Aufwiedesehen

Time to say goodbye. We packed our bags and had dinner last night then spent the evening chatting.  I didn't want to go to bed as it meant we would be leaving.  Dave and I were the first to leave this morning and it felt sad to say goodbye.  Some new friends had got up early to say goodbye, if you are reading this, thank you, it meant a lot :-).  We then had our heavy cases loaded on the dingy!!! We then had to get on ourself without falling in the water.....we did it then giving and receiving lots of waves. A taxi took us to the airport so we were able to see some of the local lives.  The houses looked a bit like barracks in the area we passed through. For some reason we were surprised that the Maldivian's drive on the same side of the road of us!  Part of the journey included crossing the airport runway and a sign saying "Give way to aircrafts" - a little unsettling :-).  

We are now waiting to board the plane and looking forward to seeing the photos and videos.

More importantly we can't wait to get home and see the family and Kea (the dog) :-))).

Adrenaline High and soon to say Goodbye

Well where do I start, we dived under a jetty last night and were surrounded by sharks and sting rays. It was a frenzy :-).  Before leaving I was pretty apprehensive. Although I was worried about the sharks I was also concerned about the sting rays - I really didn't want to come down on one of those!!!  

So it's dark, we jump in with a little light from our torches! As we descend what do I see directly under me....a sting ray!! It was actually an amazing sight :-).  We then settle onto the sandy bottom and watch the sharks and rays feed.....I can not say how many times I have been privileged this week. To see such wonderful animals in their natural environment has been amazing. There were too many sharks and rays to count, they just kept on coming, and coming and coming. The first spot quitened down a little then we moved to about 5 metres of water and saw more and more and more.  I just can not put numbers to these!  Alton Towers will need to up their game to match thus adrenalin rush. It's a strange feeling of being scared initially, to being excited then to a calmness and really enjoying them go by.  The sharks were mainly nurse sharks however there were also some black tip reef sharks.  We all thought there was only one black tip reef sharp however watching back the video there were three at one time going across so there had to be more!!  At one time one of the nurse sharks knocked into Dave.  At one point I felt something hit my tank, while I was under the water I told myself it was a person, but I'm not so sure. I didn't want to think what was behind me!!!!!  One of the lads Heika (not sure if that's spelt right), was telling us today that he was laying in the sand with his hands out front and on his knees, as if he was doing press ups, one of the sharks went between his arms and knees and allowed him to stroke it!  No explanation will ever give the full picture of this experience! I do have video but it needs editing! 

This morning we have our last dive and again a great dive sharks again..white tip and grey reef sharks. A turtle, a flat worm and and and....... :-).  Then once again just as we think it can't get better the pièce de résistance was a large leopard shark laying on the reef edge!!!

It is sad to pack our dive kit up but we have had a fantastic time. We have met some lovely people and had some great dives :-). 

Living the dream!

Three dives so far today! The first dive Dave didn't want to do so I went off on my own. The others in our little group had also decided to stay in bed so I had the dive guide to myself, brilliant :-)). Not a great deal to see but saw a few nudibranks, small morays, turtle and a shark!!  Vis was a bit low but a pleasant dive with just two of us :-).  On return Dave was up and waiting for the dohni.......I thought it was lovely he was waiting for me to return but now I'm thinking it was because he wanted breakfast :-).

Second dive was a wreck dive which was lovely, again some nudibranks, blue dragon fish (I think that's what they are called), a moray in a tyre! Pipe fish, rock fish and other marine life that I can't remember but a lovely dive.  I think we also saw a large shrimp that was in the sand :-) 

Third dive.....what can I say!! We went back to the manta feeding station and were given another wonderful show........,.it is such a lovely feeling sitting on the sandy bottom while the mantas just cruise by :-).

We are now just waiting for the briefing for a night dive......with sharks I believe.  A bit scared but also a bit excited!!!!!

WHALE SHARK!!!

Not only did we find a whale shark we swam with it, dived with it then swam again!! I keep thinking it can't get better and it does! Absolutely amazing!!!  After a little while on the first jump, there were loads of people with us, it was like a gaggle. Courtesy seemed to go out of the window with fins everywhere and lots of pushing. At that stage I moved away as it didn't feel right and it felt like the shark couldn't get out of the way although I'm sure it would have done if it really wanted to. 

We went back to the boat, kit on and in for a dive, we saw the whale shark briefly then it was too fast. We continued to dive in quite a surge.  It was like one step forward 9 back. We had to fin like made going forward then relax when it took you back again.  It was funny seeing people bobby around. We also got to see a turtle, ray and a couple of nudibranks! 

