Mitsugirly needed to ESCAPE from the cold weather

[mitsugirly]

So we actually arrived here at 11:30am. Between all the talk back and forth about how to dive, doing our class and skills, then waiting on someone to arrive as another instructor, we did not get out on the boat until around 1:45pm. It was a long wait.

 

Then after the instructor showed up, they gathered all of our equipment, put it in a wheelbarrow and said "We're heading to the dock". But wait, where's the dock???? It was quite a walk for someone like me without a boot or shoe or anything. Sand is very hard to walk in when you don't have a broken foot. I tried to stay on the part where the water comes in and hardens it a little, but of course your feet sink somewhat and with it being on a slope, it was a very hard walk for me.

 

When I finally made it to the dock, we passed about 8 armed guards standing on the dock, in uniform and all with machine guns. Now that was somewhat scary!

 

Then came the task of trying to get on a moving boat...oh boy. It took me awhile to gather the courage and then some more time to maneuver onto the moving boat. I was so freaked out and holding on for dear life to the boat. I hate when someone tries to "help" you by giving you their hand. Your hand is attached to an arm. Your arm moves. I don't want to hold your unsteady hand trying to get on a boat. Give me something solid to hold on to because I can guarantee I'm not letting go of it. I held onto the top of the boat bars and eased my way down to a seat. Whew!

 

Off we went.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a very short ride. We stopped down at Bite on the Beach to let someone off there and then on to Turtle Crossing.

 

 

 

 

We stopped, everyone got on their equipment, and it was time to get in the water...from a moving boat. The hubby went in first. Then they had me walk to the end of the boat and sit on the back end. They put my bcd and tank on and told me I would just kinda roll into the water as they lifted the tank. It felt awkward and I was scared. I kept looking how far down it was. I kept looking over at the sharp blades on the motor sitting there. I could just picture myself falling sideways and hitting those blades and cutting myself open. I was just really starting to freak out. But, I tried not to let it show.

 

They lifted the tank up and I leaned and in I went. Whew, I was never so glad to hit the water. Now to see what my ankle felt like. It was weird...super weird. I could feel every piece of hardware in my leg and ankle. But, it didn't hurt. It would just take some getting used to.

 

I held onto the rope and tried to take my mind off of my foot as I watched Sakari get ready to come in. The were going to have her walk in.

 

 

Ok, it was time to do this thing!!!

 

 

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

We started easing our way down the rope. Hubby had already took himself down lol no issues. I was kind of waiting on Sakari to get down and move out of my way. My instructor kept giving me the signal to go on, but she was in my way.

 

 

 

I guess I would have to let go of the rope and just go on. No issues so far.

 

 

 

We were starting to drift off a little and Sakari was having some issues. I wasn't sure if it was her ears or what. Sometimes she has issues, sometimes she don't. She would later tell me it was a combo of equalizing her ears and a lot of issues with her mask. I really need to get her another mask of her own. She left hers at our dive shop about a year and a half ago during her last class and when I checked back with them, no one had turned it in. So, I really need to get her another that actually fits her face.

 

 

 

 

 

I was kinda circling around and trying things out while we waited on Sakari and my instructor was holding onto me and then letting me do a little on my own. I felt ok and gave her the signal I was ok. She eased up a little and out of my personal space. I honestly can't stand for someone to get close to me when diving and I'm always looking around to make sure there's no one near me at all times. But, I knew that this was needed this time around. (The hubby took a lot of videos with the GoPro but I worked the ENTIRE DAY today trying to find a GoPro editor to use to post them because they ended up horribly green and I just hate the way they look. I downloaded a program, worked the entire day on it, even added music to it, then once it was done...it put a huge logo across the entire thing!!!! I was pissed. I wasn't even going to start the rest of this review until I had it figured out).

 

Sakari finally managed to make it down and we were off. She was armed with the Olympus Tough TG4 and I will share her pictures first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

So I'm going to share these really crappy GoPro videos my hubby did because it kinda goes along with the review. I'm sorry in advance for the green look they have to them. I tried. I tried really hard to find a program to make them look better. But, I'm done trying. LOL

 

 

 

Here we are finally going down and Sakari still trying to make it down the rope.

 

 

 

 

At this point, I was figuring out that I was able to do this on my own and was feeling a little more comfortable. My instructor had let go of me and was just staying close by.

