Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Listen to the above podcast episode on the Sailing Stones in Death Valley, California. I interviewed Brian Dunning from Skeptoid Podcast who has been researching strange phenomenons for years. His podcast is an award-winning podcast that reveals the science behind the weird occurrences we hear about.

What are the Sailing Stones?

Death Valley is home to the Sailing Stones. These boulders are rocks that appear to be moving on their own in dry, cracked mud, leaving a trail behind them. Theories have circulated that they move via aliens, a vortex or simply that the wind pushes these rocks. The rocks vary in shape in size. As small as fists and as large as two or three feet big.

Photo by Richard Saunders

Brian's First Experience with the Sailing Stones

The first time Brian Dunning saw the Sailing Stones he got there and was disappointed that they covered in water. As they got there, the wind was blowing a giant puddle across the playa, and as they looked out sheets of ice were covering most of the lake and they were moving as well. They could see the black specs moving. Those black specs were the rocks.

Solving the Mystery of the Sailing Stones

Until 2014, it was said that no one had ever seen the rocks move and there was no evidence, but Brian had the evidence (on an extremely low-resolution camera) and didn't realize that what he had seen for the first time was such a rare phenomenon.

In 2014 Brian got a permit to do scientific research to prove what was happening. He started a crowdfunding campaign and another paper was published by another author shortly after proving the ice when the water comes in is what moves the sailing stones. Close but no cigar!

Why Should you Visit the Sailing stones?

First off death valley is absolutely stunning and an unworldly experience. These rocks are famous and even though the mystery is solved, it is a breathtaking experience. Plan on spending a minimum amount of three hours with the sailing stones in Death Valley.

Photo by Brian Dunning

Top Sites to Visit in Death Valley (other than the sailing stones)

* Bad Water (the lowest point)* The Artists Palette (astounding colors) for sunset* Dante's View* Ghost towns

You can easily spend about three days there, make sure you check out all the sites!

What type of Vehicle Do you need

You need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with clearance. If you don't have this, you can rent a Jeep in Furnace Creek.

Where to Fly into and where to stay?

The closest airport is Las Vegas--which is about 3 hours away. You can stay in Furnace Creek or Stove Pipe Wells, which is a bit closer to the Sailing Stones.

How Much Does it Cost to see the sailing stones?

The cost per car is approximately $25. Getting to the racetrack requires no extra cost. Make sure to be prepared with extra fuel for yourself or potentially others.

When Should you go to see the sailing stones?

Go any time of year. It's busiest during the Summertime. If you want to go when the conditions are "moving the rocks" the chances are slim you'll be able to see this, but January is the most likely time to view this phenomenon. Note that it is illegal to go out on the playa when there is water.

Podcast Show Notes

In the Fall of 2019 Sandra Etherington from Family Personalities, and I (and 3 of our girlfriends) headed to central Oregon to Breitenbush Hot Springs, one of my favorite hot springs. Sandra joined me on this episode to talk about our experience there, thoughts on nudity and top tips if you want to go. Please Listen above.

The Story of Going to BreitenBush

We went to Breitenbush in the fall, which is one of my favorite times to go. We went with a group of moms for the perfect day getaway. It’s a 2-hour drive from Bend or Portland, so we left Bend at 7 AM and got there right at 9. We had day pass reservations and they were expecting us. When we got out of our car, we checked in at a tiny cabin nestled in a picturesque forest setting. We started walking down a gorgeous forest path.

It was a quintessential Oregon morning. The clouds were low and mist filled the air with occasional raindrops. We grabbed our bags and walked for about 5 minutes before seeing the giant lodge appear. 

We were completely disconnected. There was no cell phone service or wifi. What we did have was 5 ladies and lots of conversation. 

At the lodge, we changed out of our clothes in the restroom and put on robes and made our way to the Middle pool. We skipped the closest pool because it was getting cleaned (and yes these pools are regularly cleaned). We derobed, some of us were 100% nude and others wore a bathing suit (it's your choice). Soon we were in a 104-degree hot spring and felt all of our worries lift away. 