Back to the boat then off to snorkel again. We missed it on the first jump after the dive however we were picked up again (by another dohni) then managed to jump in again twice and swim with it.  Feel really privileged. Another amazing day :-))))).

 

What day is it?

You know you are having a fantastic holiday when you lose track of days! I think we have established it is now Thursday!

Yesterday was another great day. We did 3 dives, we had the option of 4 but decided on 3.   The first dive was a small wreck - a boat deliberately sunk for divers. It was a pretty wreck and we were able to see a nudibrank and pipe fish.  We then went across to a pinnacle, wasn't too much to see and the current had also  picked up so was difficult to get around. At some stage we were finning as staying in the sane place!!!  From here we went across to the reef. Most of the reef looked dead here so there was not much to see 😒. 

The second dive we saw more sharks, 3 rays hovering above us and 2 eagle rays swam onto the cleaning station. Also saw a little black/purple flat worm :-).

Last dive of the day for us was more sharks :-), rays and a turtle sitting under a ledge and a beautiful top of reef to look at.

The afternoon and evening consisted of going to an uninhabited island and having a BBQ. Again amazing.  The crews from the boats make sand sculptures. Our crew made a whale shark.  Another boat made whale shark, a hammerhead and a ray....such talent :-).

Today has started with more sharks.  Cuttle fish which Dave finds extremely cute and a large sting ray.  We were also treated to a school of barracudas. I am not sure however if it gets better than the last dive where we sat on the sandy sea floor for an hour watching another manta show!! Absolutely amazing.  We only left because we were very close to our no decompression limit!!  As we ascended and looked around the reef another two gave us a visit....wonderful :-).

We are now on our way to see if we can spot whale sharks so fingers crossed :-).

Sharks, sharks, turtles and mantas.

Well what a day. Up early yesterday (5am) to go out and hang in the blue to see if we can spot any hammerheads. Unfortunately not but a pleasant dive around the reef, not much to see but a dive. 

The next dive..........wow wow wow......white tip reef sharks, including a baby laying under the coral :-)). We saw a turtle and we also saw a baby eagle ray which decided to come and pose for us!  Then the finale just hovering on the reef watching shark after shark after shark pass by. We could have stayed all but due to air, or lack of it, we had to come up.

Next dive we saw more sharks, one of which swam close by across the reef near us. A turtle swam between us and an abundance of sea life everywhere, a lovely dive with a great ascent as fish were with us all the way.

When we thought it couldn't get better we did the night dive.  We were teased first looking for mantas from the back of the boat.  The boat light is put on which attracts the plankton which in turn attracts the mantas.  We saw a Manta about four times which made us really excited for the dive.....usually they scare me and I avoid them.  Once down we all put our torches down which again attracts the mantas and what a show we were given. We were told they would come near and not to move if they did as they wouldn't touch us. And near they came. A huge mouth open and coming towards us, what an experience. They seemed to put on a show! Again air dictated when we came up.  Buzzing isn't the word!!! :-)))

It's now 6.15 am and we are off for our first dive of the day.

Maldives October 2014

So here we are in the beautiful Maldives. I have to say the descent from the aeroplane was absolutely stunning.  The sea looked blue with beautiful little islands scattered around. For me I think it is probably the most wonderful I've ever seen when coming into land. Those of you that know me know I have a fear of flying so don't like to look out of the window during take off a and landing but this had to be seen!!  We travelled for about 13 hours between two planes arriving in Male at about 1.30 in the afternoon.  We were then transported to the boat by a smaller boat. This smaller boat is the one that takes us out on our dives. Once on the main boat, we were shown our cabins and then in the sea for our check dive.  The water was pretty murky but it was good to dive.

 

We then had dinner then it was off to bed. Dave was snoring immediately while I sat up greasing the O rings for the torches and cameras!! Thanks Dave!!! I must have slept well though as apparently there was a thunder storm and I didn't hear it!!

 

This morning we were up at 5.45 for our first dive. Again it was a bit murky however the second dive was clearer and we were able to see more. It was choppy trying to get out and as I was just about to climb up the ladder when I got hit by at least 3 large waves causeing me to hit the ladder rather than climb it.  I ended up with a bashed elbow and shin, I think I have small bruise on my arm and a beauty on my shin - ouch!

On the third dive we saw a ray and two white tip reef sharks :-)))) .  We did however have to abandon the dive as I started to get pins and needles in my arms and was worried it may be something worrying. Once I was on the boat I came out in blotches/rash.........made me even more worried as we saw nothing that could sting me and therefore concerned I may have a skin bend! I had oxygen as a precaution but once the dive guide was back he said there were jellyfish that couldn't be seen, he and others had also been stung :-((((.  Vinegar and antihistamine seemed to have helped so hopefully that's all it was. Gonna pinch Dave's rash vest tomorrow to cover my arms!

