Black Water Diving is an Experience You Will Never Forget

Black water (or blackwater) diving is by far one of my favorite types of dives I've ever done. I've been diving for 16 years and I've seen a lot in the ocean, however, black water diving astounds me every time I've gone. I only have 12 blackwater dives, and I am hungry for more. Many people when they hear 'blackwater diving' they think it's simply diving at night. But oh no. Blackwater diving is very deep water, we're talking thousands of feet deep. Now you the diver aren't going down thousands of feet, you just drop down to 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 feet late at night and paint the darkness with your light and then you start to see creatures that live in the deep that are now up in shallow water.

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In this podcast episode, I interviewed Jeff Milisen, who works for Kona Honu Divers (my favorite Kona dive shop), who leads these blackwater dives on a weekly basis. Jeff is a biologist and one of the few people that can talk to you about the science behind what you're seeing when you are underwater with these alien creatures.

Where Can You Go Blackwater Diving?

Kona Hawaii is one of the best places to go out on a black water dive. There aren't many boats in the world going out however, it is gaining popularity in Florida and the Philipines. What's unique about Kona is that you can take a boat a few miles offshore and now be in water that 5,000 feet deep below you. If you go out with Kona Honu Divers they will tether you to the boat so the divers that come with the boat leave with the boat.

What Type of Experience Do You Need to Go Black Water Diving?

You need to be a certified diver and have at least 50 dives under your belt. This is an advanced dive and you need to be able to keep your cool in the dark water and be ok with not being able to see the bottom of the ocean. If you're not a certified diver you can take a class to become a certified diver, like this one.

What Types of Animals do you See when Going on a Black Water Dive?

What you may see one night might be completely different from what you see another night. You can expect to see lots of animals in the jelly family. You will probably find ctenophores, siphonophores, pelagic squid, pelagic fish, larvae creatures, and if you're lucky you might find a larvae cusk eel (shown below).

What if I don't dive, but would like to go out at night on the ocean, what are my options?

I get it, not every person is a certified diver or a diver that wants to go and do a blackwater dive, but you're still up for an adventure. Well, then check out the manta ray night dive in Kona. That dive is on the top dives in the world and you can also snorkel it. You can book a manta ray night dive or snorkel here. You can also listen to an Experiences You Should Have podcast on the infamous manta ray night dive here. The black water dive leaves after the manta ray dive on a few select nights. Photo below of the manta ray night snorkel in Kona by Jeff Milisen.

Now check out some amazing black water photos from Jeff Milisen of these alien pelagic creatures and check out his photography on iphotograph.fish

Note on Accessibility

My husband has cerebral palsy and he got his open water diver certification 7 plus years ago. I talked about black water diving to him for 4 years before he did it,

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Sailing at Night - Podcast Show Notes

Sailing at night to John is completely relaxing because it's the power of the wind moving the vessel through the water.

John describes one of his first major voyages as a young man from Annapolis to the Carribean and how the first night, the nearly full moon came up over the water and it was so bright, it was almost like daylight.

Within 6 months of leaving his service with the Army, John purchased a sailboat and would take it out by moonlight at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia in order to recreate that same feeling he felt on the Atlantic Ocean all those years prior.

He describes the feeling of sailing at night as "magic" and believes everyone should give it a try. He's been known on a clear night, to take his sailboat out and not come back until the sun is up and it's time for him to go to work!

Sailing is something everyone can do. There are those who are self-taught, but for just a few hundred dollars you can take a sailing course and have the skills you need to travel the ocean. Likewise, you can invest thousands or millions of dollars on owning a boat or you can charter a vessel. John describes various ways a person can get the experience they need to become masters of this exciting hobby.

For John's next adventure he is in the market to purchase a new boat! He is interested in being completely electric and installing solar panels on a 45-foot catamaran.

On sailing at night John says, "Everybody should do it. Because there's no noise, other than the wind and the waves."