 

 

 

 

A little more time had passed by and I was feeling more and more comfortable. My instructor seen that I was managing on my own and stopped being right by my side. (Of course this came after several reassurance signals from me that I was going to be able to do this on my own).

 

 

 

 

Sakari had finally made it down and was starting to take her pictures. You know she's ok when you start to see that. But, the instructor was holding on to her in an upright position, which of course she's going to complain about. She hates being held on to. I know exactly how she feels now. 

 

 

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

Sakari desperately trying to go on her own and wanting to play in the bubbles.

 

 

 

 

 

Now remember, Sakari is an artist. She doesn't see things the way the rest of us do. She tries her hardest to explain to me "her world". Have you ever heard of the people who will see a color from hearing a note/song? That's kind of her. She will see an object that we see as what it is but she will see it as something else. She says her brain will see weird things and she makes something else out of what we are seeing. It's hard to explain.

 

So, she's chasing our bubbles...but what was she seeing in her mind? The opportunity to catch a unique picture...of jelly fish. Look at the bottom of this picture.

 

 

 

 

Then she managed to catch a really good one of my bubbles.

 

 

 

Is that picture above not the coolest picture ever???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to admit, there was a lot of bleached out coral in the area. 😞

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hubby went off in a different direction really quick and it caught my eye. He looked as if he had seen something and I started slowly trying to make my way over there. I was really hoping that I wasn't missing anything.

 

It was a school of blue tangs. So pretty. I love when we see these swimming together like this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I am going to do my pictures after hers, you will notice these blue tangs again when I get to my pictures. We only ran across a school of them once. I just thought I would mention that.

 

 

[mitsugirly]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

Hubby found a Trumpetfish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mitsugirly]

 

Would you look at the amazing color of this sea fan? The base is so purple! How beautiful is that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a school of some huge Bermuda Chubs (I think). At least that's what they looked like to me.

 

 

 

 

The hubby was taken off guard when a huge Spadefish was coming right at him. I really wish pictures and video could show the actual size of some of these fish. It's really hard to tell that they are so big.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 30, 2019 by mitsugirly

[mitsugirly]

 

Ok, it's very late and I'm so tired. I will finished this portion of the review tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying our Roatan surprise adventure. 😄

[canadianbear]

Wonderful to see you all diving and the videos and beautiful underwater photos!  Warms my heart-you did great.   Bet once you relaxed it felt so free to be “under the sea” again.  

[Laszlo]

Great videos and photos Kim!

[LeesaB]

Wow wow wow!  I'm so excited that you got to go scuba diving!  That's so great!

[Sheshefran]

All I could think about as you were describing the walk you had to make was AARGG then she has to walk it back as well.  You are very brave. 

 

[blarko]

How did your foot and ankle handle all the walking and water activity at the end of that day?

[retiredgram]

13 hours ago, erdoran said:

I’m about to buy GeoBlue Trekker for a Jan 5 cruise—if you are looking for medical and evacuation that covers them, but nothing else.  Call Trip Insurance Store and ask them for what you want, they are known to be very helpful and honest.

Thanks for the info.  None of the GeoBlue insurance plans are available for Maryland residents. I will call today and get info.

[mickeyhereicome]

Great review as always.  Does Sakari wear prescription glasses? If yes, did you buy her prescription goggles?  My boys, 11 & 9 (10 in January) love to snorkel. We are eventually going to all learn to scuba dive but around us they require you to start at age 10.  Anyways, my boys both wear glasses and haven't gotten used to getting contacts in yet.  Wondering if prescription goggles would be work it.  Our next cruise is in April on the Freedom out of San Juan for a ABC cruise.  Can't wait!

[retiredgram]

Sakari took beautiful pictures during her dive.  Glad you were able to go, but like the above poster, I'm thinking now you have to walk all that way back.

[SenatorsFan]

I'm so happy that scuba worked out for you! As usual, all of you captured such beautiful sights and colours. 😀

Heather

[mkcurran]

12 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

 

We had our "class" and then I headed over for a quick bathroom run while they took our equipment out to the water for our skills test. When I returned, my instructor was standing at the dive shop deck and said "I'm sorry, I will not be able to take you. I just dropped the tank on my foot". GASP!!! Oh em gee....his foot was terrible! A HUGE knot on the top of it and continued to swell as he stood there. He said he was in so much pain and his girlfriend was on her way to pick him up and take him to the hospital. Meanwhile, they were trying to call someone to come in to help with the dive. I felt so bad for him!!

