A Different and Unexpected World

First and foremost, Happy Fathers Day to my father, and all the others trying to be as amazing. Thank you for all your patience and knowledge throughout the years. Like I told you, if I am able to be half the man you are, I will have done well.

Life is a good and the adventure continues from a different viewpoint. I completed my SCUBA certification and went on the Puerto Rico Wall Dive. This is located several miles off the south part of the island where the depth drops from around 65 feet to 2000 feet. The area is teaming with sea life and the sea wall is absolutely incredible with the dramatic void below me as I was gracefully gliding over this very diverse waterscape. There was a large outcropping coming off the wall. A large array of rocks shaped as a half sphere hosting coral and very diverse wildlife. Three of us were diving, including the dive master. I went down to 95 feet and saw a five foot yellow and white moray eel. It amazes me how they can move so smoothly through the caves in the rock and corral. They seem to be afraid of divers and hide when we get too close. In contrast to the eel, there was a very curious triangular head shaped fish. It swam with us nearly the whole time at around 90 feet either nipping at our fins or just trying to figure out what we are. I could write pages on what I saw. It is absolutely stunning. To be at a place where it drops to 2000 feet, and seeing that void was like a different world. I can only imagine what was swimming below me.  I do not have any pictures of the dive, but I am hoping to get some from the camera they brought on the dive.  I will post them if I am able to acquire them.

In addition we had a group of three spear fishing for Lion fish. It was very interesting to see, I thought it would be a little more challenging, but the fish don’t really try to get away. Unfortunately they do not belong in the Atlantic Ocean and are causing some problems. So I suppose it is good they don’t know how to fight back.

This is not to say that my previous certification dives were not amazing as well. They were shore dives, not as deep, but still teaming with life. I was able to see and swim with a Sea Turtle. I don’t believe he really took notice of us, but it was still fun to watch him swim. The Sergeant Majors are entertaining as well. You can say they are like the pigeons of the water. They swarm around you because they think you have food. Nipping at your hands, fins and anything that they think is food. Supposedly people feed them when they dive, so it is understandable. They don’t hurts, but are very friendly to say the least. Combined with the variance of colorful coral, sea plants and warm water; it is an amazing experience. Crash Boat Beach was one of my favorites places due to the fallen support structures from WWII that are now home to sea life. Although all the areas here are gorgeous, it just depends n what you want to see. I suppose that where you dive is like the rest of the world, just a different style of painting.

As for work, I am just waiting on orders and finding out where I will be transferred. Until I write again or see you, enjoy every moment.

Life Goes On ... as it always has

All is resolved and the wait is finally over. With a lot a lot of character, perseverance and luck, I was able to rise above and seize the opportunity to take on another chapter in life. I cannot deny that I barely held myself together at times, but I suppose it is not a true test if we are not pushed to our limit. One thing for certain is that my time here is short. I will be transferred to another unit, I don’t know where, but it was the best course of action. This adventure in Puerto Rico will end, but the time I had here will not be forgotten. Fortunately, I have learned a few new life lessons to help me along the way.

In my time here, I have seen some very beautiful sights, met some incredible people, some not so great people and explored the underwater world. My Short list includes the rainforest and Bioluminescent Bay. There is a lot that Puerto Rico has to offer, and it is definitely not like home or anywhere else I have been. Port Clarence was the most unique, but that is difficult to top. The water is very peaceful, clear and filled with life. The rain as I said is melodramatic, and the sunsets are stunning. The plant life is diverse as the imagination and if you love to lounge out on the beach, there is no lack of space. Although I will only have around six months here, it feels like it will be enough for the moment. Six months is a long time to feel like you suppose to be on vacation. I honestly miss the variance of seasons, from winter to summer. Considering everything that this place is, I can see why people love it here.

It has been a firm reminder of the truth that many opportunities are just for a moment, yet will shape up for a lifetime. You never know how long you will be able to enjoy a blessing. If you can gracefully move on and let go, then life has the potential to be as wonderful as imagined. That is not to say that it is going to be easy, but who said life was suppose to be anything? In my short years, my life is not what I imagined, nor expected. I hope to see everyone soon. Until then, Enjoy Every Moment.

