Papau As you say diving diversity in Indonesia is tops but this one? Always hope for new dives but they don't always pan out. Sorry the regulator was acting up but your experience took care of you. I loved the cost benefit analysis with happiness and variety of species. Sounds like you found plenty of entertainment above the water. Keep traveling.
Exploratory diving rocks! I think im addicted to diving where no one else has gone before now MJ even with the hit and miss nature of this type of diving. Im off on another exploratory trip in June ;)
Peril under the waves That would be my greatest fear, being underwater and there is an issue with the oxygen. And knowing that you are going to inflict yourself with a deal of pain to get out of it. Well, better than drowning. Very impressed that you seemed to handle it so well!
Thanks Shane Two firsts on the same bad dive site..losing air rapidly and having an ear that felt like it was exploding were not fun, but given ive been diving many years and never had an issue Im just glad I dont have a big panic impulse..staying calm = staying alive :)
Diving drama! Well, you didn't die despite some high drama in an incredible current, and you got to explore a new site, so right there, I think you're ahead, not to mention the fine, jungly, bat-filled sunset. I should think a certain number of exploratory dives would end up flops like my exploratory hikes to dead ends and impenetrable brush. Besides, the terrible dive made a great story. Glad the rest of the dives were great.
Travel buddies That is exactly the magic of travel, you meet people you'd never have thought you'd come across and form bonds with the most unlikely of people. I think I want to be Linda when I grow up too :)
Live aboard I've always been a bit hesitant to sign up for a live aboard. Small spaces with the unknown and you can't get away from them or them from us. Your experience sounds great so I will have to rethink it. The key to travel is flexibility, going with the flow and not making your mind up about people too soon. Sounds like you passed the Linda test. Good job.
Growth though travel--humph! How brilliant that you and the seemingly so different Linda learned to get along so well--but I wanted a photo of you two together! I guess I'll have to wait until you two have your next adventure together. I love your words: "they seek, they yearn for freedom and to discover and to live." Glad you and Linda each were able to find the magical points of connection--congrats!
Linda I once had a crush on a Linda...but she spelt her name Lynda...Lynda Carter actually. Sometimes she went by another name...a pseudonym you might say. Wonder if you hung out with the same Linda...who spelt her name Lynda? Great yarn Cindy...lot of you revealed therein. Hope the dive pics a'coming!
Bare Naked Sometimes I do write blogs 'bare naked' - my soul that is! Linda H was given an opportunity to look at this blog before I published it. I guess you know how I am a little wary around people Dave, this trip had forced me to find the ways to like people again just like Sydney - thanks - this might get addictive this liking humans thing!
Odd couple for sure! Guess I'd better be careful what I say around you, you are like a tape recorder! I admit I saw that RED hair & thought - who is this crazy lady? As you say, we are as different as two people can get in many ways but so alike in others. You are as in love with life & adventure as anyone I know! A lot of my travels have been in the last 18 years since i retired - just look what you have in store!! Hope we can get together again sometime. If you want to come here let me know & maybe I'll get "down under" again one of these days.
Thank you Linda :) So glad to have met you, and glad you have taken this blog in the spirit you have :) Oh and dont worry, you are not getting rid of me that easily - I will make sure we get to adventure together again - thanks for everything and for being you :)
Ternate & Tidore Thank you for your reports on these exotic volcanic islands that are so important in the history of the spice trade. To think the clove plantations I saw in Zanzibar were from seed from Ternate...records of ancient trade with Madagascar. There is so much history we can only speculate.
Speculation & Mysteries are all we have Quite awesome isnt it Dave...and now I have another quest, to get to Zanzibar to see the offspring of Afo - we think we know so much when we really know so little.
Exotic islands and flowers How wonderful and refreshing to be on such a relatively untouched island! Curious of the clitoria flower, I looked it up and found that it was indeed named in Latin for its resemblance to a woman's clitoris and vagina by that Dutch East India botanist, and that in the vernacular of various languages, it also has the same meaning. It's quite beautiful!
Ternate I've learned a lot! I firstly had to google "Ternate" as I had never heard of it and had no idea where it was. I already like it there, the original home of cloves, and it comes with fireflies - two of my favourite things. And now I learn about white crocodiles :) Looking forward to the rest to reading about the rest of your adventures.
Evolution I loved the notes from his journal, how cool. Oh the joys of the trusty noodle cup. I get food poisoning very easy so I'm always looking for a safe option. The soup Nazi would not have deterred me. I'm sorry Tim has such a small camera. He really needs to do something about that. Lots of lava, sounds like your kind of island, as you say geomorphic heaven! Loved your discovery of lighten bugs (yes I'm American) filling your room. How cool is that. I'm glad you made it to Ternate.
Thanks MJ Yes, Tim does need to do something about that point and shoot..actually i think looking at the pic Russ's camera is also in there. You are so lucky to have ''lightning bugs" around..they are just so cool. More words from Wallace in an upcoming blog ")
From one geek to another Your blog sent me to research Wallace, and how his name should be placed with and as revered as Darwin's. Thanks for the lesson. I'm an amateur geologist, so I love your rock references. You mentioned glassy, black rock--was it obsidian? I remember the climb up to walking on a glacier in Patagonia and seeing rhyolite for the first time and being blown away. Rocks rock!
Aww thanks Tara :) Unfortunately not obsidian as obsidian forms when the magma flow rapidly cools - these were rhyolite. If they were obsidian the gem workers on Hamlahera would have quickly taken them and turned them into rings and necklaces. Basic basaltic lava flow but i did notice some really cool limestone lacework creeping onto the rocks in the water...how I would have loved to dive down there!
Hiya :) I'm a 50 year old free spirited lady from Australia who just updated her profile because I realised i am no longer 46 and am also not Peter Pan. I like to spend life doing ridiculous things and have no intention of ever stopping. I've taken a year off to explore the planet and reward myself for well, years of work.. Im very much a seat of your pants traveller and totally irresponsible. Most of my travels are spur of the moment run away from home episodes and my teenage sons are cool with this. Im at peace with knowing riotous times dont have to stop when your supposed to have grown up... full info
D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Papau
As you say diving diversity in Indonesia is tops but this one? Always hope for new dives but they don't always pan out. Sorry the regulator was acting up but your experience took care of you. I loved the cost benefit analysis with happiness and variety of species. Sounds like you found plenty of entertainment above the water. Keep traveling.