Espiritu Santu Vanuatu Diving

If you are looking for a bucket list dive to add to your diving list, then diving the SS President Coolidge wreck dive in Espiritu Santu Vanuatu is a must. I met Danielle Jolly in the Galapagos and got to learn about her experience diving in Vanuatu as well as other things to do in Vanuatu like checking out the underwater post office!

The SS Coolidge was used in WWII as a transport for troops and was sunk with landmines during the war off the island of Espiritu Santo. It currently sits in 35-60 meters of water so an advanced level of diving needed. While there isn’t a current, because it is a wreck dive and there are areas of full penetration available, the experience is a must!

Going inside the ship and seeing the statute of “The Lady” is a highlight. Tradition for seeing “The Lady” involves taking out your regulator and giving the lady a kiss! If you want to do this dive and are an advanced diver, then we recommend diving with Allan Power dive tours. He takes small groups and even has a spare diver on land that is ready to jump in if needed. 

A night dive was the highlight of the dive on the SS President Coolidge for Danielle. There’s a fish called the flashlight fish that are sensitive to light and contains a bubble of phosphorus. Just as the sun goes down the fish light up come out of hiding to feed.  These tiny fish are visible by the thousands and it is a similar experience to looking up at the stars!

The best time to go diving in Espiritu Santu in Vanuatu would be May-October to avoid the rainy season. Because of the tropical weather, the water is warm and great for diving.

There’s a reef around the island of Espiritu Santo, with some of the best snorkeling. There’s a blue hole in the middle of the island that you can access via bicycle.

Hideaway Island is about a five-minute boat ride from Espiritu Santo, and it contains the world’s only underwater post office. Make sure you buy your waterproof postcard and stamp first! If that wasn’t adventurous enough for you, visit the island of Tanna, hike up the volcano and visit their post office as well!

If you liked this podcast episode, and want to hear another diving episode, then check out episode #1 on the Manta Ray Night Dive in Kona, Hawaii!

Featured Photo - Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santu (a popular beach in Vanuatu) - Photo taken by Jae Lee

Shannon McDowell explains why you should experience Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

Shannon McDowell (2-time world champion in Ultimate Frisbee), shared her experience of via ferrata climbing the Dolomites in Italy. You may be wondering what via ferrata climbing is. Via ferrata is a lot like rock climbing, but when you climb via ferrata there is a fixed line that you clip into. There is a device you bring with you called a via ferrata device which has an attachment that you use to clip into the rope into the via ferrata. Via Ferrata means "iron path" which dates back to the metal ladders in the mountains in WW1.

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Shannon and her teammates spent a week in the northern Dolomite region climbing via ferrata and it was an adventure to remember. They visited a few areas of the northern Dolomites, the lower dolomites (which has more rolling hills) and the upper dolomites that were more mountainous.

When you go via ferrata climbing, you want to select your route at least the night before. It may be a 30 minute to a couple of hour hike to get to the via ferrata route. Shannon and her teammates chose routes that would take about half a day. When Shannon went it was mid-august and thunderstorms were showing up in the afternoon, they got an early start each day. Shannon's favorite part about the trip was experiencing the history of the Dolomites. This area was part of WW1 and has an extensive history here.

Where do people go Via Ferrata Climbing?

Via ferrata climbing is very popular in Europe and isn't very popular in the United States, yet. The climbing traditions in the US has the goal of leaving the rock the way it was in the 'leave no trace' idea. In Europe, they are more open to adding ladders and line to help others experience the rock in a new way. The Dolomites in northern Italy is top via ferrata climbing spot, and is a magical place you should experience.

Where Can You Stay when going Via Ferrata in the Dolomites?

The refugio/rifugio is a cabin that is managed by an Italian and these cabins may be right along a highway or in the wilderness. They are like a bread and breakfast. You can buy breakfast or dinner while you're there and is a great home base while you're there. Some refugios have private rooms you can rent and other refugios are bunk bed style like a hostel. Refugios are like hostels, but a bit more adult friendly. You could also camp when doing via ferrata in the Dolomites. Roadway camping in northern Italy has pull outs on the road and camping there is free. These roads are small and windy and may not be the best roads to bring a trailer. You could also do a multi-day camping trip in the Dolomite National Park and have an experience you would never forget.

