Ocean Dreams Member News – March 2006
Well we are back, Ocean Dreams has had yet another trip to the other side of the world, and it was rather good….. As you may have gathered from our January news letter we were off to Manado Sulawesi. The package consisted of 4 nights in Kungkungan Bay Resort situated over the quiet and unique Lembeh Straits with the second part of the trip at Tasik Ria which I think is over the other side of the island (not so good with navigation on the surface)…(OR UNDER WATER!!! BoB)
Kungkungan Bay is a paradise, On arrival we were welcomed by the management team who gave us a brief of what they had to offer, comments like if you feel like something to eat in the middle of the night just pop down to reception and we’ll make it up for you, made me a little nervous (Diet and all). The spacious wooden huts were simple yet comfortable, mosi deterrents included. Why don’t all resorts do that? The queen size beds gave tired jet lagged divers plenty of room to sleep, however the rain forest that this resort backs onto can be a little noisy when you're trying to go to bo-peeps. For a small fee rooms can be upgraded to a fridge, air conditioning and TV and the small but warm pool offered comfort and relief to the weary travellers. I cannot praise this resort enough, the staff cannot do enough for you, the management are ever present and trying to anticipate your every need and they are good at it… The dive team are all locals and overly helpful, I only picked up my diving kit once through the holiday to move it from boat to boat and was severely told off..(I was told I was on holiday and that was my guides job) they change tanks, they wash your kit after every days diving, they de-kit your equipment, they even washed out the inside of my BCD for heaven sake, I’ve never done that… As for being guided well we have seen the hairy frog fish, the pigmy sea horse, the sea moth, and other really tiny strange looking fish, which may be found in other places in the world, but in this area where a number of waterways and seas mingle the variety is amazing.
The diving at Kungkungan Bay consists of normal sand and corals which we expect from these warm climates but due to its volcanic surroundings most of the diving we did was classed as Muck diving. Dark Volcanic sand which presents these outrageous fish. Three dives per day was the norm and most dives were over one hour long. Diving doesn’t have to be deep, but there are some interesting bits to see at 25M. Night dives are amazing as we did get to pop out on one. This did confuse the hairy frog fish who after trying to entice my torch with is angler, decided he’d just walk towards it and head but it. I’ve never seen a frog fish move they normally sit still looking miserable, but these were quite pro active. Our time at this resort was too short, We were very spoilt and I feel that a longer stay reducing the dives to 2 per day would make the holiday a little more relaxing. Time was too tight at this resort and we never really got to see the house reef which most visitors claim to be amazing. The one time I had planned on doing it the Lembeh Straits were flowing too fast. This area has a large tidal drop which can lead to some heavy currents however there are plenty of dives which can be found that are hidden away from the push and pull of currents.
Kungkungan Bay are currently in the process of building a spa room, although the building work did not affect our stay. Steve the dive manager arranged a talk from an American photographer which we all felt obliged to attend but which turned out to be really enjoyable and informative for the photographers in the group (thanks to Rod for that one). Once again, our group on the final evening at this resort, knowing that we would not be diving the next day, drank the hotel dry of Guinness, and bin tang (Local Lager), Quite to the staff's amazement. (I did warn them at the beginning of the holiday).
The staff then sang us away from the resort, and we can't thank them enough for their friendship, care and help. We travelled across land to the next Tasik Ria resort. Unlike KBR this was a B&B resort in what I would call a normal 4 star hotel. Rooms had showers baths, TV’s, Fridges and air conditioning. The pool which most rooms overlooked crept quietly up to a pool bar with seats situated in the pool for divers to fall off (well they had no back rests and by this time I had become acclimatised to everything being done for me.) The Food and Beverage manager was a friendly Londoner who looked after us, but this hotel could not be compared with KBR. Food well not so much variety,, being a larger hotel means they are restricted to menus that some of us felt was a little massed produced. More of a red sea buffet style menu not ideal for everyone.
