There is a new book out about wreck divers that is well worth a read. Since hearing about it, I’ve read several
excerpts, including a long one in Esquire.
But here is a
shorter excerpt that might whet the whistle of anyone looking for the next “Perfect Storm” or “Into Thin Air”. It
has been given some very good reviews, and I have to admit I found the excerpt completely riveting. The story tells of
John Chatterton and Rich Kohler, two deep-sea wreck divers who in 1991 dove to a mysterious wreck lying at 230 feet
(pretty damn deep), off the coast of New Jersey. The book weaves the tale of the discovery of what turns out to be a
German U-boat, with the personal lives of these guys. Along the way, some of their friends and colleagues die
underwater and we learn a ton about U-boats, salvage wreck diving (interesting, I promise) and the sea.
Underwater Art Exhibit
Huh, what?
This article made me do a double
take…underwater art exhibit? But on further examination, it’s true.
Beginning December 3, 2004 divers can experience art in a unique setting, as the waters around Bonaire host the
first ever exhibition of art work underwater. Called “40 Feet Underwater: Moving Light in an Unlimited Territory,”
the show will feature the work of Dutch artist Fred Ros.
Kind of an interesting idea, I think. At least, you have to hand it to
this guy for being innovative. What’s next? Underwater coffee
house? But you can’t go wrong heading to Bonaire. I hear the diving
is superb. I’ve been to Curacao, which is very close, and give the diving an A.
Whale Watchers
Let’s say you are looking for adventure this winter and that whatever you do, you know it must
somehow include whales. Hey, if that’s your thing, that’s cool. And if so,
then I have an idea for a
trip. This is TRULY engaged travel. National Geogreaphic has been in the expedition business for a while, and now
they’re doing trips with regular folk. Sure, they can cost an arm and a leg, but where else are you going to get to ask
questions of folks like conservation biologist
Stuart Pimm.
Big Damn Fish
The Sunfish, or Mola, is one of the
strangest beasts in the ocean. How on earth did evolution choose to give this thing the fantastically odd shape it has?
I mean, it looks like Darwin was about halfway through with the thing and then got distracted by something (a Red Sox
game?) and forgot to finish. The mold was made and thown out with this bizarro fish. Well, a lot of Kiwi beach-goers
were wondering the same thing recently when one of the behemoth pancake fish
washed ashore in New Zealand. The fish in this
picture was estimated to be almost 9 feet long.
Scuba Diving Buyer’s Guide
Scube Diving magazine has a
comprehensive
buying guide for those first timers looking for scuba gear. The guide gives a nice breakdown of things to look for
in a mask, wetsuit, fins, etc., as well as a price range. It might make a nice place to look round if
you’re contemplating any purchases for the season. Of course, once you decide what you want to buy, you can check
online scuba equipment sites like DiversDiscount.com, where TONS of good
deals can be found if you poke around enough. I will post other deals and destination spots as I find them. I’m hopeful
this coming 2005 will be a big diving year.