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

Kimmeridge Bay

Today we decided to have a reasonably relaxing day but somehow that hasn't quite happened. We started off by going to Go Outdoors in Poole to get a few bits for the walk on Saturday. We then decided to head for Kimmeridge Bay. As we got there it was £5 for the car park which we didn't want to pay as we only wanted to have a nose first. There seemed to be no other parking!! We headed back down to Kimmeridge Village and had a cream tea and cider (well Dave aJ20). The manager said they were happy for us to leave the car and walk down to have a look at the bay. We managed to find a footpath and and find our way to the bay which is beautiful. We ended up chatting to a couple of cyclists who have been expoloring the area.

The rock formation is really amazing here...it is part of the Jurassic Coastline. We went down to the Marine Centre who said diving is possible here and also explained there is a snorkel trail here.
We are hoping to come back tomorrow dependant on whether and we are hoping Kea will enjoy a swim too.

We are now back in the pub because of course we could not leave without another cider (diet coke).

Swanage

We arrived in Swanage on Friday, took ages to get here as the roads were heaving. I think the world and his brothers were out on Friday. We also tried to miss the motorway as much as possible though we also added a bit of time. I now seem to prefer taking the more scenic route and avoid the motorways. The views are much better and the stops much more pleasant :-).

We found out cottage which is on the road that goes into Swanage.....it's called Punch and Judy Cottage. We wasn't sure what it would be like as it is in a terrace and on the main road. On opening the front door we were pleasantly surprised. It has a small lounge, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, then up some stairs (quite steep) to a bedroom and another lounge which leads out to a lovely garden. Behind a door is another set of stairs which leads to another bedroom. It is quaint, with character but decorated in a modern way........lovely.

Friday evening we popped into Swanage to get a couple of bits and of course we had to get chips!! Dave had a pasty with his but I am now eating gluten free (groan) so had to avoid that! It's not been easy to choose foods but it has made me avoid the doughnuts and cream teas so far.......not necessarily a good thing :-(.

Saturday we had an early start and took Kea for a long walk. During the walk we were in a field with horses who took, I feel, an unhealthy interest in myself and Kea. Dave wanted to stroke them but no they wanted to say hello to me...I have to say they really unnerved me. The end of the walk involved Dave climbing a style one side and face planting it the other. He was behind me and all I heard was a thud, when I looked back Dave was sprawled on the floor.....yes I was cruel and laughed but only once I knew he was ok. We then headed to Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock to get some diving in. We met up with our friend Ken who had kindly travelled down from Somerset to give us some advice and guidance. As our navigation isn't the best he got us doing some navigating! We got back to the beach so we must have done ok! Of course we couldn't have a dive without a breakfast......and yes I did manage to fit in a coffee!!! There was not much to see accept lots of little hermit crabs which were fascinating to watch; we also saw a couple of small rays and a tiny plaice. A pleasant dive though and a good place to go to do a bit of training and confidence building etc. It was a little trek down the beach though so we took kit down in two runs......for Dave it was an even longer walk as somehow he had missed where Ken and I had gone and walked half way down the beach and had to turn around and walk back to us!!!

Today we have been to a place called Tyneham Village. It is a village, now ruins that was evacuated during the 2nd World War due to the military extending their boundaries. The residents were promised they would get their village and homes back after the war. This didn't happen as it was decided the surrounding area would continue to be firing ranges. The Village is now open to the public on weekends and other times during the year. A fascinating place to see and well worth a visit. It is free with a car park, the only cost is a donation for the car park which we thought was great value. Plenty of walking was involved here :-). We then took Kea for a short walk and grabbed lunch on the way one. Just before we stopped we were afforded the good fortune of seeing a heard (not sure if this is the correct term!!) of deer in a field :-).

We have been back at the cottage a while now and of course had the essential doze!!!