Diving at this resort was mostly wall diving with some interesting currents. Not just left or right no (up and down too) the dive guides were good and we only experienced a few days when the diving could be classed as interesting. Boats were the order of the day and 3 dives were normally on offer. This in itself can become a little tedious for those of us who liked a little more variety, or were a little nervous about large drop offs. Our initial briefing from the dive centre manager was enough to put most experienced divers off of diving, and there is no chance of diving with the dugongs if that’s the reason you are going over, currents are interesting but if in doubt when your diving and not happy about the conditions then get out… The boat crew are vigilant and will be happy to pick you up if you’ve had enough, the reefs are good and we did get to see plenty of turtles and a few white tipped reef sharks but given my time again I would have only spent a couple of days at this resort and the majority of the holiday at KBR… Although we had booked a full dive package a few of the group decided to adventure outside the hotel and visit the locals. This I would suggest to anyone is a must. After visiting a showroom village that displayed large houses on stilts for sale which would be dismantled and shipped to an area of choice, we travelled to see how the coconut tree was farmed and used. We stopped outside a small shed where a young man was opening coconuts, A sharp metal spike stuck out the ground and he broke the hairy husk of the coconut and ripped it from the shell throwing the husk which would be used for stuffing in chairs or for fires on one pile and the coconut on another. Coconut water which is found when the coconut is opened and discarded and the fruit of the coconut is squeezed to produce coconut milk, The fruit is then pressed to produce coconut oil which is the oil of choice to use for cooking (that’s why all their dishes taste sweet and of coconut) then the shell is used for charcoal for barbeques or burning. The coconut tree wood is also used for very heavy dark wood furniture and every tree cut down is replaced by a new one.. Other spices that are harvested from these areas are cinnamon (which is the bark of a tree) and vanilla..
We travelled on through towns and villages which were made up of huts which stood next to our flat packed houses, as the locals continued with their daily duties which mostly consisted of sitting on verandas in chairs chatting, or if they were young and trendy sitting, on moped with their mates looking dead cool.. (NOT) Mopeds are used as taxis so it’s not unusual to see a complete family i.e. husband wife and two children riding side saddle down a rather bumpy road. With only the man wearing a crash helmet. (we felt that helmets are warn as a fashion statement rather than for safety) We also visited a Budist temple and the local market.
Within Manado Dog meat is classed as a delicacy. Our guide explained that dogs are treated as mans best friend and live in harmony with a family as is in our country, Until' that is a birthday, Christmas or wedding happens, then the dog becomes supper.. “ Its not a party unless dog meat is eaten.” (As you know I have two dogs and since my return we have had a number of words regarding their behaviour and what might happen if they fall out of line) Within the market we did see a few blow torched dog torsos, also some dead forest rats and bats which are eaten by the locals. A gentleman selling chunks of python meat displayed his catch to us with great delight so that we could photograph him. The people were very friendly, very short, and happy for us to troll around their environment. They do not mistreat their animals. They have some unusual superstitions i.e. if a pregnant women touches your nose her baby will be born with a nose similar to yours. And the dog thing.
Indonesia is not westernised. Health care is pretty hit and miss as is the treatment that some of our party received caused by Dodgy tummy’s and colds. It appears a handful of tablets sorts any ailment out even if its an ear infection. Whilst we were there a village was washed away with a number of people lost, but life goes on, although these people do not have the money we have, they have the support of extended families, they have strong beliefs (never seen so many churches) and although it rains a lot, its warm rain and life doesn’t stop just because of a puddle, like in our country. On our site seeing tour we were lucky to get back to the hotel as all the roads were flooded which made them almost impossible to pass. We watched a man get his small 8-9 year old daughter walk in front of his bike to make sure he’d be able to push it through the floods. She was however soon rescued by a friend. But the streets were full of wet happy people who waited to help vehicles and the elderly out of problems.
Travelling through the tall rain forests and through the Paddy fields was like being on a film set, it’s a lush green paradise which is worlds apart from the one we all know and live in.
Our final day of this trip was spent by a few of us nutter’s going white water rafting, normally carried out on a little bumpy grade 2 river we however chose a day when it had rained (And it really rains over there) for 2 days and the little bumpy river became a grade 4 torrent. The trip would normally take 3 hours we did it in one, and survived to tell the tale. However the coconut tree that was laying across the river close to the end of the decent did nearly wipe a few of us out.
The trip was complimented by overnight stays at Singapore which is an amazing city, very clean and very multy cultured with loads of shops. Singapore slings were had by all but me at Raffles as is a must when travelling to these places. The airport is amazing and very efficient with even more shops and the entertainment in the hotel we stayed at was interesting and we are still trying to work out why the singers who were howling kept getting sashes with money on them.