A few hours later we made our way back to the lodge as the lunch bell was going to ring soon. When the bell rang, we lined up in the dining room for a huge spread of vegetarian food. One of my friends is dairy-free and gluten-free, so she had reserved a special meal in advance and the items that fit that description were noted, so she could still follow her diet. 

One of our favorite things about Breitenbush is the food. Oh my, the food is so good. Homemade spaghetti sauce, fresh greens, grains, dressings laid upon us. It smelled so good and everything tasted amazing together. We all sat and filled our bellies with deliciousness and drank herbal tea.

We took the time to connect, eat, drink, and no one had to worry about checking their phone because no one could contact us! This was a dream forest land where we didn’t have to cook, clean, answer e-mails, tend to our children, and all we had to do was eat healthy food, soak and have sparkling conversation. 

One girlfriend started to get a migraine, so she laid down in a library where others were enjoying a quiet lunch (if they wanted a quiet space). 

Learning while Soaking

We started making friends with other soakers and in that middle pool, we met Adeline. She’s a doula from Washington and was there for a week-long personal retreat. It was her last day of her stay there at Breitenbush and explained how she wanted to take away things that she learned during her personal retreat. Including:

* The importance of eating healthy and making the extra effort to make a healthy meal full of veggies and grains. * Broth is not just a lunch or dinner drink… it can be part of an excellent breakfast.* Take the time to walk places. During her stay, she’d walk to her cabin, to the lodge to eat, to a soaking pool, to a trail.

Podcast Show Notes

Let's talk surfing at Chicama in Peru. Listen to the episode above to hear the full experience.

Chicama - Longest Left Wave in the World

Chicama is a natural bucket list surfing destination located between the ocean and coastal desert of La Libertad Region in the central coast of Perú. It is the longest surfable left wave in the world and is considered to be the longest wave in the world by some.

The town of Chicama is in a rural area of Peru and is not a lush tropical paradise. It boasts a plethora of side cafes and family-owned shops. It's quiet and not very touristy, and a perfect spot to catch long waves and enjoy a very laid back, Peruvian surf culture.

Chicama, Longest Left Wave

About the INterview (Listen Above)

I wouldn’t call myself a good surfer. I’ve stood up a handful of times in my life on a very long board, in very small waves. That’s why I’m turning to some long-time surfers to help explain the beauty of surfing Chicama, Peru.

My neighbors here in Bend, Oregon love to travel for surf and we got together to talk about Chicama. Tune in and listen to Matt Gadow, Mark Provost, and Catherine Cummings share their experience of surfing and hanging out in Chicama.

Chicama Surf Trip

What are the Waves at Chicama Like?

The waves at Chicama aren't heaviest waves in the world, but they are perfect. They are long and they keep on coming. On their last trip, the waves were knee-high, shoulder high, waist-high, and everywhere in between. If you're there in good conditions and spend all day surfing, you might surf 50 miles (and walk 14 miles)!

After a few days there, they quickly saw each other making longer runs, cleaner turns and catching waves that were unbelievable.

Who are the Waves for?

The waves at Chicama are for everyone, whether you're into boogie boards, stand up paddleboards, foils, surfing, but do know this is a surfing destination and is a place you will really appreciate if surfing is your love.

Where is Chicama, Peru and How Do you Get there?

Puerto Chicama is nestled on the west coast of Peru. It is 630 Km north of Lima. To get there, you need to fly to Lima, then take a 1-hour flight to Trujillo, then take a car to Puerto Chicama.

Getting to Chicama, Peru

Where should you stay to surf Chicama?

The Chicama Boutique Hotel and Resort is one of the best places you can stay if you want to surf Chicama. They can line up everything you need from transportation, board rentals, booking side excursions and they have fantastic food on-site (and a spa).

They have wifi at the hotel for you digital nomads and bikes to rent as well.