A friend has leant me a GoPro so have done a bit of filming with that, need to get the angle better though. There is no view on the back so it is a bit ig guess work what you are filming. I do have a little bit of shark footage :-).

Well that's it for now.

Colette

Stonehenge to Avebury Trek

Our 26 mile trek was last Saturday - 7th September in aid of Alzheimer's Society. The day started early and we arrived in Avebury around 6.00 to get the coach to Stonehenge.  We arrived in Stonehenge just before 7.00, the morning was crisp, misty but bright and the sun was trying to get through.  Stonehenge was visible but spooky as it tried to break through the mist.  We got our registration details and numbers and then went to wait at the start line.

Early morning start in the mist.

Eagerly waiting to start.

Stonehenge in the mist- a little spooky looking.

This was as close as we could get to Stonehenge which was unfortunate however it still felt a privilege to be there.

It wasn't long before we started counting the miles.

Mile 1

Stonehenge soon felt like a distant memory. The sun had broken through and it was getting warmer.  A gorgeous day was emerging.  There was lots of chatting going and people getting into there rhythm.

Stonehenge in the distance.

Mile 2

Mile 2 Selfie

It didn't seem long and we had clocked up two miles.  Initially we were walking on paths which wasn't the most scenic however we soon started entering the MOD area and walked through the firing ranges. This was actually tough walking as the path was not that great and certainly didn't feel good on the feet.  Mile 4 photo gives a good example of this.

Mile 3 and Dave thought a picture of me was in order - not sure I was in agreement!!

I was trying to be a bit imaginative with the pics as I thought we could end up with loads looking the same however there haven't been many of the scenery so far!!!  Between mile 3 and 4 everyone's morning drinks must have decided it was time to pass through and a portaloo was spotted.  Of course an opportunity can not be missed however the advice given was not to go in there as the smell was pretty offensive and to go around the back of some boarding which a few of the women did however only to find mid squat that we in view of the walkers coming down the hill.....a bit of an aargh moment however I think we decided needs must and had to take a couldn't care less attitude.  I imagine the sight of a few white botties as you were walking down the hill was probably a little humorous and hopefully encouraged the walkers on their way!  After the comfort break Dave and I decided a energy fix would be in order at mile 4 and half a Mars Bar each was to be eaten.  At this stage Dave's feet were already a bit uncomfortable.  He had already started with a small blister on his foot :-(.    We gave our self little goals to aim for.  We would be having a water stop at around 6 miles so decided the next Mars break would be at 8 miles.  I have never looked forward to half a Mars Bar so much.

Mile 4 - Shadow of Dave with the Mars Bar!!!

Half a Mars Bar eaten and we were soon on our way again with topped up energy levels.

Mile 5

Much of the view as in mile 5 seemed to be like this for a a while, although it was difficult under foot there were some lovely views.  This looks quite flat here however we did seem to encounter a few hills and climbs.

Mile 6 called for another selfie.

The sun was getting hotter so the sun hats were on!!  I know very fetching ha ha.

Mile 7

Mile 8 and the 2nd Mars Bar share :-).

Mile 9

Mile 10

Stonehenge in the distance.

Between mile 10 and 11 we looked over and saw Stonehenge again .... had we only walked that far!!

Mile 11 and on our way to lunch.

Down the bottom of the hill and we had lunch.  A great spread was waiting for us.

and we're off again.

Mile 12 

Mile 13 and Dave has really been suffering.

I am not sure but I think it was around this area where we climbed over a style into what seemed like a bog.  Before we reached the style we heard lots of screams and laughter and wondered what was going on....we soon found out when it was like walking through a swamp.  As I climbed the style I put my pole down and it sunk quite a way down so I used it to find some hard ground.  I told Dave this and said they he would need to take a wide step however somehow he stepped backwards and the mud went over his boot!!  We had been chatting to a young man Tom at this stage who had also managed to get a bit muddy however I think he was quite fortunate as he had been thinking to changing his boots to walkings sandals not long before this.....a good move that he hadn't.  Although we didn't see her there was talk of a young lady who had been wearing flip flops and had decided to just go through in socks - her poor feet.  I am not sure if she was the same girl however a girl in flip flops arrived soon after us at the 18 mile stop and apparently her feet hadn't been too faired too great from her shoes/boots.  It is amazing to see how much dedication people put into walks like this as it would have been so easy to stop.

