| It's February. It's
cold. It's wet. Sigh...
We're in hibernation mode here at Red Bull Adventures. I just
shipped my first stage out to Underwater Sports for a rebuild...it's
one of those fancy Poseidon things I bought years ago. I'm a
little embarrassed about it because we are definitely not fancy
here at RBA. We just want to be underwater. However, it's a
good time to get the gear polished since we're probably landlocked
into May. I'm sure we'll get out to Barview Jetty during the
next weather break. I'll try and get some good photos and post
a good story. We always have a good story. A good story? Even
with 5 feet of visibility? "Yes", Even with cloudy
skies and a cold northern? "Of course", Even with
water temperature so cold you get an ice cream headache? "Absolutely!".
Why? Because we're northwest divers and any time in the ocean
is the best time we could hope for. Now don't get me wrong...the
tropics are a treat, or even a dip in a quiet northwest lake,
with lot's of little orange salamanders to chase. I love white
beaches, suntan lotion, and dive buddies in bikinis (lady dive
buddies). Of course, Mrs. ScubaNW is my ONLY lady dive duddy,
and well worth it. I also love a good fresh water dive to relax
and thoroughly soak out all the dried salt in my gear. Any dive
is a great dive. But, until then, we can dream. Or better yet,
visit the coast. Or even better, go visit an aquarium. Hmmmm...perhaps
the Oregon Coast Aquarium over in Newport. Now before you think
this is an advertisement, it's not. Well, at least not a paid
advertisement. I received an email a few weeks ago from the
folks over at OCA asking if I would post a little link on my
site to highlight their aquarium
diving program. I thought, what the heck, I'll just do an
update and mention the program. I have never had the experience
of diving the aquarium, but I think the idea is way cool. I
did visit years ago, many years ago, and just loved it. This
was back in the days of Keiko the whale, when the large tank
had not been converted to the walk through ocean environment.
I am planning to tour the aquarium again this coming May, during
our annual family camping trip to the coast. I've got two little
divers in training (6 and 8 years old) and they just love fish.
They just go crazy every time I bring home a big ling from a
dive trip. I can only imagine the excitement overload when they
explore the exhibits. In fact, I can relate...you won't believe
the excitement overload I had when I came across this photo
from the aquarium. Oh my...that's a pretty ling.
I'm also excited to walk the tube and see the big tank. Normally
when you dive the big blue you have to manage ocean swell, wind
waves, and limited visibility. We do it all the time because
it's just a part of our adventures. I can only imagine how fun
it would be to dive the aquarium. You can gear up on a solid
surface, not a pitching boat, and ease yourself into water calm
as a backyard pool. The most impressive aspect, judging by the
photos, would be the crystal clear visibility. The dive would
offer all the adventure of the big blue while slipping through
calm, clear water. Ahhhh...the dream dive. Then, to top it off,
just climb out, get dressed and find a hot lunch! That NEVER
happens on a Red Bull Adventure. We survive the whole boat day
on bottled water and cold bagels. Our Captain seems to think
that bread and water make for a hardy diver. Between you and
me a makes for a hungry diver. So until the next dive, just
keep dreaming of the water!
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