This hotel doesn't have TV, but who needs TV when you have a community, incredible waves and food.

Chicama Boutique Hotel Overlooking Longest Left Wave

When is the best time to surf at Chicama?

The best time to surf Chicama is March-November.

Is Chicama ok if you have Limited Mobility?

The main set of stairs to get down is not accessible.

That said, you can get a tuk-tuk to the beach, and to the pier, which is accessible.

Podcast Show Notes - Interview with Lynn Smith

Lynn and her friend went on a 1600 mile road trip through Utah and the Southwest. They found that the most soulful experiences were the mind-blowing drives between Zion and Monument Valley. And found Arches National Park to be quite stunning.

This podcast with Lynn Smith will take you through hidden gems and areas around Arches National Park and beyond. So sit back, plug in your headphones, and listen to the episode above (or read the show notes below).

Journey to Arches National Park from Monument Valley

MOKI DUGWAY is a great example of a Hidden Gem drive. It's a section of a National Scenic Byway called the Trail of the Ancients, which runs through Colorado and Utah. 

Photo by Lynn Smith

"Moki" is a local term for the ancient Pueblo people who inhabited the Colorado Plateau hundreds of years ago. "Dugway" is a term used to describe a roadway carved from a hillside. And this thing is sure dug in- all three miles of woo-hoo. It's a steep, graded gravel road that winds uphill to Cedar Mesa with 1,200 ft of dizzying switchbacks.

At every turn, Lynn looked over her shoulder and saw eye-popping views of the Valley of the Gods. The desert below receded further and further. In the dim distance, the buttes of Monument Valley decorated the horizon. 

Hidden Gem: Muley Point

If you go, you absolutely need to stop at Muley Point (5,700 feet elevation). At the top, you can see expansive views of the Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, the Sleeping Ute in Colorado, & more.

This Hidden Gem drive runs 34 miles north, from the junction of U.S. Route 163 near the town of Mexican Hat, Utah. It goes to the junction with State Route 95, just east of Natural Bridges National Monument. 

This is off the Interstates route that most travelers take, and was so worth adding 45 minutes if you are coming to Moab from Monument Valley. If you have a fear of heights or vertigo, or just don't care to drive along the steep dirt road with no guardrails, you might want to stay on those interstates!

to MOAB from Muley Point- 2 hrs

Head to Devil's Garden first, especially if you plan to hike there.  

WHY DEVIL's GARDEN TRAIL?

It's popular and the parking lot gets full early (by 8:30!) and stays that way most of the day. Considered the only "hiker's hike" in the park, the casual walker can also get a lot for a little effort by walking the early section of this 9 -mile trail.

Photo by Lynn Smith

Top Trails to Check Out at Arches

* The trails to Landscape Arch* Pine Tree Arch* Tunnel Arch

These are well maintained and family-friendly, but they are loose gravel. Beyond that, you’ll see signs warning of the “primitive trail", which means sections of slick rock with the trail marked in rock cairns, and some dizzying precipices offering 360 degree, vertigo-enticing views.

Hike the loop in a clockwise direction for the best views and fewer crowds, beginning with Landscape Arch, the longest arch in the park and the fifth-longest arch in the world. It’s well lit in the early morning, and an easy 1.5 miles to the arch. Most visitors to Devil’s Garden turn around here, but if you carry on, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the exquisite variations of red rock.

>DELICATE ARCH HIKE for SUNSET

Podcast Show Notes

Monument Valley: Known for its majestic, free-standing sandstone buttes, this vast desert valley of some 92,000 acres on the border of Utah and Arizona stars in Hollywood movies and attracts more than 350,000 sightseers per year. Visitors come to this isolated area on the Arizona-Utah border to hike, drive, photograph, or simply experience its natural and ever-changing beauty.

