SCUBA...The Refirement Years???

6 SHIFTS Remaining...Rick's ReFlections of his 32 years career in the Fire Service...

After today I have 120 hours of work (five shifts) remaining at the ole Fire House. Very surreal for sure...

Today's blog...Actually I am playing hooky today from work as I took the day off to go SCUBA diving for the weekend. I've been in the midst (for the past month) of obtaining my 'Rescue Diver' certification. This weekend was putting all the classroom and 'confined' water dives together. So...why do I place it unto my 'Fire ReFlection' blog? Maybe it will become a key component into the ReFirement years. Maybe? We'll see...

The weekend took place up at 'Hood Canal' which is off the Puget Sound, NW of Olympia, Washington. There were five of us in the class and then another class of four taking the Advance Diver Cert. The certifications for PADI (the largest dive cert company) goes from Open Water, to Advance Open Water, then the Rescue Diver and followed by the last recreation dive certification of 'Master Diver' or begin up the professional ranks of 'Dive Master'. I am highly considering completing my Dive Master this coming May. Again...maybe!

Under water at Crater Lake...pretty cool!

All that said, I love diving! But...I must also say...this weekend being my first in a dry suit was bit of a challenge and time consuming to put all the necessary gear on. Staying dry and fairly warm, especially in 42 degree water...think that I'll stick with the dry suit.

Hope you enjoy Audio Adrenaline's 'Ocean Floor'. Test your Spanish at the same time:)