Finally after 3 weeks of sitting in front of computers at the workshops in San Francisco and London I managed to take a week off to head down to Egypt for some diving in the Red Sea.
I had booked the last berth on the MV Orchid for 7 days diving. After diving in the freezing cold water of the Falklands you could say I was kind of looking forward to jumping in 29 degree water for a change! We had a slow start waiting an extra day for some passengers who had a canceled flight but eventually we got out onto the water for some great diving. I had originally been given a small cabin with some bunks but with the extra guests arriving who needed their own bunks I was asked if I would mind moving to the main suite.. excellent! So for the week I had a great double bed and ensuite all to myself, luxury!
eThe dives were sensational mostly. Especially th wreck dives like the famous Thistlegorm. The reef was very colourful and healthy looking in spite of the masses of divers visiting them. Not as many big pelagic species like you get say in the Coral Sea but still plenty to look at. Only saw 3 sharks for the whole week and a few turtles as. Some cave dives were very scenic as well although some of the other divers were a bit nervous and banged and clanked their way along stirring up clouds of silt which kind of spoilt things a bit. The crew were great and looked after us well, it was a real treat to come up after a night dive to be handed a mug of hot chocolate even before you stepped off the ladder! Most nights were party nights and even though it was Ramadan the crew enjoyed themselves with much singing and dancing..
The other divers were a mixed bunch but all good company. I think I did get a bit lucky with that just from seeing some of the passengers on other boats that came near us during the week - some looked awful with fat poms in the in leopard print speedos lounging around the decks. All in all a great way to spend a week, and I'd definitely do it again but perhaps do a charter further south where it's a bit less crowded! More thumbnails ...
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