Lynn and Robin's Road Trip

I interviewed Lynn who has been on this podcast many times ( and Experiencing the Osa Pensinsula) about her experience in Monument Valley and she provided fantastic tips for a bucket list trip to Monument Valley. Listen above or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Tips for Visiting Monument Valley

* Since it takes about three hours to get to Monument Valley from almost anywhere else in the vicinity, it helps to stay overnight, at least one night. This gives you the opportunity to do a sunrise and/or sunset tour.* Unlike many nearby national parks in Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley is a tribal park owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, so it's not on public land. Visitors pay an entry fee of $10 per person, $20 per vehicle; children 9 and younger are free. Visitors must stay near the road and are not allowed to hike toward any of the formations unless accompanied by a paid guide.* Visitors can take an open, jitney-type tour of the "Valley Drive", a 17-mile, dirt road loop located at The View hotel Or, to avoid the choking dust created by the day-long traffic, you can drive yourself along this gravel road- allow 3 hours, at the 15mph speed limit. And the road is rough in places- a high clearance vehicle is recommended. 

* This drive is a great way to view the majestic buttes, spires and rock arches that make this vast desert landscape so stunning, vibrant and awe-inspiring. Eye-popping vistas and panoramic scenes can be viewed at numerous stops along the loop, especially at John Ford's Point and Artist's Point (sunrise photos best here!) PDF link to best descriptions of the 11 stops along the loop.

the Most Popular Attraction at Monument Valley

The most popular attraction is The Mittens or two enormous buttes that look like mittens with their thumbs facing inward. These can be seen from the visitor center, and from The View hotel. 

Photo by Lynn Smith

They had 1 full day and 2 nights in Monument Valley. They arrived in time for sunset the first night, and our shots of the Mittens from the patio of The View hotel were simply staggering.

Photo by Lynn Smith

Must-Do: Mystery Valley Tour

The next morning their Navajo guide picked them up at The View for our 3 hours, exclusive cultural tour (nobody but them on a weekday). Check out the Mystery Valley Tour for a personal tour to remember.

Photo by Lynn Smith

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Monument Valley?

* Rental Car out of Las Vegas: SUV class $433 10 days. * The View 3rd-floor room: $289/night. * Mystery Valley Tour: $89 per Adult. Navajo Park Fee: $20 per car per entry. * Misc for food/gas

Monument Valley Photo Tips

Podcast show notes

Cocos Island is one of those diving bucket list destinations that has been on my list for quite some time. I even have a bank account labeled Cocos island. I've always wanted to go to Cocos Island to swim with schooling hammerhead sharks but got the opportunity to go to the Galapagos a few years ago where I got to see multitudes of hammerheads, and this podcast was actually born on that trip.

How Did this Interview Come to Be?

I stayed at some Oregon hot springs a few weeks ago and in the common kitchen, I met a traveler. We got to talking about the podcast and started discussing black water diving. David then turned to me and asked me if I had heard of Cocos. "Have I heard of Cocos? I have a bank account named Cocos Island!".

I told him I knew about the Argo and the submersible on the boat... he then told me that ran the submarine for 4 years at Cocos Island! David ran the submarine on a liveaboard diving boat, the Argo. My jaw dropped, and asked if I could interview him 10 minutes later... and so this podcast episode was born. Thank you, David.

Where is Cocos Island?

Cocos Island is a 36 boat ride from Costa Rica. It's a rock in the middle of the ocean. No one stays on the island, but you can stay on a liveaboard there and have the diving adventure of a lifetime.

What Do You See While Diving Cocos?

Most people who go out on the Argo want to go scuba diving. Underwater you will see many creatures: hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, mantas, mobula rays, white tip sharks and all kinds of fish.

Let's Talk About the Submarine on the Argo Liveaboard

The submarine is three meters wide and high, and six meters long. Two passengers and a pilot can go.

They offer two different submersive dives: shallow dives that are about 300 feet (100 meters), light is visible, similar to a scuba dive. The second dive is 1000 feet (300 meters) and there is no light. You'll see pelagic creatures about 1 mile away from Cocos Island.

