11/09/2020
Congratulations to my good friends Amelia Mau, Mckenzie Greenblatt, and my partner Stephen Gee for becoming PADI Open Water Scuba Divers this past weekend! At long last, you are worthy of joining me on vacation. Yes, that includes you Stephen (about time).
I am so impressed with each of your achievements. Amelia, you have so much courage and determination. Kenzie, you are just game to try anything and are one independent woman! Stephen, you are the best listener I know, and really do pay attention to the smallest details, plus you stay kind and calm no matter the situation. I love how diving shines on a spotlight on each of your strengths. Thank you for sharing this experience with me.
While you are all “rock star divers” who kick up less silt than Andrew Day, that's no surprise, because you had some of the best diving professionals at your disposal. Namely, a Mister Joe Glausi, who helped out at every stage of the course, and who went the extra mile in so many ways (I daren’t say how, lest anyone try to steal him). I know our course would not have been half as much fun without you, Joe.
A huge thank you also to Danica and Alex for catching Stephen up on some of his confined water dives. Because of you two, we had the extra time to get him checked out in a drysuit.
Furthermore, congrats to Alex, who used this catch-up time to finish her Divemaster course; and to Danica for being her supportive and fun instructor. It is inspiring, empowering, and important to have women join the professional ranks of diving. You bring empathy, modesty, fun, and compassion to the sport, and you encourage other women to try it too.
All those non-course-taking tagalongs came in pretty handy as well. Andrew Greenblatt, you make for a swell picker-upper of gifts for me (naturally, you’re the best), great shore support with offers of delivering coffee and food, and of course a mean tidy-upper after our Airbnb morning rush. Siera Kaup and Andrew Day, thanks for running out to get the hungry divers some of the best Thai food in Oregon.
FINALLY, thank you to Eugene Skin Divers Supply and Ron for getting everyone kitted out with exactly the right gear. Everything was a breeze, including the chilly Saturday air and the on-and-off rain fearlessly combated by Joe and his secret dive site setup elements.
Amelia, these green lake pictures are mostly for you. Now you get to be a part of the epic tradition of divers certified at Woahink Lake. Yay!
