Since we seem to be caught up in the Winter That Never Ends, looking back at these photos from our time in the Caribbean a number of years ago is a particular form of torture.
I’m a sun whore for lack of a better term, and I loathe the thought of winter and having to cover up with pants (egads!) and boots and bulky coats. I’m in my element in a sundress and flip-flops, or in this case a wetsuit.
Since the Star Clipper’s dive equipment needed some tinkering, when we arrive in Antigua, the voyage director Peter set the six of us divers up with eXtreme Diving, which was manned by three Brits: Don, Anna and “Callum with two Ls.” They charged significantly less than the other neighboring isles, at $80 for a two-tank dive, which was nice; St. Barth’s, on the other hand, wanted us to fork over $190 a person! I’m telling you, this is not a cheap hobby. But eXtreme Diving they were excellent, and also do PADI open water and other certification courses if you’re interested in getting your diver’s license in the Caribbean.
As you can imagine, British humor + a day underwater = the best kind of dive experience. Unfortunately, my camera housing started fogging up in the worst way, so we didn’t get many shots from below the surface. Next time, I’m going to try to put a little bag of silica in my housing before I submerge; apparently, that wards off any fogging effects.
When we were through with our fishy ways, we wandered around the tiny town of Falmouth, which was an odd dichotomy of colorful shacks and massive, million-dollar yachts.
This meant, my ex-Navy, boat-loving husband was in seventh heaven.
We located free WiFi at SA Reese at the harbor and wound up spending the rest of the afternoon catching up on our email while soaking up the rays.
You are right – I don’t think this winter will EVER end! I went out for lunch with some friends yesterday and was amazed when it started snowing. Although we have had snow in the past on Easter here in Lexington, Ky it is unusual. I’m ready for spring! And instead of going somewhere warm, we are headed to Seattle next month. Oh well, summer and sundresses will be here soon!
And here it is APRIL and it’s still rainy and 40s…SIGH.
SO over winter (and the accompanying dreariness). Have you thought about buying a sun lamp? It’s not quite the same, but definitely better than nothing!
Yes it is the requirement of the place i visit it before.
That’s a good tip about the silica, thanks!
oh, great, I just booked a couple of days in Italy so your pics are perfect for me to recall how it is to enjoy sun&water!
Antigua looks stunning! I could use a bit of that sunshine and warmth – I loathe winter too and it seems to be going on and on and on this year!
Wow! What an adventure! Despite the camera issues, your underwater photos are really neat, and like Lisa said, it’s nice to try to “warm-up” with your post as it’s actually freezing here in Seattle & we even had SNOW this morning!
I’ve always been a summer girl but a few years in Asia has finally broken me. I did three winters in a row last year and after a month back in Asia I’m ready to pack my backs and head off in search of a snowy mountain top. But first I need a month of diving so I really loved looking at your photos. What a gorgeous first shot. It looks like a really lovely place.
Winter That Never Ends is really the Honeymoon That Never Ends 😉
Awesome pics..!! I loved it so much. You have done a fabulous job. I am so impressed with your work. Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
I’ve never been to Antigua but it looks beautiful and I love your underwater photos!
looks like so much fun!
Diving is a cheap hobby… in Southeast Asia 🙂 I just had a major camera fogging issue — no problem, it was only THE BEST DIVE OF MY LIFE ARHGHGHHG — and it turned out I didn’t clean the o-ring properly. So maybe give that a clean and a re-grease too!
Hmmm.. Salica, cleaning the o-ring properly… I gotta remember these tips for when I get an underwater camera housing of my own! Hehe
I swear, every winter is the Winter That Never Ends. Amirite? And this coming from a girl who enjoys the cold! But I am realizing more and more that I don’t mind the cold so long as I get a break (or two) from it at some point. This year it was a long (and long overdue) weekend in Florida–next year it may have to be an island paradise!
Wow… Sometimes I get scared of diving because of that thought that scary creatures live under the waters… But after seeing your photos I think I should give it a try since it summer right now in our country… 🙂 Are there lots of corals there?
So glad to see this post! Have been to Antigua last May and went swimming with stingrays while 7 months pregnant;). THAT was an experience! The island is so beautiful.
It surely has been a cold couple of months. It feels like winter lasts longer and the summer months fly by so quickly.. we hardly get any sun. Anyway, I love the pics, especially the ones under water.. Keep these posts coming
Can’t wait to travel there right now!
Great photos; they have this ‘ambiance’ that make it seem as if I was actually there so thanks for bringing out the essence of Antigua. What are some of the diving staples in terms of safety, best times to dive and training basics for first-time divers?
Last year i alone with my wife travelled ENGLISH HARBOUR, ANTIGUA .We enjoyed this trip so much.this was really amaizing place. i always i recomment my friends or client this types of romantic& nice view place where they refresh their mind. In this post there are most important information that i didn’t know. Thanks to share it.
Thanks for sharing a amazing blog, recently i have planned las vegas trip through bookotrip, but after read this blog i really excited to go ANTIGUA….
OMG! Looks like you had a blast! Your photos make me want to go to ANTIGUA, too! Hopefully soon….
Your post is really very impressive. I Can’t wait to travel there right now!