There is a cliff edge underwater and there the submarine lights shine on deepwater creatures such as jellynose fish

The submarine has two acrylic dome windows that when you look out, you feel like you're in the ocean. Going this deep in the ocean isn't a typical tourist dive, and it's an experience that everyone should try.

How do You Book the Submersible on Cocos Island?

If you want to go in the submarine, you must book a liveaboard trip with the Argo. The name of the company to book is Under Sea Hunter.

How Much does it Cost to Dive Cocos & Go on the Submersible?

The liveaboard trip costs about $5000. This is an all-inclusive price, including three dives a day. The submarine trip costs $1850 for the deep dive and $1450 for the shallow.

The tip that you provide at the end of the trip (approximately 15%) will go to the whole crew (submarine included).

How far in advance should you book?

Some people book up to two years in advance, but at least a year is recommended.

Experiences You Should Have Podcast: Show Notes

The Albuquerque balloon festival has been on our list for some time. My husband has an affinity for hot air balloons and has taken some great photos of them over the years and we thought the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta would be the perfect place to go to experience the hot air balloons. Listen to the episode above to hear the full experience.

My husband went one time to the fiesta years ago, but I, nor my daughter had ever been. We were so excited to go because this is one of the most photographed events in the world. The event spans about 9 days in Albuquerque, New Mexico every October. More than 500 balloonists gather at this fiesta from all over the world and join for mass ascensions, night glows, and flying competitions! All kinds of shapes and colorful balloons fill the sky and on the weekends when they do mass ascensions, it is a site that will put you in awe.

Photo by Gail Menasco

Weather at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Now how air ballooning is very weather dependent, and the

number one rule about coming to this festival is that you can’t get angry if

the winds and weather don’t agree with the hot air balloons. You can’t get mad

at the weather, so be happy that everyone is safe on the ground.

We decided to glamp (glamor camping) at the festival, so we could stay on festival grounds and not have to worry about early morning traffic. On the first day of the Balloon Fiesta this year, a few balloons took off at dawn called Dawn Patrol. It’s essentially still night time at 6ish in the morning, and an incredible sight to see the fiery glow from the balloons. Those first few balloons are checking the winds and are essentially the guinea pig balloons of the morning. If all is clear, the rest of the 500+ balloons will start to take off in waves.

Photo by Gail Menasco

The mass ascension didn’t happen on the first day we were there due to the weather. But remember, you can’t get mad at the weather. Instead, go eat a delicious breakfast burrito that the fiesta is known for. Blake’s offers some delicious breakfast burritos with hatch green chilis that are amazing.

Skydiving Demo Jumps at the Fiesta

Everything at the fiesta dies down for the afternoon, but later in the afternoon, we got to see Team Fastrax perform some skydiving demo jumps. I’m a huge fan of this team.

The Night Glow at the Balloon Fiesta: A Must-See Event

The first night of the Balloon Fiesta, was when I really

felt the magic of the fiesta. As the sky started to darken, balloons everywhere

started to inflate. The first one up was Canon (a large sponsor of the event),

but soon after balloons were everywhere.

I could hear the balloons burn the propane and soon I could feel the heat from balloons all around me burning. The balloons started to light up. None of these balloons took off at night but seeing hundreds of hot air balloons lighting up before my eyes gave my heart a warm glow.

That evening, I got to talk with a hot air balloon pilot from Texas, Bill Broker, the pilot of the Plano, City of Excellence hot air Balloon. Listen to the interview above. He inspired me to maybe become a hot air balloon pilot one day. Apparently there is a school you can go to in Albuquerque. Maybe that could be retirement plans…

What We Came For, the Mass Ascension at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

The next morning, we finally got to witness a mass ascension. We saw all kinds of balloons fill the sky includi...

Everybody should experience Grand Canyon rafting at least once in their life. If you could create a river rafting trip on your own, it would be hard to do it any better than it already is. Listen to the podcast episode above to hear the full experience of rafting the Grand Canyon.