As for dishing the dirt on the holiday well Jaime managed to be as forgetful as ever, leaving all her camera equipment on the way out in a bar in departures, luckily she did remember once she boarded the plain and bolted out of the aircraft and back down to the bar to retrieve her prized lenses. This was followed by a bag being left on the plane. Chucking her camera on the floor when she got out of the mini bus at the hotel and generally being forgetful. Saskia and Nick enloyed some of the currents and at one point found themselves staring upside down at each other. Unfortunately I don’t think Shane who video’d most of our underwater holiday got this uncool move. Rory our point, click, look, adjust, click, look, adjust, look, I’ve taken the picture, but I know I won’t be happy with it......... was given the task of diving with a Course Director two Staff Instructors and a MSDT Instructor rose to the challenge which culminated with me and Bob getting told off by Rory for messing. Yes I know me and Bob diving together it only happened once and was messy.
Confusingly we had two Paul’s on our holiday and they were very rarely seen out together. We began to think that they were one of the same but I can now confirm that Mr Parker who suffered though this holiday due to a cold that was brought to us by Judith Stevens who successfully completed her Open Water course with us. Not an easy task due to currents and some poor visibility. But who did share her cold with most of the group and it is currently resting with me and Bob to fight off. Paul Smith our quiet dustbin who ate everything that was put in front of him. I know I’m fussy but he was amazing and then there is Gary who found that when his head was confronted with a coconut tree the tree won and finally Sally who faced all her demons in one holiday i.e. walls, decent lines currents etc and conquered them.
Once again thanks to all who came with us. It was a good adventure and one we will be looking forward to doing again..
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLUB DIVING CORNWALL 1ST & 2ND APRIL
We will be going to Cornwall on the 1st & 2nd of April. A boat has been booked and the cost of diving is £20.00 per person.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK A DIVE ON THESE BOATS PLEASE BOOK ON AT THE SHOP. PAYMENT IS REQUIRED IN FULL WHEN BOOKING CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO DIVE ACTION, AND NO REFUND IS GIVEN.
WE HAVE THREE DIVES BOOKED TWO FOR THE SATURDAY AND ONE FOR THE SUNDAY IF WE DO NOT GET ANY BOOKINGS BY THE 19TH MARCH WE WILL BE CANCELLING THE BOATS AS WE ARE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR ANY PLACES THAT ARE NOT FILLED.
SALCOMBE
SALCOMBE 15TH APRIL (CLOSING DATE 19TH MARCH) TWO DIVES COST FOR THE DAY £37.50 (THIS PRICE INCLUDES DRINKS (NOT ALCHOLIC ONES THOUGH) TOTAL PLACES AVAILABLE 12
SWANAGE
SWANAGE 13TH MAY (CLOSING DATE BY THE 26TH MARCH)
TWO BOAT DIVES LEAVING AT 10.30 AND 2.30 COST FOR BOTH DIVES £36.00
TOTAL NUMBER OF SPACES = 12
SALCOMBE
SALCOMBE 24TH SEPTEMBER (CLOSING DATE 19TH MARCH) TWO DIVES COST FOR THE DAY £37.50 (THIS PRICE INCLUDES DRINKS (NOT ALCHOLIC ONES THOUGH) TOTAL PLACES AVAILABLE 12
ALL BOAT DIVES WILL BE PAID DIRECT TO THE DIVING CHARTER WE USE. OCEAN DREAMS DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE ALL BOAT DIVES ARE ONLY OPEN TO ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVERS OR ABOVE. UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AND INSTRUCTOR, DIVEMASTER OR ON A COURSE.. ALL DIVES MUST BE PAID IN FULL ON BOOKING AND NO REFUND IS GIVEN FOR FAILURE TO ATTEND. ONLY CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO THE DIVE CHARTER AND CASH CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THESE BOOKINGS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR POTENTIAL DIVEMASTER , TRAINEE DIVEMASTERS & DIVEMASTERS and RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE
SAM, RICHARD, BOYD, RAY, GARY, SARA AND MATT TO NAME BUT A FEW WE HAVE....... PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A SKILLS ASSESSMENT POOL SESSION BOOKED FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THE 18TH & 19TH OF MARCH PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND ONE OF THE DAYS WILL REVOLVE AROUND PROBLEM SOLVING. WE ARE AT THE POOL ON SUNDAY 12TH MARCH IF YOU NEED TO PRACTICE FROM 3.00, PLEASE PHONE THE SHOP THE DAY BEFORE ANY OF THESE DAYS IF YOU NEED TANKS.
