September 29, 2005 - Hump Day
It was tough yesterday when I realized that we had passed the mid-point of the trip. It was even tougher today when the seas were too rough to get to the other side of the island. So far, the diving has been incredible. We’ve encountered some pretty big creatures with sharp teeth but I personally came here to find Hammerheads. The one we’ve seen have been beautifully powerful and graceful. But, on the other side of the island, there are supposed to be hundreds at a time. To be sharing a small corner of the ocean with hundreds of Hammerheads would be quite the experience.
Yesterday’s dives were somewhat uneventful for Coco’s standards. We saw a bunch of Whitetip sharks which has become kinda like seeing big, wild dogs…dangerous enough to make you stay on your toes but common enough that you no longer stop to take pictures (or write home about). I also saw a Manta Ray but it was far enough away that I have to think twice before making the claim. We managed to battle our way down a dive with strong currents and rough seas. Diving can be quite a sport…not unlike professional wrestling.
For our night dive yesterday, we revisited the reef where the Whitetips hunt. The first night, we experienced this sight and I must admit, I was nervous. I kept a safe distance from the frenzy and observed from a far. Last night, having shared the ocean with these creatures for a whole four days already, I decided to get into the mix. Observing at eye level of the sharks was a powerful experience. I tucked myself into a small corner of the reef and just waited for sharks to approach. As the turned the corner, we came eye-to-eye to each other. All this time, other sharks were approaching me from behind and gliding over my shoulders. I was happy that I didn’t look like a small fish.
Today’s dives were truly spectacular. On our third, we hopped over to a site called “Silverado”. It was very appropriately named…several Silvertip Sharks tend to gallivant around this place. The Silvertips differ from Whitetips in some ways. They are much bigger…kinda like panthers instead of wild dogs. They cruise around intimidating big things and eating smaller ones. Shooting photos of these magnificent animals is tough. They are intimidating but cautious. Movement tends to affect their path, scaring them away. So, to shoot photos, it was a matter of finding a spot, holding my breath as they approached, hoping that the shark wouldn’t turn away at that one wrong moment. All in all, it was a successful dive…I grabbed some neat photos and made it back to the boat with all limbs attached.
Yesterday’s dives were somewhat uneventful for Coco’s standards. We saw a bunch of Whitetip sharks which has become kinda like seeing big, wild dogs…dangerous enough to make you stay on your toes but common enough that you no longer stop to take pictures (or write home about). I also saw a Manta Ray but it was far enough away that I have to think twice before making the claim. We managed to battle our way down a dive with strong currents and rough seas. Diving can be quite a sport…not unlike professional wrestling.
For our night dive yesterday, we revisited the reef where the Whitetips hunt. The first night, we experienced this sight and I must admit, I was nervous. I kept a safe distance from the frenzy and observed from a far. Last night, having shared the ocean with these creatures for a whole four days already, I decided to get into the mix. Observing at eye level of the sharks was a powerful experience. I tucked myself into a small corner of the reef and just waited for sharks to approach. As the turned the corner, we came eye-to-eye to each other. All this time, other sharks were approaching me from behind and gliding over my shoulders. I was happy that I didn’t look like a small fish.
Today’s dives were truly spectacular. On our third, we hopped over to a site called “Silverado”. It was very appropriately named…several Silvertip Sharks tend to gallivant around this place. The Silvertips differ from Whitetips in some ways. They are much bigger…kinda like panthers instead of wild dogs. They cruise around intimidating big things and eating smaller ones. Shooting photos of these magnificent animals is tough. They are intimidating but cautious. Movement tends to affect their path, scaring them away. So, to shoot photos, it was a matter of finding a spot, holding my breath as they approached, hoping that the shark wouldn’t turn away at that one wrong moment. All in all, it was a successful dive…I grabbed some neat photos and made it back to the boat with all limbs attached.
Exhausting…that is probably the best description of how I feel right now. Tomorrow, the dives will start quite early. Good judgment is important to possess. Falling asleep with this computer on my lap would be an example of bad judgment…being in the top bunk and all.
2 Comments:
Fu,
These photos are amazing, but you are totally insane. Paul too, I might add. Be safe and see you in a couple of weeks.
-Annie
Is insane really quite the word? I'll echo Annie in saying: be safe you two!
-Bonnie
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