How do you get to the Dolomites?

You can fly into Milan, Venice, or you could fly into Munich or Zurich airports in Switzerland. You should do a cost analysis and see which is the best to fly into for you as well as what other adventures you want to have while you're over there. Shannon recommends renting a car to get into the Dolomites and having a car is a great way to get around. Also, you drive on the right side of the road in Italy, so if that's what you're used to, you'll be alright.

What type of Climbing Gear Do You Need for Via Ferrata the Dolomites?

Shannon recommends bringing shoes with a stiffer sole like hiking shoes. You can also bring rock climbing shoes. If you are a beginner, you definitely don't need to go buy new rock climbing shoes. You should purchase your own via ferrata device of your own. It is a very important safety gear. Check out Black Diamond for via ferrata climbing devices.

Podcast Interview with Surfer & Theoretical Physicist Garrett Lisi

Garrett Lisi, a famous theoretical physicist, has been someone I've been following for a long time. What I've always admired about Garrett is how he embraces experiences instead of stuff. I first found out about Garrett after his TED talk 10 years ago, and we've been in touch since. Science isn't Garrett's only love, surfing his one of his many passions.

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Learning How to Surf and Stand Up Paddle Surf in Maui

The summertime is the best time to learn how to surf in Maui. If you have more than 2 weeks to commit to surfing, Garrett recommends that you buy a board over 8 feet on craigslist and committing those weeks to really learning how to surf. If you have less than 2 weeks, then rent a board at Hi-Tech and they'll talk to you about where to go. Winds do kick up in the summertime in the afternoon, so it's recommended to go surfing in the morning or right before sunset. By going surfing at these times you're also avoiding the sun when it is at its worst.

Top Maui Surf Spots for Beginners:

* The Cofe

* Grandma's

* Launiupoko

* Thousand Peaks

* Kaanapali Beach

Average surfboard rental is about $30 a day.

Instead of traditional surfing you can try stand up paddle surfing. Make sure that the board is stable enough that you can balance on it. I made that mistake and tried a board that I could not get my balance on, and I could not stand up on this board, even though I stand up paddle board a lot on rivers and lakes here in Bend, Oregon. What's great about stand up paddle surfing is that you're already winning once you're standing on the board, now you just need to catch the wave!

Best Beach in Maui to Surf and Bring a Toddler To:

We were just in Maui and found Launiupoko and it is the perfect spot to bring your baby or toddler to because there is an awesome wading pool protected by the waves. Have one parent stay behind with your toddler while the other surfs or stand up paddle board surfs just right ahead.

Surfing Attire and Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen

You will want to wear a rash guard and a surfing hat. Maui has a real problem with sunscreen, bad sunscreen is getting into the water and upsetting the coral reef. Most sunscreen is all bad for the coral reef. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen and it hurts the coral. If you're hitting the waves, use Zinc Oxide or find a coral reef safe sunscreen like Badger.

Add a Cross Country Train Trip to Your Bucket List

Taking a cross country train trip is not exactly the cheapest way to travel across the country, but taking a train across the US (or another country) will definitely be an experience you won't forget. You can kick back, look at a new landscape that you don't normally see on the road, and meet new people.

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In this podcast episode, I interviewed Luke Menasco on his experience from taking an Amtrak train across the country from Florida to Central Oregon, which took him 5 days from start to finish. You could extend your cross country train trip in the US by using a Rail Pass from Amtrak that allows you to spend up to 15 days, 30 days, or 45 days exploring the country and taking multiple segments and stops so it breaks up your trip a bit.

Check out Luke's Video on his Amtrak Cross Country Train Trip

How much did the cross-country train trip cost on Amtrak?

The train ticket was $369, coach seats the whole trip. Sleeper cars can range anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,000 per leg of the trip, depending on the time of year.

How long did it take to travel cross-country on Amtrak, and what was the route?