To PAUL, SHANE, JAIME, SASKIA, RORY, MIKE, TERRY, STEVE, SANDRA, NICK, REBECCA, MARTIN,. AND ANY OTHER QUALIFIED DM’S OR AI’S IF YOU CAN HELP US THIS WEEKEND WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT. YOU KNOW HOW THE ROLE PLAYING GOES AND IT’S ALSO A GOOD TIME TO PRACTICE SKILLS IF YOU HAVN’T DONE THEM FOR A WHILE PRIOR TO THE NEW SEASON STARTING, THE MAIN EVENING WILL BE THE SUNDAY SO IF YOUR AVAILABLE PRIOR TO THE PUB PLEASE LET THE SHOP KNOW (TA TINAL)
Emergency First response courses,
We have an EFR course running on 26h March. All those who need to renew (it only lasts 24 months) can book on without buying the book, All those who would like to know more then pop in and see Luke. Its fun and could save someone’s life.
All you need to do prior to starting the course is to watch the DVD/Video and read the book then leave it up to me to sort out the rest. This lasts for one day and includes instruction on CPR, First aid and Defib. If you would like to expand into Childrens CPR this can also be accommodated.
So join us it could earn you money at work as well as helping others. For more information contact Luke….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………… WE HAVE A NEW WEB SITE
HAVE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK WWW.OCEANDREAMS.CO.UK
TIME TO LOOK AT WHAT COMES NEXT
TRY DIVE 2 FOR 1 OFFER CURRENTLY AVAILABLE OPEN WATER £299.00 OPEN WATER REFERRAL £199.00 ADVANCED OPEN WATER £199.00 EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE £95.00 RESCUE COURSE £250.00 DIVEMASTER £300.00 ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR £300.00
PADI ENRICHED AIR £125.00 TDI BASIC NITROX £125.00 TDI BASIC & ADVANCED COMBINED £250.00 TDI ADVANCED AND DECOMPRESSION COMBINED £300.00
THE SPECIALITIES OCEAN DREAMS HAS TO OFFER
PEAK PERFORMANCE DEEP MULTI LEVEL DRYSUIT NATURALIST PHOTOGRAPHER EQUIPMENT PROJECT AWARE FISH ID NAVIGATION WRECK OXYGEN FIRST AID CHILD FIRST AID VIDEOGRAPHY BOAT DRIFT NIGHT DIVER GAS BLENDER DIVER PROPULSION VEHICLE
SO POP IN THE SHOP AND TALK TO US ABOUT GOING FURTHER
SPECIALITIES;
Ocean Dreams offer a full list of Specialties & Adventure dives if you would like to know more call Luke, Brian Tina or Bob. We will train you in the area of diving you are interested in for the cost of the Certification and Training materials. Some courses can even start from £60!!!!.
Memorable dives
IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A GO AT ORGANISING A DIVE JUST COME AND TALK TO US. WE WILL HELP AS MUCH AS WE CAN AND WE WILL ADVERTISE IT IN THE SHOP SO THAT BOATS GET FILLED ETC.
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Pool Sessions.
Sessions are held at the BRI Pool on Monday Nights between 7.30pm and 9 p.m.. We also now run a weekend session for the Open Water courses which all club members are welcome to attend so If you want to have a play its only £5.00 per session, or alternatively buy a pool card and save money (£40 for 12 sessions). Please check availability of the pool prior to attending and let us know if your need to hire tanks or equipment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forthcoming Holidays
MALTA End of May 2006 Leaving from Bristol…
Malta is an island steeped in history and culture. This white rock with its friendly locals plays host to an underwater playground for any keen diver. Wrecks, caves, caverns and reefs can be found from the shore as well as boats.
Our plan is to arrange three days of boat diving and two days shore diving with a possible visit to gozo which will offer any keen diver a holiday to remember.
Malta affords a relaxing time and can interest not only divers but can offer plenty to do for the none diver who may visit the historical city of Valetta or roam around St Pauls discovering its history and secrets.
I will warn you though that beaches are a premium but the driving is fun and if you don’t fancy the drive then just get the bus, they run regularly and are quite classic.
PRICE AND INFORMATION TO FOLLOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE LET LUKE OR BRIAN KNOW AT THE SHOP
RED SEA
Well we are going again. We will be in the Red Sea for two weeks, some of you have already booked on and will be staying with us for the full two weeks but it looks like we have run out of flights. All that is now available are the one week options but these are going fast so if you want to join us then please book on ASAP.. we will be their to meet you, guide with you and dive with you, and if your interested even do some cheap course with you. But don’t leave it too late places are going fast…
(DON’T WAIT TO BOOK THIS. IT IS ALREADY SELLING FAST AND THE FLIGHTS ARE RESTRICTED......)
