Dive Report -- Vortex Spring, Florida

There is quite an inter-connected system of freshwater springs in western Florida.  Matt Cooper and I went SCUBA diving in Vortex Spring, close to the town of Ponce de Leon, FL.  Named after the Spanish explorer who searched for the fountain of eternal youth.  Vortex Spring may not provide eternal youth, but its easy-diving, playful atmosphere does allow you to feel like a kid.  The spring forms a cave that terminates in a locked metal grate at 110' depth.  This cave was the site of an out-of-air emergency when Matt and I dove there before.  This time, due to a sinus block, we stayed shallow and played around in the main basin.  The water is a constant 68 degrees, so after two tanks of air apiece, we were ready to warm up and head home. 

Sailing Report -- Back Bay of Biloxi

Spent another day sailing the Back Bay of Biloxi.  This was really just a relaxing afternoon of enjoying the warm weather and the holidays.  Six people were on board Jim Boernge's boat Short Circuit, including John, an 85-year-old, who did an amazing job of steering the boat.  We sailed past the VA hospital, so that CJ Boernge's sister Gale and her invalid husband Ken could see the boat.

Safety Harness and Tether

Spent most of the day building a Safety Harness and an Elastic Tether.  During rough weather, a harness and tether are essential to keep you connected to the boat.  During fair weather, it is still a good habit to wear them.  My goal in building the harness was fit and comfort.  The elastic tether is 6' long with a piece of shock cord inside the tubular webbing to shorten it and keep it out of the way.

Lift Bag

Lift bags are used to float heavy objects to the surface.  Lift bags for sale seem flimsy and overpriced, so I sewed one from heavy weight cloth.  This one is also designed differently, since a rising objects's momentum can let the bag break the surface, topple over, spill some air, then the object starts sinking, which may collide with an ascending diver.  Am planning to go diving on 30 December to see how well this works.

Sailing Report -- Back Bay of Biloxi

Spent the day sailing in the Back Bay of Biloxi with Jim Boernge, his wife CJ, their dog Sam, and Millie Newman, on Jim's boat Short Circuit.  While much of the country was facing sub-freezing winter weather, we were out sailing in t-shirts.  

Biloxi Shrimp Boats

The Biloxi shrimp boat fleet sits idle in the Back Bay of Biloxi.  One of several local casinos rises in the background.  Like other places, Biloxi struggles as the old economy slowly dies out and the new economy takes over.  Many of the old-timers complain about the pervasive negative impacts of the casinos.

On Again -- Nigeria Trip

The Nigeria trip is on again.  The boat owner found out how expensive it would be to ship his boat overseas and decided we could deliver it much cheaper.  Looks like we will start getting ready just after the Holidays and will head out during the middle of January.  Winter is a rough time for transiting the Caribbean, but a good time for the transatlantic leg, since the equatorial trade winds usually don't kick up until March.

Chaos

Fitting everything needed for a long trip into the inside of a small sailboat can cause absolute chaos. 

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

It is high time to point out fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars.  The marina at Keesler Air Force Base is almost deserted.  After spending millions of dollars to rebuild it in the three years since Hurricane Katrina, there is no electricity or running water to the docks.  Last week, three of us boat owners held a conference with the marina manager, a member of the base civil engineering section, and a contractor.  After one and one-half hours, when everything was said and done, alot was said and still nothing was done.

Cancelled -- Nigeria Trip

Today the trip to Nigeria was cancelled.  The boat owners decided to load the boat on a ship to transport it across the Atlantic rather than pay us to deliver it there.  With that out of the way, I can focus on preparing for my own sailing journey.  Still need a week or so to get ready and really shouldn't take off during Christmas, so will plan to leave in early January.  Jim Boernge may go with me as far as Key West.

Mini Dinghy

Just finished building a mini dinghy.  Used a 13.6"/24" inner tube for a tractor tire, then sewed a cover for it from an old sail.  Added some web loops for towing and handholds.  My regular inflatable tender takes awhile to assemble and inflate, so this will be handy for jobs like setting out an anchor or towing dive gear.  Will be able to sit on it and scull from the front, or lay on it and paddle by hand like a surfboard.  Am thinking it will be fun for playing in the surf.