The train left Orlando, Florida on Monday evening, and it arrives in Portland, Oregon on Friday Morning. So 4 nights total. My trip was a bit farther as I had to go from Portland, Oregon to Chemult, Oregon, which arrived Friday evening. Orlando---Washington DC---Chicago---Portland

Were you on the train the entire time?

No. There were two extended layovers - one in Washington DC for about 9 hours. There is a metro station at Union Station - so easy access to get anywhere you need to go. In Chicago, my layover was about 5.5 hours. Enough time to get out, see some sights and get some food. You can check your bags at the train stations as well, for about $10.

What were some must-have items on the train?

Earplugs and an eye mask were crucial. Those two in particular. Earplugs to drown out the noise of other passengers, the noise of the train on the rails, the train horn. Crucial. Eye mask because there are lights in the train at night. It's dim like an airplane would be, but still lighting here and there. Snacks. Tablet. Headphones. Chargers. Each seat has 2 110V outlets, and each of the tables in the observation cars does as well, so power is never an issue. Neck pillow. Blanket.

You didn't mention the food. How was the food?

I would say that train food is slightly better than airplane food. The menu in the dining car on all of the trains was the same - so it did get a bit old. For breakfast, prices ranged from $8 to $14, lunch $12-$15 and dinner $16-$25. There is also a snack bar that has candy, snacks, drinks (beer and wine), as well as some sandwiches and burgers. The service in the dining car was very good, and the staff was all very friendly. Traveling alone, meals in the dining car were always fun because you're typically paired with 1-3 strangers. So you're typically exchanging stories for around an hour. Here is a link to the dining page on Amtrak:

Sleeping in coach on Amtrak. Was it that bad?

I'd say, yes. If it were an overnight trip, not so bad. Even 2 nights. But by night 3 and 4 - it started to take a toll. The first 2 nights of the trip I had someone in the seat right next to me. That changes the experience quite a bit, as it's pretty close quarters. Having two seats to yourself makes a pretty big difference. Not in comfort as much as just feeling a bit of privacy. Comfort wise,

The Top Things to Do Near and Around Edmonton Alberta in August

I was on a Scuba diving trip in the Galapagos when I met Sarah Hoffman, the Minister of Health for Alberta Canada, and I could easily see that Sarah had a zest for life. I picked her brain on an experience everyone should have and she said that experiencing Edmonton Canada in August is an experience to never forget.

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The top things to do near and in Edmonton Alberta are:

* Try the macaroons, scones, gluten-free goodies and coffee at the Duchess Bake Shop (French Bistro style)

* The Fringe festival is the 2nd biggest international Fringe festival in the world. They have an interactive play center, kids events, and adult evening events like burlesque shows.

* Spruce Point State Park - a few hours North of Edmonton. Half of the lots are on the water and if you are there at the right time, you can see the Northern Lights.

* Recommend booking 3 months in advance.

* If you want to see the Northern Lights use this site to find out the best dark spots to go around Alberta and the Edmonton area. You may even hear the Northern Lights crackle.

* You have to have poutine

* Eat a few handfuls of Saskatoon berries - looks red, but a little more tart than a blueberry.

* You can buy local beer and wine at outdoor farmer's markets, yes please! Dinner at a food truck with a glass of wine in hand, I'm in!

* West Edmonton Mall - Canada's biggest roller coaster, water park, amazing slides and even a skating rink (lookout for the Edmonton Oilers practicing)

* Edmonton's taxes are the lowest in Canada, so come stock up on what you need when you're in town

* Check out the Edmonton Art Gallery

* Get in your car and drive 3 hours south and check out a Dinosaur Park at the Royal Tyrrell Museum and find the Albertosaurus! This dinosaur has only been found in Alberta!

So get your travel plans ready and go check out Alberta Canada, go see the northern lights and find some dinosaur fossils. Don't forget to eat a freshly baked scone and a handful of saskatoon berries!

If you end up spending more time in Canada, head on over to Jasper and Banff and check out this episode on cycling from Jasper to Banff.

