Well, have now completed my four open water dives, completing the last two at Hudson Grotto, north of Tampa Bay, Florida. This opens up vast opportunities to also now experience and learn about the marine and freshwater environments. I was fortunate field guiding in northern Natal, South Africa to experience the bushveld, but hoped that one day I could get into the ocean and see the wonders of that environment. One step closer now with my open water scuba qualification. Hudson Grotto is interesting to say the least and nerve-racking for my second time in the water. Averaging about 110 ft, we only dived to 55 ft at the deepest on our training dives. Visibility was poor and we dived with torches. Constant watching out for my dive buddy Heather, and the instructor ahead, just to make sure I did not lose sight of them ! A distinct thermocline at about 45 ft as well made for some chilly diving down there. Anyway all went well and all skills completed. Eagerly learning more about the marine environment and hopefully have many opportunities to share that passion and pass on the message of conservation and our extraordinary ecosystems and the creatures and plants that inhabit them !