 

 

 

 

Oh no.....

Edited December 30, 2019 by mkcurran

[Jenner9]

The Go Pro videos look great! We are going to use our Go Pro for the first time for our upcoming cruise.

[canadianbear]

1 hour ago, mickeyhereicome said:

Great review as always.  Does Sakari wear prescription glasses? If yes, did you buy her prescription goggles?  My boys, 11 & 9 (10 in January) love to snorkel. We are eventually going to all learn to scuba dive but around us they require you to start at age 10.  Anyways, my boys both wear glasses and haven't gotten used to getting contacts in yet.  Wondering if prescription goggles would be work it.  Our next cruise is in April on the Freedom out of San Juan for a ABC cruise.  Can't wait!

Just to jump in here, I bought a prescription mask and it made such a difference.  I can’t see distance so was taking underwater photos kind of blindly hoping they’d turn out.

 

  We live in Canada and I got my prescription from our eye doctor and went to the local dive shop.  They fitted me with a new mask and had various prescription lenses close to what I needed & I could try them.  Picked the closest ones and they changed the lens right there.  I can now see what I’m taking photos of clearly!  Well worth it for me and it was reasonably priced.

 

 

[JimnSuzie]

Hello! 

 

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and effort to post this review! 

 

With our crappy New England weather it is the highlight of my day! 

 

We are doing the same cruise leaving on February 8th!  You are quite the trooper going on a cruise with a mending broken ankle for sure!!! 

 

I look forward to following along!!

[palmettostatecruiser]

Hi Kim,

 

Wow, I didn't expect this review so quick! So glad you decided to go ahead on the trip and to see you doing so well! You are much braver than I am😲. Can't wait to read more!

[gui218]

So glad Mitsugirly got to do scuba in Roatan. Once the specialist cleared you there was no holding you out of the water. The dive company was dedicated and helpful with your limitations.  When getting around on the boat use a Galapagos handshake, forearm to forearm for good support.

The video by hubby on the go pro is great, the blue tangs you all got to see and Sakari photo captured. He is very comfortable diving and the go pro video is a bonus.

Sakari took some colourful pictures once the mermaid was free from her minder. The Bubbles/jellyfish picture is one she can work with at home. 

Congratulations to you and the family. We know the dive will aid your recovery from the injury.

We look forward to your pictures and more of the review. 

[mitsugirly]

3 hours ago, gui218 said:

So glad Mitsugirly got to do scuba in Roatan. Once the specialist cleared you there was no holding you out of the water. The dive company was dedicated and helpful with your limitations.  When getting around on the boat use a Galapagos handshake, forearm to forearm for good support.

The video by hubby on the go pro is great, the blue tangs you all got to see and Sakari photo captured. He is very comfortable diving and the go pro video is a bonus.

Sakari took some colourful pictures once the mermaid was free from her minder. The Bubbles/jellyfish picture is one she can work with at home. 

Congratulations to you and the family. We know the dive will aid your recovery from the injury.

We look forward to your pictures and more of the review. 

 

Yep, I was determined to get in that water and dive for sure!!!

 

I just wish the GoPro wouldn't have turned out green in color. I may need to get a filter.

 

The mermaid wasn't set free until the very end and I'm pretty sure that happened by mistake and she got away trust me.

 

7 hours ago, palmettostatecruiser said:

Hi Kim,

 

Wow, I didn't expect this review so quick! So glad you decided to go ahead on the trip and to see you doing so well! You are much braver than I am😲. Can't wait to read more!

 

I'm glad we decided to go after all as well. I didn't think I had it in me honestly.

 

7 hours ago, JimnSuzie said:

Hello! 

 

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and effort to post this review! 

 

With our crappy New England weather it is the highlight of my day! 

 

We are doing the same cruise leaving on February 8th!  You are quite the trooper going on a cruise with a mending broken ankle for sure!!! 

 

I look forward to following along!!

 

Thanks for your kind words. I hope you have a wonderful warm February cruise!!

 

8 hours ago, canadianbear said:

Just to jump in here, I bought a prescription mask and it made such a difference.  I can’t see distance so was taking underwater photos kind of blindly hoping they’d turn out.

 

  We live in Canada and I got my prescription from our eye doctor and went to the local dive shop.  They fitted me with a new mask and had various prescription lenses close to what I needed & I could try them.  Picked the closest ones and they changed the lens right there.  I can now see what I’m taking photos of clearly!  Well worth it for me and it was reasonably priced.

