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Published: February 22nd 2013
Bare Island
Site of MI2. And a million+ Asian wedding photos.I'm starting to get a hang of this daily diving routine, wake up around 6:30 and be at the shop by 8:00. For the first time in my life, I don't hate waking up at the crack of dawn. I've hit most of the dive sites in our area: Oak Park, Shell Harbour, The Leap, The Steps, and Bare Island. I've begun to be able to spot alot of animals, just from knowing what to look for. Octopus, sharks, rays, you name it, there is a good chance I know how to find it. At lunch time (usually between dive 2 and 3), we have tomato soup and bread rolls, along with peanut butter, vegemite (gross), cordial (lemonade), and my favorite, GUMMIES! I usually try to fill up on the free food, just like my Dad taught me, but sometimes I find if I eat to much, decending on the 3rd dive puts alot of pressure on my belly. I'm getting used to the shore entries and I can feel my legs getting stronger by the day. Each site has alot of different things that can be found at the site, from marine life, coral growth, and landscape. I'll breifly explain
A bit of underwater fun
Me on the rocking horse at Oak Park. each site, but I will make a post later with more info about some of the things I see on a daily basis.
Oak Park: Probably our most dived site. It's huge and is known for the friendly blue grouper and large schools of fish. I'm getting quite good at spotting the octopus and wobbegong sharks here. There is a rocking horse and fishing pole under the water, a favorite for props in photos.
Shell Harbour: This site had the best visability of any of the sites we dove. The water is a bit chilly, but it's known for its large bull rays and port jackson sharks. The second dive you do, if off a gravel loader (used to unload gravel off a frieghter) and is full of cuddlefish.
Bare Island: Ever seen Mission Impossible 2? This is the site of the last part of the film, where Tom Cruise rides across the bridge on a motorcycle, and proceeds to have the final fight scene. The visibility at first is pretty bad, but once you get around the bend, there are some pretty cool creatures around. It's a very popular site for wedding photos, about 3-4 each
The Steps
a bit farther down on the steps, you can see the entry point to the right of the railing. day. Mostly asians, who always approach me when I'm looking real cute coming out of the water, and ask to take photos.
The Leap: It is what it sounds like, a leap to get in the water. You have to wait for the waves to hit the peak before you jump in so that it sweeps you back out to sea. It gets pretty deep, about 70 feet or so. And let me tell you, at 70 feet, the water is cold (checked my computer: 63 degrees). Has a great swim through cave, which is something I love doing.
The Steps: Again, self explainitory. About 200 steps between the car and the entry. And wearing a 5mm wetsuit and full gear, it's a task. But climbing aside, this has become one of my favorites because its home to my favorite Australian sea creature: the weedy seadragon! Alot of free divers and spearfishers come to this location as well. A beautiful site all together.
Aside from diving, I met up with an old friend here in Sydney. Kelli Alexander, a girlfriend from my years on the skating team, now works on Royal Carribean Cruise Lines, and was docked
The Royal Botanical Gardens
Just a small bit of the gardens, a whopping 1,030 acres in total! here in Sydney. We met up one day, and I went on the ship, realizing that I had been on it years before when my family and went cruising in Alaska. We caught up on board, talked about life and agreed to meet up for dinner, leaving me for a few hours in the city alone.
I made my way to the Sydney Contemporary Art Museam, and couldnt help but snicker a bit. After seeing some of the world's best works of art in the states, this one couldnt even compare. It was all about aboriginal art and racism throughout the country. I stayed about 30 minutes and left.
I made my way once again past the Opera House and into the Botanical Gardens, to relax and read my book. I toured around for a bit since it was such a large park (1,030 acres), it took me quite a while. I found a bush that was covered in cockatoos, that once I approached, all began to land on me and try to eat my bracelets. I met a few guys there (non-english) who handed me food and I made my first friends who I bonded with, despite
Cockatoo Tree
Me playing with my new friends! the fact we couldn't communicate outside of hand gestures. I enjoyed my time with them taking pictures and playing with the birds, but I posted up under a dragon blood tree to read my book and take a nap, before heading back to the ship to meet Kelli.
Kelli and some of her girlfriends (Amanda from Michigan, Patty from Mexico, Riley from Australia) took me out to dinner at a great Italian resturant in Darling Harbour. We proceeded to order the "Colosseum" and head to the Orient for drinks. I talked with her friends and her other crewmates from all over the world, from all walks of life who gathered at this particular bar. I decided that ship life was not for me, and a small smile came across my face and reassured me I made the right choice in career. About 2am, I headed home, and Riley agreed to give me a ride home since I missed the last train, and I was so greatful becasue the taxi ride would have run me about $70. After a long day of exploring, I was glad to be snuggled up in my bed.
Me and my roomates are getting
Blast from the Past
Me and Kelli before a night on the town. along great, I even convinced them to have taco night, because I really wanted tacos. We got three new roomates since my last post, and we are now packing a full house. With 10 people, I have a feeling its about to get crazy. I'm proposing"Real World: Australia"
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Grandma
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Love hearing from you!!!
I love seeing the people you have been with & places you have been. Just think of all the memories you will have. It sounds like you are doing good with your dives. I love listing to the skyp's when you call. When I go home I am going to really to miss hearing them. Your blogs will mean even more. Stay safe & God Bless, Grandma. P.S. I love the pictures!!!