First week option LEAVING 21ST JULY Second week option leaving 28.7.06 1 week The Cost: £449.00 The Cost: £519.00 One Weeks Half Board Holiday: One Weeks Half Board Diving: 6 Days £165.00 & 5 Days £140.00 Insurance: to be advised
Book, please come into the shop. The Deposit is £100.00 plus insurance (if you don't have insurance already) please note this trip books up very fast and we are limited to numbers so please get your name down as soon as possible
We are returning to the Red Sea at El Gouna, Staying at the Swiss Inn Sultan Bey (Not the one in the picture but better)
Other charges: Third dive in day (night dive) $35, Torches $6, Nitrox $5 per tank, recommended $1 per day for the Hyper baric Chamber, Passengers on boat $20 per day. All paid locally. If you want to dive less than five days, please let us know. Dive equipment is available for hire from Ocean Dreams for the trip.
Dives within reach of El Gouna: The wrecks of Thistlegorm, Carnatic, Ghiannis D and reefs Erg Abu Hangar, Small Giftun and Careless Reef.
SCAPA FLOW SEPT 06 (1 week)
Now for something completely different. Like wrecks, this is the trip for you, you will need to be experienced but we are considering putting on a trip to Scapa in Sept If you would be interested please give Luke your name and details and we will see what type of package we can arrange.
This trip is not for the faint hearted. It is hard diving to depths of +30 meters using slings or twins, we can train you up to that level if you give us plenty of notice. It is wonderful diving, but due to the depths and temperature of the water this is a trip that we will not be in a position to look after individuals who have little experience or confidence in the water.
If however this is a dream you’ve always fancied talk to us… Come diving and build up your experience and confidence.
Price and details will be available when we have an idea of numbers
RED SEA
Dates 27th October for one week Details to be confirmed.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL HOLIDAY TRAVEL IS SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE HOME OFFICE. IF THEY ADVISE US NOT TO GO WE DON’T. ALTERNATIVES WILL BE OFFERED OR MONEY’S RETURNED IN FULL....AS AGREED WITH REGAL....
PLEASE DON’T LEAVE YOUR BOOKING TO THE LAST MINUTE. WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO HOLD A NUMBER OF PLACES AND WE DO LOSE THEM IF DEPOSITS ARE NOT PLACED. SO PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACES WITH LEON IN THE SHOP AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
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CLUB DIVES & TRAINING WEEKENDS PLEASE NOTE I’VE ADDED SOME DATES SO PUT THEM INYOUR DIARY’S
TRAINING AND POOL DATES FIRST RESPONSE TRAINING COURSE
OK SO THIS IS MY CURRENT LIST OF POOL DATES. I’VE WRITTEN THEM IN AS SOME PEOPLE HAD PROBLEMS OPENING ATTACHMENTS SO HOPE IT ALL MAKES SENSE. THIS WILL NOT BE THE ONLY DIVING WE DO AND THEIR WILL BE MORE. I WILL TRY TO GIVE YOU ALL AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT WE ARE UP TO BUT PLEASE PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY’S ALL DIVERS WELCOME WHEN WE ARE IN THE WATER.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BOATS FOR CORNWALL CURRENTLY COST £20.00 PER DIVE, PLACES ARE LIMITED ALL BOAT DIVES MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID IN FULL ON BOOKING AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE TRIP, NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE UNLESS PLACES CAN BE SOLD AS WE HAVE TO GUARENTEE A PLACES ON BOOKING.
PLEASE CALL THE SHOP IF YOU ARE ATTENDING POOL SESSIONS SO THAT WE DON’T LOCK YOU OUT AND WE KNOW YOU ARE COMING. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Club Events:
You will always find Ocean Dreams in the Good Intent on a Sunday (EXCEPT WHEN WE ARE DOING THE CONFINED TRAINING AS DESIGNATED ABOVE) where we meet at around seven for a pint and a roast dinner. All are welcome to join us, just ring the shop to book a meal or pop in for a drink.
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm Saturday 10.00am 5.30pm Sunday No chance!! GONE DIVING OK SO YOU MIGHT CATCH LUKE IN THE SHOP BUT TRY PHONING FIRST
CYLINDER TESTING
£15.00 VISUAL £20.00 FULL TEST
REG SERVICING
REGS £25.00 FOR REG £15.00 FOR AN OCTOPUS + PARTS Publications
We stock all the current diving magazines including:
Diver £3.60 YOUR PRICE £2.75 Scuba World £3 YOUR PRICE £ sport Diver £3.40 YOUR PRICE £2.60
Website
As always our Website is kept up to date so news can be gathered on courses and events whenever you are online. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve it, please let us know.
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