 

 

Water & Beach Cleanups (and using less plastic)

Everyone should experience participating in a water or beach cleanups and see the impact of plastic in the ocean and in our water. We live in a trash society and a one time use society and we throw so much away. Here in Oregon, even our recycling is becoming trash because China does not want to take our trash because most do not recycle properly.

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We are going to run out of places to throw away our trash and currently, plastics are being broken down intro microplastics and are showing up in animals in the ocean. It's super fun swimming with manta rays and enjoying the outdoors, but we are slowly killing the animals in the ocean and rivers with our plastic use. We then eat fish and other animals that have eaten plastic and we end up with plastic in our diet. Yes, it's gross. As we go into the new year think about the plastic that is present in your life and ways to reduce plastic around you.

A few tips on how to reduce plastic use

* Go strawless. I know it’s hard. You have to ask for no straw before they bring out your drink. If you can, try to remember to ask for no straw when going out.

* Bring your own cup. If you don’t have a cup in the car, then have your coffee inside. So many times I’ve gone to Starbucks and seen people drinking out of disposable cups inside when you can ask for a mug or a glass when sitting inside. If I forget my Hydroflask or other mug and I don’t have time to go inside, then I don’t get drive-through coffee.

* Bring reusable bags and reusable produce bags when you go grocery shopping. If you forget to bring your bags, opt for paper instead.

* Think about the single-use items that you use and how to replace them with reusable items.

* Compost! I save my compost and bring them to a commercial compost and when I throw a party for more than 15 people, I break out compostable plates, cups, cutlery, and napkins and they get composted into soil.

* Give gifts in reusable bags or wrap presents in compostable paper.

* Stay away from single-use items like balloons, fireworks, etc.

* Bring a mason jar with you to a restaurant and use it as your take out container.

* Buy from a local farmers market or bring your own jars or bags for bulk bins at the grocery store.

* Make your own cleaners and put them in reusable bottles.

For 24 hours write down everything that is plastic that you touch. I promise that you will be blown away by how many items are plastic. If you go out and see trash, pick it up and its less trash that is in nature and outside that could get in our waterways.

If you'd like to get involved in beach or waterway cleanups check out the International Coastal Cleanup site to help set up your own waterway or beach cleanup or find other beach cleanups in your area. You can also find out the weird things that people find at cleanups around the world.

Check out the podcast on this with Tara Spiegel and subscribe to Experiences You Should Have Podcast where you listen to podcasts!

Experience a Glow Worm Cave in New Zealand via Black Water Rafting

Experiences You Should Have Podcast

That's right, I said black water rafting in a glow worm cave in New Zealand. This is not white water rafting, and you're not in a raft, I know the name is deceiving. But you can experience rappelling (or abseiling as New Zealanders and Europeans call it) into a glow worm cave, then zip-lining in the cave as you see glow worms whizzing past you. The adventure does not end there. You then jump off a 15-foot cliff into the water, in the cave. The water temperature is 10-14°C / 50-57°F, but you do wear a padded wetsuit. At the end of the tour, you get to free climb up a waterfall. How's that for adventure?!

Christine Pham paints the picture beautifully and explains the full experience in this episode. (Christine is actually trying to become the Chief Experience Officer for Cancun, you can vote for her here).

Glow Worm Facts

A glow worm is in its glow worm cave for 9-10 months and it lives for about a year. It then lives in a cocoon for 2-3 weeks. These fungus gnats make love then the female will lay its eggs then die. How's that for a life? Glow worms are actual carnivores and cannibals. Glow worms are in the cave year round but the summertime (in New Zealand) has the most hatched glow worms. There are more glow worms during this time, but you can go anytime in the year and see glow worms.

Logistics for the Glow Worm Black Water Rafting Adventure

* The cost for this black abyss tour is about 250 NZ dollars (175 US Dollars).

* You spend 2.5-3 hours in the cave

* Restrictions - Come as a complete newbie, don't need skills at all. You need to be 16 years old and at least 45 KG.

