Wow!
What a weekend, I feel bad for those who missed it.
First, the weather was clear and sunny the entire weekend. Not a bit cloudy or a drop of rain. Where did those forecasters get their degree?
The water was cool but warmer than I expected. I chose a 3mm over my 5mm and am glad I did. By end of weekend I had ditched the gloves and hood. My comp showed 73 to 74 degrees. Worst part was the brisk winds getting out but as long as you got out of the wet stuff and got dry quick it was ok.
And the vis, OMG. Best viz I've seen there in years, maybe ever. I didn't arrive til almost 3pm Saturday due to family stuff so I missed the clearest waters but it was still a good 30 feet for me, at least at the other end away from the classes. Even Mclot couldn't get lost. We dived in big groups spread out and you could see everybody.
Gigglin Marlin was in the shelters beside us and were doing tech clinics and gear tryouts. Ken got to dive sidemount and Jill got to dive doubles for the first time.
Concert was fun but more for the atmosphere than the music. Adam Carroll had a few fans there but we arrived late and left early. Phil and a friend took the stage for a few songs during intermission and I really liked them better. Highlight of the concert was when they closed with a "tribute to the most under appreciated female performer of the last decade" and launched into a passionate vamped up rendition (acoustic guitar and electric ukelele) that had everyone wondering who it was til some of the under-30 chicks started cheering and singing along "Give me a sign... Hit me baby one more time". Biggest ovation of the night. Go Britney. (And never take Phil too seriously!).
After that, Gigglin Marlin treated those of us who were still around to a fantastic fajita dinner. Chris O'Leary is known for his generous grilling (he goes all out on staff parties) and he brought 300# of chicken, pork, and beef and refused all offers of donations. All the fixin's and sides too.
Then it was on to a night dive with me, Doug, and Amanda. After a few beers I crawled into the tent after 2am. Today was more of the same but a lot less people. Well I'm worn out, but it's a good kind of fatigue.