 

 

 

Good idea. I'll have to see about our local dive shop and see if they can do something with Sakari's prescription. I never even thought about that. However, I have always heard (and read...even on these boards) that when you put a mask on and go under water, it magnifies everything and makes it clearer. When the hubby wore glass, before his lasik surgery, and also Sakari said that they can see better under water. I'm not sure since I haven't had that problem and my eyes are good for distance.

 

 

8 hours ago, Jenner9 said:

The Go Pro videos look great! We are going to use our Go Pro for the first time for our upcoming cruise.

 

Eh, I didn't think so. The green....ewwy! The above water videos are awesome though!

 

9 hours ago, SenatorsFan said:

I'm so happy that scuba worked out for you! As usual, all of you captured such beautiful sights and colours. 😀

Heather

 

Me too trust me!!! I was so worried.

 

9 hours ago, retiredgram said:

Sakari took beautiful pictures during her dive.  Glad you were able to go, but like the above poster, I'm thinking now you have to walk all that way back.

 

She did pretty good, but then again she usually does. The only issue with her is she doesn't know how to control the dials. I have to put the camera on the underwater setting and give it to her. The deeper we go, or if the clouds cover the sun, she doesn't know how to adjust the dials to compensate. Maybe one day I'll show her but for now, I don't want her worrying about any of that and concentrate on the dive itself.

 

I didn't have to walk all the way back. They dropped me off right at the door at the port.

 

9 hours ago, mickeyhereicome said:

Great review as always.  Does Sakari wear prescription glasses? If yes, did you buy her prescription goggles?  My boys, 11 & 9 (10 in January) love to snorkel. We are eventually going to all learn to scuba dive but around us they require you to start at age 10.  Anyways, my boys both wear glasses and haven't gotten used to getting contacts in yet.  Wondering if prescription goggles would be work it.  Our next cruise is in April on the Freedom out of San Juan for a ABC cruise.  Can't wait!

 

Yes she does. No prescription mask for her. She has been using the mask the dive shops provide for her since losing her mask at her dive shop and no one turned them in. I'll have to see about getting her a pair matching her presciption.

 

Lucky you to be going on an ABC cruise!

 

9 hours ago, retiredgram said:

Thanks for the info.  None of the GeoBlue insurance plans are available for Maryland residents. I will call today and get info.

 

I wish you luck.

 

10 hours ago, blarko said:

How did your foot and ankle handle all the walking and water activity at the end of that day?

 

I paid the price for it that night and then next day.

 

10 hours ago, Sheshefran said:

All I could think about as you were describing the walk you had to make was AARGG then she has to walk it back as well.  You are very brave. 

 

 

It was TERRIBLE! I didn't have to do the walk back though.

 

11 hours ago, LeesaB said:

Wow wow wow!  I'm so excited that you got to go scuba diving!  That's so great!

 

I know right? It was amazing.

 

13 hours ago, Laszlo said:

Great videos and photos Kim!

 

Thank you

 

19 hours ago, canadianbear said:

Wonderful to see you all diving and the videos and beautiful underwater photos!  Warms my heart-you did great.   Bet once you relaxed it felt so free to be “under the sea” again.  

 

Thanks so much. It was very hard to relax because I was concentrating on keeping my foot safe and not twisting it the wrong way, which I did twice and felt the pain, but being in the water took the weight off it. It was just hard to kick and move and my buoyancy was a little off. But, it was all worth it.

 

 

 

21 hours ago, Beav1279 said:

Thanks for your review! I always enjoy your colorful pictures! I'm glad to hear that you're up and walking after your accident. I had to wear a boot for 3 months after tearing all my ligaments and that first month was exhausting! The boot was so heavy! But you eventually get used to it.

 

Thank you so much. Those boots are heavy for sure! But, it makes me feel safe in it.

[mitsugirly]

On with this review...

 

Another video with the GoPro comes to you in a beautiful hue of GREEN of course!😣

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really like the next video. We were swimming in a valley (really not sure what it's actually called) and from the video, it looked like the walls were not very tall and it was very shallow. But at the end of the video, you can easily tell that it was pretty deep and we are going up the wall.

 

 

 

 

 

This video is pretty good and I call it the sticky fingers coral

 

 

 

 

 

 

A really cool valley that was too small for us to go into, our instructor kicking like a frog (lol) and Sakari still being held by a strap with her instructor.