* Walking - You do walk a fair amount, about 200 meters, but it seems longer because you are walking in water and over rocks.

* Where Can You Do It? In this podcast episode, Christine talked about the Black Abyss Adventure tour and you can book this black water rafting tour here.

The Black Labrinth Tour - Another Glow Worm Tour for Ages 12 and Up

There are other adventure tours available. The Black Labyrinth glow worm tour does not require harnesses and you get to jump off waterfalls and enjoy glow worms floating in the dark. You need be at least 12 years old for this tour and at least 45 kg or 99 lbs.

New Zealand Glow Worm Walking Tours

There is also a walking tour available where you experience the spirituality of the cave with a small group and you walk on suspended walkways above the water channel so you can see more formations that the wet tours don't experience. The max amount of people for the walking tour is 18 people.

There is also the Waitomo Glow Worms Caves which are more widely known. Groups have up to 50 people and these tours are great for families and elderly.

Wheelchair Friendly Glow Worm Cave Tours

If you are looking for a wheelchair or ADA friendly glow worm cave, the Ruakuri Cave is your best bet. The Ruakuri cave is the only wheelchair accessible cave in the southern hemisphere. An adult ticket is about 75 New Zealand Dollars which is about $55 dollars in US currency.

Other Unique New Zealand Adventures You Must Experience

Hobbiton is an amazing experience you should check out when in the area, which is where Lord of the Rings was filmed. Also, check out Kaitiaki and Rotorua white water rafting if you love adventure tours. You go over the world's largest waterfall that commercial rafts can go over.

How to Visit Kruger National Park with Simone Paddock

 

What is a self drive safari at Kruger National Park Like?

Imagine driving on a lonely road in the morning mist through the African bush – and all of a sudden, there’s a baby elephant appearing in front of you. He’s tiny, swinging his little trunk around, and running to try and catch up with mom. Then you notice papa elephant munching away on a shrub right next to your car and realize he’s been there for a while already, keeping a close eye on you. You stop, turn off your engine and just sit and watch them forage, play, be social and live their lives.

It’s a mystical, magical experience.

No amount of David Attenborough documentaries or re-runs of Madagascar or The Lion King can prepare you for the serene majesty of these animals and the utter wonder of seeing this type of wildlife in its own environment.

I think you immediately connect with the primal nature of the experience and realize how incredibly privileged we are as humans to be sharing the same planet with these animals.

Why did Simone visit Kruger National Park?

My parents lived in South Africa for 4 years in the late 1950s and 60s. Returning to Switzerland to raise their kids, they filled our house with treasures and mementos from their time in Africa, and I grew up surrounded by drums, masks, wooden figurines, beaded trinkets and even a zebra skin on the wall of our living room.

So I decided to go see for myself what made this continent so fascinating and to experience the magic for myself.

 

Why you should visit Kruger National Park:

With over 7,500 square miles of terrain, Kruger is one of the largest national parks in Africa. In terms of wildlife, however, Kruger is one of the world’s greatest game reserves. The diversity, density and the sheer number of animals is almost unparalleled.

What makes the park special though is the truly vast network of roads you are able to explore on your own - and without a paid guide by going on a self drive safari. There is a detailed map available and plenty of off-the-beaten-track small dirt roads you can follow, water holes you can hang out on and observe animals.

During my 9 days in Kruger National Park, I came to realize just how precious these animals in the park are – and how few are actually left.

 

In the mid-70s, around 1.5 million elephants roamed Africa. Today, it’s believed to be less than 400,000 – and about 100 are being poached EVERY SINGLE DAY for their ivory. What’s most distressing is that the poachers are ruthless and not only kill elephants outside of the parks – even in Kruger, there is poaching. 46 elephants were killed inside the park’s boundaries in 2016 alone, and the rangers protecting the wildlife are often also shot or even killed. In 2012 alone, 200 poachers were arrested inside the park.

It will only ever stop when the price for ivory in China goes from over $1,000 per pound and