Back Into Darkness

Here’s the thing about the ocean: it is where life probably originally arose, but it is also an extremely destructive power. According to the NOAA, the average ocean depth is 12,100 feet. Recreational divers aren’t supposed to go beyond 130 feet, so we are barely wading, really. And even these scant depths aren’t meant for […]

I Finally (Really) See the Light

When we jumped into the water, the reef sharks were already prowling the dive site, knowing what to expect. We all took positions on the sandy seafloor as the frozen mackerel baitball was positioned. Then they attacked. Aggressively. Other fish joined the fray, but only as scavengers capturing crumbs of chum that were falling by […]

I Never Realized I Was Susceptible to Seasickness

The captain and crew all know my name. I feel like that’s not good. They use it freely with discussion, questions, instructions, and corrections. All. The. Time. It has me worried. I’ve only been here a couple of days, so I don’t like my name being used that often. It’s not a good sign. Anonymity […]

When We Sailed Out of Nassau

As we approached the boat to prepare for boarding, the unrelenting sun was already lashing at our exposed skin. Considering the small area of shade on the largely exposed deck, I paused to consider, “I wonder how bad this sunburn will be.” Later, when Trish, who I met in Cozumel, saw the paltry tube of […]

Hello Again! See You soon!

I pulled an all-nighter last night. That’s just how work has been lately. I wasn’t on call, but I spent the last two days doing a telemedicine clinic that was so busy that I simply had no choice but to toil until nearly midnight completing the work. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends […]

And All Becomes Right With The World

We pulled away from the dock and headed south along the coast of the Island of Cozumel, the sun still hanging low in the morning sky to our port (left). Today was Friday, so there weren’t as many divers overall, and the resort decided to consolidate us all into one boat. Sitting next to me […]