What is Rafting the Grand Canyon Like?

When people see rafters from the rim, they want to do it and it surpasses their expectations.

You start at the level of the rim, and it rises as you keep going. It rises at a level of 1000 feet for every 10 miles, until it is towering above you.

Photo by Andrew Dicus

The level of color you will see from trace minerals is incredible: greens, oranges, tan and reddish hues.

If you do a trip the summer monsoons (late July, early August) the water is cold, and it may be raining; waterfalls sprout all over the canyon. Some are the color of tomato juice, clear or chocolate milk color. If you're lucky enough to see that, it's worth every moment of being cold. Be prepared to be very hot and very cold.

You can come into a rafting trip in many different ways: via hike, helicopter or at Lee's Canyon if you opt of the upper canyon or the entire trip.

2 Different Options for Grand Canyon Rafting: Human-Powered or Engine-Powered

You can go human-powered or engine-powered. The motorized trip would take about 6 days, as opposed to a human-powered trip which could take up to 30 days as the trip is 226 miles.

The motorized trip can take up to 15 people and the boats are huge. They include two guides who set up food and camp and captain the boat.

Western River Expeditions is the company that Andy works for and is highly recommended for a motorized trip.

Hikes in the Grand Canyon

Some days are better for hiking, and some are better for rapids. On a motor trip you're on the rapids for 3-4 hours a day. A rowing trip would be about the same. The side hikes are a worthy diversion from being on the boats.

Havasupai Falls is available to rafters (check out the previous episode!); there are quite a few trails that are only accessible from the river.

Photo by Brittany Rizzuto: @miss_rizzo on Instagram

Must see hike: Matkatamiba

How Do you Bathe or Shower While Rafting the Grand Canyon?

There are no soaps allowed in side-channel to protect fish, you can use soap in the main body of water in order to shower (not within 100 feet of a channel).

Upper vs LOwer Grand Canyon

If you are going to raft any part, it's recommended to raft the upper and lower. If you have to pick, raft the upper Grand Canyon and use Whitmore Wash for a helicopter exchange.

What Class of Rapids are on the Grand Canyon?

The rapids are class 3 and 4 with occasional class 5.

What's the Deal with the Lottery Permit System?

If you're going to do a commercial trip, you don't need to enter a lottery. You can sign up and pay, you just need to book in advance by at least six months to a year. To do a private trip, you need to enter a lottery; you have a good as chance of anyone. You'll need someone who has done the Grand Canyon before or h...

Visit the Grand Canyon - YavaPai Point Podcast Show Notes

Why Visit the Grand Canyon

While the Grand Canyon is not the deepest or widest canyon in the world, it is one of the best canyons in the world, with views that will please your eyes and mind, for an experience you will never forget.

Why Check Out Yavapai POint in the Grand Canyon?

I interviewed Ty Karlovetz, a park ranger at the Grand Canyon, who I met at Yavapai Point on visiting the Grand Canyon. Listen to the episode above to hear the full experience.

Why visit Yavapai Point? Yavapai Point is one of the many areas overlooking the Grand Canyon that is known for its stunning views. It also is home to the Geology Museum, where you can really find out how the Grand Canyon was formed.

To the east, you can see 30 miles and to the west, you can see 90 miles. At Yavapai point, you can see so much including the Colorado River, horizontal Paleozoic layers, basement rocks and more.

How Old is the Grand Canyon?

The youngest layer of rock is 265 million years old. These rocks are 30 million years older than the oldest known dinosaurs.

How was the Grand Canyon Formed?

Simply put, the grand canyon was formed when the base made of metamorphic and igneous rock was preserved when the oceanic plate hit the plates of North America, giving way to the base for the Colorado River to carve such an amazing canyon.

What's the Easiest Way to Check Out the Grand Canyon View Points?

