2004: TENERIFE
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"Who'll organise a diving holiday?" said George at the AGM. As the experienced divers hid under tables, Jessica (our newest and keenest recruit) said, "I will!"
A list of names was started... the list grew... the list shrank... the list grew again. Then the travel agent disappeared; but despite the difficulties, a group of 11 divers plus hangers-on set off for Tenerife on 22nd October 2004.
We dived with one of the few dive centres on the island (or indeed the world) based in a storm drain! And after a check-out dive on the first day, things settled down into our daily boat diving routine...
Get up in the dark (something Derby BSAC divers know lots about) - a job made easier by the drone of low-flying aircraft, the pipping of car horns and the adjustment of some concrete with a large hammer! Walk to shop... Kit up in shop... Walk to harbour through town... Swim to boat... De-kit and get on boat... 5-minute boat ride... Kit up and go diving... De-kit and get on boat... 5-minute boat ride (petrol supplies permitting)... Kit up and get off boat... Swim to shore across harbour... Walk through town to shop... De-kit and fill cylinders... Repeat for afternoon dive - very strange!
Underwater, the volcanic nature of the island leads to some interesting rock formations. The fish spotters copped 38 different species. The highlights being an Eagle Ray and lots of Common Stingrays. Bluefin and Atlantic Damselfish were seen in large numbers on every dive and the Redlip Blennies were very cute and shy. We fed the stingrays with sardines bought from the subterranean 'Netto' (don't ask). They seemed to enjoy the experience and we don't want to get bogged down in the debate if it is ecologically unsound to feed the fish. "It's only like having a bird table at home." said Steve (Who is this Steve anyway?) The real feeding frenzy took place later that evening when 16 lager-fuelled Derbyites descended on the 'All You Can Eat' Chinese buffet (5.98 Euros each).
All too soon it was time to come home again. The two-hour check-in fiasco at the airport means we won't be using MyTravel again in a hurry. (At least we didn't get time to spend a lot of money in duty free!)
Thanks Jess for a great holiday.
IC