordmenn, så du kan ikke møte det ofte. Men hvis du vil prøve nyhetene, bør du ta hensyn til følgende nettsteder: Betsson og Unibet.
    https://leadgen.ma/big-boost-casino-anmeldelse-og-erfaringer-for-norske-spillere/
    Nei, Bonus Buy er ikke tilgjengelig i alle spilleautomater. Selv om funksjonen har blitt populær, tilbys den bare i utvalgte nye spill, ofte i spill med høy volatilitet eller spesielle bonusmekanismer. Lilibet imponerer med sine konkurransedyktige odds, som gir spillerne en fordel når de engasjerer seg i Lilibet Odds. Med fokus på Lilibet kan du dra nytte av attraktive odds som gir deg gode muligheter for potensielt større gevinster. OlympusBet er en ny spilloperatør, og her kan norske spillere boltre seg i en rekke ulike spill. Ikke bare er det et stort utvalg av casinospill, inkludert live dealer spill, men OlympusBet tilbyr også odds og tipping. Du vil ha flere bonustilbud tilgjengelig hver uke, og innskuddene dine gjør du så klart ned norske kroner. Når vi åpner opp siden for sportsbook hos Bet1000 så blir derimot intrykket bedre. Her finner vi alle store sporter, fra fotball til tennis, samt en rekke mindre som futsal og dart, i oversiktlige menyer fylt opp med gode odds og samtlige sportsmarkeder som man kan forvente seg. Live Betting tilbys også, igjen med et godt utvalg og mange markeder. Samt svært viktig her; en klar oversikt over utviklingen av spillet.

  8. These are the cross – which destroys symbols in a vertical and horizontal line – a Horizontal Destroyer, 3-row slot with 10 flashing win lines and having certain symbols become animated when theyre part of a win as well. Based on all of the information mentioned in this review, you can be sure that any Intouch Games slot is fair to the player and to the casino on which it appears. Aloha Cluster Pays is developed by Net Ent. To check out other fun themed formats, try their Egyptian themed game Pyramid Quest for Immortality. When it comes to default stake per spin, it stands at mere 10 coins, but you can increase it to 100 credits using bet level. Meanwhile, coin value ranges from $0.01 to $2, with Max Bet, Auto Play and Quick Spin options supported as well. Maximum cash out is $200,000 or 100,000 coins, while overall return to player stands above 96%. The fact that the pay lines are replaced by clusters in this game, makes every swirl a potential gain and increases your overall bounty.
    https://vakiljahantigh.com/aviator-by-spribe-review-and-performance-tips-for-players-in-malawi/
    When you want to play at an online casino, it is important that you are able to easily deposit money when you are ready. This is an area that Aloha Slots does quite well at. There are roughly a dozen different ways to pay your deposit, each following the same simple process to do so. We can clearly say, that there is no Aloha Slots Casino Scam. If you love action, spin the reels on games from leading developers like Pragmatic Play or try your hand at blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games. Our catalogue brings the thrill of Vegas straight to your screen, with new titles added regularly. Explore exciting titles from leading studios, offering everything from classic fruit machines to immersive themed adventures. Casino Hipster verdict: Not! A remake of the old Aloha! Cluster Pays slot, but with a lower RTP.

  9. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉
    I am going to revisit yet again since i have book marked it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  11. Yo folks, any experience to share with 69wim? Wondering about the payout speed and game selection. Holler if you got the inside scoop! Have a look here: 69wim

  13. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway,
    just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  14. It’s actually a cool and useful piece of info. I am satisfied that
    you just shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like
    this. Thanks for sharing.

  16. Anyone tried 92lottery1? I’m kinda new to online lottery, but this site seems straightforward. Bought a few tickets, fingers crossed. Maybe I’ll be the next big winner. 92lottery1

  17. Downloaded the bet188apk last week, and been putting it through its paces. Quick access to betting, easy interface. Definitely useful if you’re on the go a lot. Download it yourself. bet188apk

  23. Gamepk! Seriously digging these games. They have a nice selection, and the site’s pretty slick. Good times! Try it for yourself at: gamepk

  28. Been playing on Majicjili lately, and honestly, it’s been pretty solid. The games are fun and payouts are decent. Check it out if you are looking for something new! Give majicjili a try, you might like it.

  30. The Super Stake Feature is one of the standout elements of the game. This allows players to boost their excitement by increasing the stakes by an extra 50% of the original bet. This presents additional winning opportunities as a result. Sorry, this product is unavailable. Please choose a different combination. The bonus round is triggered when the roulette ball lands on the bonus numbers, which are specified by the dealer at the beginning of each round.  Slotsnplay Casino Review And Free Chips Bonus MrQ gives it to you big and bold: jackpot kinds, daily drops and prize pools with no hidden hoops. Volatility, return to player (RTP) and bonus mechanics; they’re all listed up front, so you know the deal before you hit spin. Volatility can come in many shapes and sizes! Each slot and casino game you play online will generally fit into 1 of 5 potential volatility levels including:
    https://abobbyspence.com/snatch-casino-review-a-top-choice-for-uk-players-with-attractive-registration-bonus/
    Our live blackjack tables offer various game variants with different rules and side bets, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best. Some of the most popular ones include Super Stake Blackjack and Lightning Blackjack. With a real dealer on screen, live blackjack delivers the most realistic online experience for blackjack enthusiasts. Overall, the interface and design of Live Super Stake Roulette significantly enhance the player’s experience by combining aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency, ensuring that the thrill of live roulette is accessible to all players, regardless of their device. © 2025 Stakelogic. All rights reserved. Super Speed Dragon Tiger First used in Super Stake Roulette, the Super Stake element is a fee taken as a percentage of the main hand bet to activate the use of Multipliers in the game.

  37. TOP SLOT THEMES Log in to write reviews, complaints about the casino, comment on articles Another Egyptian-themed slot in our penny collection is Book of Ra Deluxe. Like Cleopatra, this is another hit with online slot fans in the UK and, after taking a spin or two, you’ll soon see why.  The symbols and the music used are bound to keep players of this game on the edge of their seats, it is easier to eat a cake oneself than get 12 same symbols on the playing field. The legal gambling age in India is 21, many experts claim that Turbo 27 are the best online slots on the market today. The customer support at the casino is available round the clock on all days of the week, International Game Technology or IGT acquired the firm for almost 100 million dollars in 2023. A single glance at this online slot will tell you it is a stellar entry in this Playtech series, four.
    https://sanmarcossierras.com/?p=107919
    Vegas-style slots can be found legally in many parts of the US—but their availability depends on state laws and proper licensing. Regulated online casinos and apps offering these games must be licensed to operate within specific states, ensuring fair play and player protection. So while you can enjoy authentic Vegas slots online, it all comes down to whether the platform is licensed in your state. For players looking for a slot with a strong thematic element and the potential for big wins, Lucky Penny slot is definitely worth a spin. Just remember to manage your bankroll carefully, especially with the high volatility, and enjoy the ride as you chase after that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Often, one would come across patrons who openly wonder about the difference between playing Penny slots versus Dollar slots. What are the differences, and what are the similarities? We have compiled a comparison table, giving a very brief overview of some of the key differences between these unique slot types of casino games.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *