Another hard day!!!

Ended up watching the football with a few of the guys which normally wouldn'r be a issue, but as we are a few hours ahead it meant that I didn't get in till 2 am.

Dressed and up reasonalbly early its time to sort some washing out (which basically means walking down the beach and handing it to a lady for her to wash).

Washing sorted it was again time to exlore the island. My feet have walked some miles while I have been here. First it wash up a giant hill to 2 views ( think they miss named it because i could only see one) and then on to Budda rock and the bay there.


Two views (or as I am renaming it One view and a really long walk up hill)

Budda rock

As its the full moon party on one of the other islands its really quiet here. Just the way I like it. Not that the beaches are full anyway.


After a mamoth walk I made it back to my beach for a bit of relaxation before I had to pick up my washing.

Washing picked up and the sun going down on the horizon it was time to hit my fave bar witha few of the gang from the dorm to watch the sun go down and to grab a red thai curry (yum yum).

The shadow of a person is a lovely what I think is a Russian Lady that walks past most days.

If you wonder why I make it down to the beach at sun set most days. Wonder no more!

It helps that Sabrina has a stunning smile too. lol.

Hin Wong Bay

Spent the evening watching the sun go down at one of my favorite bars on the beach.

After a hour or so just listening to the waves lapping the shore it was time to go to the DJL bar for open mic night. Naz (the hostel manager) played a few tunes on the guitar while I sung along. One of the other guys recited some of his own poetry, then it was a everyone jump in a sing what they like. Bar shut at 11:30 so decided to call it a night.



Decided that today I was going to do a bit of exploring the island. So fed, watered and supplies packed I set off for the far side of the island. After a couple of steep hills I made it to the top for some great views.

Gonna watch some football tonight then its more walking the island tomorrow. Might get some washing done too (shock horror).

Will be thinking about you all having your meal together tomorrow. Miss you all loads.

The best hangover cure!!

Was going to have a quiet one and a early night after 9 dives in 4 days. It all started out so well when I went down to Fizz (beach bar) for a beer and a chill. I was then joined by Laura, Jess and Kate who I had met in the dorm and we had some food and a chat (all going to plan so far). Then we went to Lotus (beach bar) and most of the guys from the dive centre were there as a few of the instructors were going home.

This is when the plan went out the window and party time started. We watched the fire show with a beer or two and then went to Fish Bowl (beach bar) for a boogie on the sand. By this time I was feeling a little tipsy so decided drinking water was a good idea. I got back to the dorm at 4am ish and had one of the best nights sleep i've had on my travels (the diving must have taken it out of me).

I woke up about lunch time with a bit of a hangover so went for a walk down the beach to see if there was anything in the shops I could buy for Izzy (niece) as part of my one present from each country promise. As the island I am staying on is know as turtle island I have got her a turtle key ring.

After a look round the shops it was time to chill on the beach and with views like this its one of the best hangover cures I know.

Advanced open water completed.

Had my final two dives for my advanced opened water today. Wreck adventure and our deep dive. Maximum depth was 30m and had a ball on the wreck.


Me, Kyle and Ari at the Satakut Wreck

The Sattakut was laid down at Commercial Ironworks in Portland Oregon. She was launched on February 27th, 1944 and commissioned into the US Navy as a Landing Craft Infantry (L)arge. She saw acion during the following campaigns:
Western Caroline Operations- Capture and occupation of Southern Pulau Island from the 6th of September to the 14th of October 1944 as LCI(L).
She was reclassified as LCI(G)unboaton the 31st December 1944, and participated in the the Iwo Jima operation which involved the assualt and ocupation from 19th of February to the 3rd of March 1945.
She then participated in the Okinawa Sunto operation from the 26th of March to the 14th of June 1945. During this operation she was again reclassified to LCI (M)ortar, on the 30th of April 1945.
LCI (L)(G)(M) recieved 3 battlestars for service during World War II.

She was commissioned into the Thai Navy as the HTMS Sattakut in 1946, and was sunk in Koh Tao on the 18th of June 2011 at 16h00.



Our instructor Neal showing us around.

Ari having a look at the bridge from the outside

 



One of my fish shots (managed to gently decend in to get close enough without scaring off) 

3 Dives in a day! I'm goosed

After our open water certification yesterday it's a must we see the video of us diving in a bar with a few beers with our instuctors and camera lady.

It was early evening and our first dive of the day wasn't until the afternoon the following day so we had a few more beers on the beach where the bar had a fire show and half price beer (result).

The fire show wasn't bad and thanks to Sophie I now use the manual settings on my camera so got some good pictures.





 

 

After the nights fun we get a lie in to recover. Some dinner and a couple of smoothies and its time to start our open water advanced.

 

Dive 5                        Mango Bay                               Dive time 40mins

 

Its back to the sandy sea bed of Mango Bay so that we can complete our Navigation skills tests. The drills go well so we have time to swim to the reef. On the way back we are circled by a huge school of fish. Its a totally amasing experience. Dive 5 done and dusted its back to the boat for a snack and our surface break.

 

Dive 6                     Twins                                           Dive time 41mins

 

Having completed our Navigation skills tests on dive 5 its now time for our Buoyancy skills tests. This includes finn pivots (you lie on the sea bed and when you breath in the top half of your body swings up while your fins stay put and when you breath out you go back down). Its sounds easy until you try it. We then move onto hovering and my favorite test the invert. This is when a knife is stuck in the sand with just the handle showing and you have to manouver your body so that you head is facing the sea bed and your feet are pointing towards the sky. You then breath out gently so you slowly decend in the same position so that the handle pushes the button on the regulator (the mouthpiece you breath through. Its then time for the inverted hover. Its takes a while to get used to being what would be upside down in air, but its great fun and a really handy skill to learn for looking at and getting close to coral. We then have time to manover our way around a man made course of hoops and obsticals. Time to get back to shore and get some food before dive 7.

 

Dive 7 (Night Dive)      White Rock                         Dive time 42 mins

 

For our 3rd dive of the day its time to hit a dive site at night. All geared up and torches on we jump in and make our way to the bottom. All the skills we used in dive 6 really come in handy as we follow our instructor Neal around the reef. We get to see some stingray , hermit crabs, but just miss out on seeing the turtle due to another dive group pushing in. Neal isn't happy with them and i'm sure he will be having words with them back on land. The best bit of the dive was when we sat on the botton and covered the torches so we were sat in the dark you can then activate the luminessance (sorry for the spelling) in the water. The only way I can descibe it is like having a firefly show. Nobody whats to come up but our time is done. Back to base for some more food and a early night as we are up early tomorrow for what should be the last two dives of our advanced open water course. I get to play with a underwater camera tomorrow aswell so I should be able to get some pictures on here.



Open water certification

Well its official I am now a certified open water diver after completing my fourth dive and all the skills tests.

The breakdown of dives are as follows:

24/09/2012

Dive 1: Mango Bay           Dive time 30mins             Max depth 9.3m

It started as all opened water first dives start with a 200m swim around the boat without fins, mask or dive gear. We then made our way down the guide rope to the sandy sea bed.  Following Chris around the dive site in formation you find yourself concentrating on breathing and making sure you don’t fall out of line. That is until a huge ball of fish trevally fish swim past you which is then you start to look around a bit more. Before you know it’s time to make a controlled ascent to the surface. At the surface we complete our first skills tests in open water and then its back on the boat for our surface interval before the next dive.

 

Dive 2: Japanese gardens             Dive time 36mins             Max depth 8.3m

Relaxed by the success of our first dive we settle into a early smooth and energy saving diving style. The Japanese garden site is a coral site compared to Mango bay site which is mostly sandy beds. Its a good site for us to practice our depth control. As you come up to a outcrop you fill your lungs full of air and the extra buoyancy takes you up and as you reach the other side of the outcrop you steadly breath out which then takes you back down. It’s a smooth and graceful motion that takes a while to get used to as the up and down movements are delayed, but towards the end of the dive we are all getting pretty good at it. It’s mostly butterfly and Rabbit fish on this dive and before know it it’s time to complete some more skills tests before we surface. A tired group then makes its way back to base with beaming smiles.

 

25/09/2012

Dive 3: Hin Peewee / Sattatuk Wreck      Dive time 28mins             Max depth 18m

It’s a early morning start and the sea is a bit rougher than on previous days. We have a video diver with us for today’s dives and because we completed most of our skills test yesterday the mornings dive is just going to be a fun one.  We make our way to our required depth without the aid of a line then set off around the site.  Through the blue appears to be a old world war II gun boat with a gun emplacement on the front desk and cabin on the aft. It’s too deep for us to get a really close look (when we are certified it’s a site we may return too), but we get a great view as we circle over the top like a school of fish. After the wreck we swim to the Hin Peewee which is a huge outcrop of coral.  As we swim round fish appear from all directions. Groupers, Trigger fish, Butterfly fish and file fish. We just missed out on seeing a turtle, but may get the chance later if we are lucky. As we are now at ease in the water and the camera is on its time for us to try out a few moves. A few spins, hovers   and kisses blown at the camera later and its time to end the dive. To the surface and to start our surface interval time before our last dive of the day. The waves have picked up a little so most are now feeling seasick, with me and a few others emptying our breakfasts into the sea. Time to get back under the surface were seasickness doesn’t effect the body.

 

Dive 4:White rock                     Dive time 40 mins                Max depth 17.6m     

As we have impressed over the time with our instructors we get to enter the water using the dead Mexican technique which basically means standing on the side of the boat and letting yourself fall backwards until you hit the water before the first of our last skills tests. The bottom is more sandy that the last 2 dives and we kneel on the bottom to complete our last skills tests. Skills tests completed its time to have some fun with the video diver.  Having practiced the technique on dry land it’s time to see if we can blow air rings. After a few goes I get a few messy rings to form and only crack one perfect ring (like the one’s Chris the instructor has been blowing for fun) which I hope was caught on camera.  After a few more spins, superman poses, etc for the camera its time to end the dive. On breaking the surface Chris and Cidney had out the fist punches and congratulate us on completing our open water certification. With the formalities completed on dry land it’s just a matter of seeing how the video turned out and getting our PADI certification cards. If I can I’ll post the video on hear and facebook.

I’m feeling it may be a early night tonight after a celebration beer with the rest of the gang and instructors. Then tomorrow it’s time to start studying for my open water advanced qualification and maybe a turtle, reef shark (the ones that swim around eating plankton with their mouths open not the ones with lots of teeth that bite), a wreck ,etc, before it’s time to move to Hong Kong for my next adventure.

Open water dives today

Off the drink because of diving so went back to dorm for a early night and couldn't sleep. Thankfully the dorm boss, some locals and some tourists were sat outside playing music on the guitar. I joined in for a few songs and got asked if i'd come to a open mic jam the following night (they must have been drunk). It was really chilled, a great laugh and I still got into bed before 12pm.

Work up early for some breakfast before my big test. Me and one of the other guys on the class got 100% (who would have thought it). This is good because it means that Sidney has to by us a beer when we finish the course (I knew there was a reason I studied hard).

Just a few pics from today as i've been too busy concentrating to tack pictures.

This is me all kitted up after dive number 2 today.

 

 

This is one of the dive sites.

 



 

 

 

Our main instructor is really pleased with our group. We have not only completed most of our practical moduels, but our techniques are really good.

 

 

5:30 get up tomos for two dives and that should be open water completed. Then just two days of open water advanced.

 

 

I've made it a daily must do to watch the sun go down on the beach.

 

 

Its helps that Sophie and the clan are there too.



 

 

And the views aren't bad either.

 

 

First night chilling beachside

Sorry for the lack of pictures with my last few posts. Studying and homework come before drinking and picture taking. Hopefully I'll get a few more pictures from tomorrow onwards.

Exam in the morning then out to open water for my first open water dive. Time in the pool was great fun and really educational today. Cannot thank Chris and Susie (master diver and trainers) enough for the help and assistance they have given.

Early night again tonight (no drinking before a dive the following day).

Spent the afternoon chilling on the beach witha couple of the gang from the dorm. Love the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.

Water was too warm for Ted so he stayed on the beach.

 

 

 

Missing you all but not enough to come home early. Why don't you come and visit me!!!

 



 

 

 

The view if i look up from the last picture. No wonder i' not coming home early.,

 

 

 

Be and my new buddy chilling. Its a hard life.

Back to school amd homework. Doh!!!

Forgot to mention yesterday that I moved into my accomodation which is a 8 bed dorm room which I had to myself until today when 1 Lad and 4 Ladies moved in (I love my life) (Aunt has probably just fallen of the chair reading this).

I also started the first day of my scuba diving course (Aunt has probably just fallen of her chair again). Its a professional company with a great reputation and all the proper cetification. I did all my full research before I came away. We spent the day in the classroom studying and even have homework to do. Both of the instructors for our 4 man group are master divers and now teach experienced divers how to become master divers (one Australian one from UK). So we're lucky to have them.

Just sat in the dive school bar (drinking a non alcoholic drink as we hit the pool at 9am) watching Swansea get beat by Everton and finishing my homework.

Man Utd vrs Liverpool early kick off means tomorrow that is on at a reasonable time hear (bonus)

For the last one and a bit days we've had some heavy thunder storms here which broke this morning. Its been glourious blue skies and sunshine today and forcast for the next few days atleast. Water is really still so it means that diving conditions are great. I'm hoping to get some great pictures.

Must dash so that I can get a early night.

Night train to Cairo (only kidding its Koh Tao)

Sat in Bangkok train station after purchasing my night train / ferry tickets. A few hours to kill so time for some people watching. I am treated to a Thai superstar filming his next music video. Think i'm am just out of shot on the balcony but I will put a link to the video if I can find it so you can see for yourself.

When I do make it on the train i've got my first class sleeper cabin to my self.

 

 

Being stuck in my cabin is boring so I decide to find the buffet car to chat to my fellow travellers. This was a great plan as there are plenty of friendly people.

 



A couple hours kip on the train and a hours kip on the ferry and i've arrived in Koh Tao. Its beautiful and everyone is really friendly. Had a trip down to the beach for a wander.

Now sat in the pool bar about to grab some food and a diet coke with some of the dive instructors. Have been made to feel so welcome.

Think i'm gonna really enjoy it here.

Sights and sounds

Woke up early feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Walking sandals on, camera and map in bag and set off for a trip around town.

The first thing that hits me when walking about is the sound (of the traffic) and the smells (of the food vendors at the side of the road. It is a attack on the senses at first but you soon become used to it.

Being a little off the main drag (my plan for my first two day stop in Bangkok) it is some walk to the Convention Centre. The Park there is beautiful and really quiet.



 


















I then get  a Tuk Tuk to see a few of the more popular attractions at the far end of town.

If you look closely in the right hand mirrow you may just be able to see a reflection of me. If the driver would stop trying to take me to his mates shops it would be a great way to see the sights. I think he has now got the picture as I have told him I have only come out with a small amount of cash so he's wasting his time.

Next stop is a little temple with the smiling Buda. Just me in there and the guide tells me a bit about the temple and that he used to work in Australia. He askes me if I am in Bangkok to teach English (me teach lol).

Next stop is the Golden Mount Temple. This temple is set on a mount (thus the name) in the middle of Bangkok. It is really impressive.

Lots of Buddha and rining of hugh bells.

My Favorite Buddha so far (Buddha of wealth). A few prayers we said and I wasn't the only one lol. I guess i'll have to wait until Vegas to find out if they are answered lol.

 

 

My final stop of the day was Lumphini Park. It was great to get away from the hussle and bussle with some great sights.

 

 

 

 

I expected to have some animals in the park but had to take a step back when this crossed the path in front of me (Lumphini Park 1 Dukinfield Park 0 lol).

 



 

 

You might get a day off from me blogging tomorrow. Going to be on the move down to the Island of Koh Tao. Its the part of this section of the trip that I've really been loooking forward too.