The Places We Enjoy

In the time I have been here, I have found some places that I enjoy. As for me, I enjoy these places due to the atmosphere, good People, Good Food and a the beautiful view. I figure when it comes to meeting people, it will happen or it won’t. If you try to hard, you will probably be disappointed. With that that said, I have written about one of those places I enjoy. As you probably know, I enjoy my adventures and my sunsets. They always seem to make life a little sweeter even when that is all there is at the moment. Puerto Rico offers a multitude of beautiful beaches, sunsets and weather.

I have to admit that the rain feels very different here, but like all things, it is a matter of perspective. When it rains in the Bay Area I am usually wearing something that is fairly waterproof and designed for colder weather. When it rains here, I usually get caught in a short torrential downpour that soaks you in the time it takes to reach your car fifty feet away. In addition, I am wearing shorts and a t-shirt. As you can imagine, it would be slightly different than wearing a gortex jacket and jeans. I still love the rain, it just takes some to get used to.

 One of my favorite places to go in Ola-Lola’s Garden Bar. It is a small place out by Shacks Beach and is literally a garden with a small bar and tables to serve food. The catch is that the food is absolutely delicious and it feels like you are going home when you eat there. No offense meant mother, just saying that it feels like your part of the family. There are a few others places that offer great food and service in the area, but few compare to the caliber of quality. I pose the question, where else can you get a peanut butter burger. It may sound a little different to your taste buds, but it is one of the best burgers I have had in my life. And don’t forget about the dessert. I would attempt to describe in words, but that would not do it justice. I was going to take a picture of my dessert tonight, but unfortunately forgot to take the picture before I ate it. If that does not say that the food is delicious, I don’t know what does. If you ever come out here on a weekend, this is definitely a place I will bring you.

Work is going as well as it can. I am still waiting for some light at the end of this tunnel, but I have done all I can, so no need for me to stress anymore than I already have. On a better note, I start my SCUBA classes tomorrow and have already spoken with the local SCUBA group. I will keep you updated, until then enjoy every moment.

Lives Ordeals

Many things can happen in just a short time, life can change in an instant without any notice. As can any other factor in which we have the inability to control. I have been working in an alternate location for the last seven weeks due to an unfortunate situation at my place of work. The crew there has been good to me and the station has done as much as it can to ease the tension for the moment. Needless to say, it has not been easy to work out of rate and be confronted by nothing but uncertainty. Regardless, I have done my best and kept my head above the water. It has taken longer than I expected to find a resolution, but I have done my part to the best of my ability.

The Air Station has been as busy as it always is. Constant flights, work, training, and some major changes for the entire Coast Guard on the horizon. The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell should prove to be very interesting considering the diverse workforce of both the enlisted and officers. I was able to observe the Cliff Operations training and get some nice photographs. Something still looks strange when I see a large object like a helo hovering off the ground. The sunsets have been nothing short of stunning, and have kept me going even on the most difficult days of this ordeal. They are one of those few things you can consistently rely on.

Although I did realize something very helpful that is like a weight off my shoulders. To this moment, I have already done all the things I felt I had to do. I set off in the world to help others, found love and was the best man I could be in the process. There are still many things I plan to do, but I am content with what I have experienced. As far as I am concerned everything else is a bonus. So when it comes down to it, I can’t really complain. I am alive and breathing, I have my health, and I am content with how I have lived. So I suppose that the only way to feel is grateful for the blessing that have been a part of my life and the ones that will be present in the future.

One of the next experiences will be getting SCUBA Certified. I have done a little before, but it was one of the guided tours where you just follow the leader. It was stunning to swim with the Sea Turtles in Hawaii. I can only imagine what Puerto Rico has to offer under its beautiful waters. I will keep you informed of my progress and hopefully some photos. Until then, enjoy every moment and live life to the fullest. Keep in mind, that not matter how far away your support system is, They still care and will do what they can for you, as you would do for them.