Park at the Grand Canyon Visitor's Center. You will pay for a pass for your car as you enter the gates, at least $35 that is good for about 8 days. After you park, you can use the Grand Canyon's bus system for free. There are multiple lines including the blue line, red line, and orange line. The orange line only takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to see and is very scenic. The red line is also very popular for its stunning views, but this route does require more time, at least half a day. The buses run about every 10 minutes, so you can get out at various stops, take photos, then wait for another bus.

Is the Grand Canyon Accessible?

If you have limited mobility or are in a wheelchair, you can experience the Grand Canyon and soak up its awe-inspiring views from the rim. The visitor centers are accessible and there are many views with handicap parking as well.

When is the Best Time of Year for Sunsets over the Grand Canyon?

The Summer months during the monsoon season will give you stunning sunset views. July, August, and the first part of September are the best months to catch a summer storm and sunset here. Many times it will rain in the morning and the clouds will stick around for incredible sunsets.

Can You HIke the Grand Canyon?

Absolutely, but you must remember it's optional to start your hike into the canyon, but the trip out is not optional. If you do want to hike it, it's highly recommended that you spend at least one night at camp (that you will need a permit for).

Photo by Andrew Dicus

How Long Does it Take to Hike the Grand Canyon?

Hiking down to the bottom will take generally for 4-6 hours. It will take 8-12 hours+ hours on the way back up.

When is the Best Time to Hike the Grand Canyon?

Black Water Drift Diving Show Notes

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite experiences, black water diving in Florida. Last year, we did an episode on black water diving in Kona with one of my favorite photographers, Jeff Milisen, please go back and listen to that episode when you have the chance. Now black water diving is when you go out at night, and get to witness the diurnal vertical migration, the largest migration of biomass in the world first hand. Amazing creatures that live at deep depths, come up every night. Many of these creatures are transparent or translucent. Many of them are the larvae form of everyday sea creatures, but others are creatures you may never see on a reef, also known as pelagic creatures. 

Photo by Mark Averett

Difference Between Kona Blackwater Diving and Florida Blackwater Diving

Now in Kona, Hawaii, when you jump off the boat you are tethered to the boat, but in West Palm, Florida, they do things differently. Off the east coast of Florida is a ripping current and off of Florida, you jump off the boat without being tethered and you slowly descend. Most of the dive instructors stay on the boat to keep a lookout for divers.

What’s interesting about how they do it in Florida, is that

they have a dive rig floating with the current with a red light on top, and

lights about every 10 feet down the line. The rig floats with the current in

the ocean, and the divers descend and drift with the current while looking for

these amazing pelagic creatures and keeping an eye on the rig so you don’t get

separated.

I have been a huge fan of black water diving for the last 6

years and is one of the main reasons I keep going to Kona, but I was so

intrigued to do this dive off of Florida. I had the chance to go to Orlando for

a podcast conference a month or so ago, and decided to take a detour and head

to Riviera Beach, to my favorite Florida dive shop, Pura Vida divers, next to

the Blue Heron Bridge (which is one of the best shore dives in the world).

The Story Leading up to the Black Water Drift Dive off of Florida

I have some good friends in Florida, and I rounded them up and we reserved 5 spots on Pura Vida Diver’s dive boat for a black water dive. We had planned to dive Blue Heron bridge before heading out, but that dive got rained out, but the clouds broke apart by the time we had to meet at the boat at 7 PM.

Earlier that day, we stopped by the dive shop to check-in and purchase our glow sticks to put on the back of our tanks and get any gear rental squared away. While I was there I noticed a Florida black water diving book. I have been waiting for years for a black water diving book to come out. When I saw the book, I couldn’t believe my eyes and immediately bought it. That afternoon, I started consuming the information as fast as I could and wanted to be able to identify more creatures later that evening.

Time for my First Blackwater Night Drift Dive

When 7 PM came, we went out to the boat and I was talking to

people and found out that both of the authors, Linda Ianniello and Susan Mears

were both on the boat! I couldn’t believe it! I ran over and took my picture

with them and got them to sign my book. These ladies are superstar celebrities

in my eyes!