Mile 14

Mile 15

Walking up to mile 15 was a change of scenery, walking beside a cornfield.  I think this is the area where most people probably got stung as there were a generous amount of stinging nettles along this path.  Unfortunately one lady slipped and fell into the stingers which I am sure must have felt pretty horrible. I have to say she was very elegant in her falling and seemed to just glide up again - I think from what she said it was due to using a mobile, never mind don't drive while using your mobile, they should have a stinging nettle warning on them :-)!  After enquiring she was OK we carried on marching in the hope the stingers would soon be gone.

Mile 16

Soon the scenery changed again and we were walking along a canal which was lovely.  As we walked along the path the sight of the white horse came into view, although it was soon lost behind the trees.

Mile 17

Mile 18 the white horse is in sight and so is the refreshment stop :-)

Mile 18 and a welcome break.

One of the lovely marshals who had a welcoming smile and happy chat.

This marshal's welcoming smile was refreshing after a dragging climb up the hill.  What we didn't know was there was much more climbing to come!!!!

Mile 19 - the white horse is in sight and so is a massive climb!

I may have mentioned this a couple of times during this blog but Dave was now REALLY suffering. His feet were really painful, paracetamol and ibuprofen seemed to be only taking a little of the pain away.  I have to say I was so proud of him carrying on.  It was sheer grit and determination.

Some views from up high.

Yay we made it!!

The White Horse

Mile 20 - trying to encourage Dave to look at the views however even this was difficult for him. But on he went :-).

The clouds are rolling in however stunning views.

The horses and riders came out of the distance, we were tempted to ask for a ride to the end!!

Look carefully and you will see a paraglider!

A lovely sight and gives some perspective as to how high we were. 

Mile 21 - goes without saying really.

Mile 21 - The finish was in sight.

Dave's expression says it all!

Mile 22 and the miles are dropping off!!

Mile 22 and more stunning scenery.

Mile 23

Mile 23

Mile 23 

We are nearing the end and hoping the rain stays off.  Conversation has dropped a bit, Dave had been singing to himself and was in a stride that he doesn't want to stop and then we hit another style!  At this stage they really were not that easy to climb!!  It was at this stage we started to chat to another couple of walkers, a young man Ben (I hope I have remembered this right...if you read it and I am wrong please let me know) and a young lady Ruth.  The generosity of this guy amazed me and really summed up the day I suppose.  There was a girl in front of us whose feet were so sore she was walking in her socks.......they must have been so painful.  He had brought his trainers with him in case he needed to change his foot wear; he took them out of his bag and gave them to her to wear and said he would meet her at the end with a drink.  A very sobering moment! We chatted and laughed and I have to say they made the last two miles disappear and the final hill we had to climb seem more manageable.  Thank you if you read this, your company was really welcome at that stage and laughing with you made it much easier.

Mile 24 - I am sure Dave could have got a better angle!!

Mile 25 and a little one eagerly waiting for someone.

Mile 25 and Avebury stones leading us to the end.

Mile 26 and we are there, wahoooooooo.  Dave smiles for the 1st time in ages :-)

Medal time and a very proud moment.

Medals and a cider to celebrate

I think now would be a good time to say thank you to the organisers, volunteers, marshals etc who were encouraging us along the way and without whom our bellies would not have been fed and watered.  I know it takes a great deal of people for an event like this to work so thank you everyone.

Just the thing when you can not walk any further - it was the best coffee after 26 miles.

The cause of Dave's pain!!!

There were some high and lows during this trek but I for one absolutely loved it.  The scenery was wonderful and the people we met were lovely. To see so many people putting themselves through so much pain for a cause was unbelievable.   We were never very far from someone taking their boots off and applying plasters.  There were many limping people and and watching people battle on was admirable.  In all of the events I have done I really don't think I have seen so much discomfort and pain.  I really do take my hat off to everyone that battled the blisters and the pain.  I did have a blister that I would usually be proud of but it was a pin prick by comparison.

I was looking on the Stonehenge to Avebury Trek facebook page today and the following poem had been put on there.  It sums up this awful disease in a few words.  The power of it, I feel, was so strong that it made me cry.  

Such a touching poem.

There is still much work to be done to help the sufferers of Alzheimer's and their families. Dave and I have a justgivng page and are trying to reach £520 between us.  If you would like to make a donation please go to www.justgiving.com/ColetteandDave all donations are really appreciated.  I am also collecting clothes, bags, belts and shoes to fundraise so if you are thinking of having a wardrobe clear out and want to donate your items to a worthy cause then please let me know.  Thanks again and I hope you have enjoyed the blog.

Colette :-)