On 04 Mar 2009, at 19:42, Josephine Grahn wrote:
I know there are some Scuba sorts on this group, and, as a break from Global Warming, would any of you care to wax eloquent (recommend) a good place in Utah to get certified? (Resist the impulse to make it personal :)). We have a wedding in Mexico this Spring, and I want to go on something more than a resort dive. Thanks! Jo
Hi Jo, Your post is not really off topic. You're just preparing for once global warming takes hold and we're all forced to swim... :) But seriously, Neptune Divers is a great place to get started. It was they who hosted a season of star parties at their Bonneville Seabase location near Grantsville (and where they've generously loaned the land for the U's newest observatory) and it was they who put together a scuba/eclipse trip to the Caribbean in 1998 (so, in other words, they are fellow astro-geeks). Typically one starts training in the swimming pool at their Neptune facility in SLC and once done with that conducts the open water training at Seabase. Oh and if global cooling is your thing they also conduct ice dives near the poles... Seabase, BTW, is a natural warm spring that's open all year and which (to the consternation of the experts) supports a thriving assortment of ocean fishes. And for those of us who like our creature comforts, Seabase has hot water showers, restrooms, snack bar, a classroom and paved roads right up to their driveway (things lacking at most other open water sites in Utah). To follow up contact Linda Nelson at 435.884.3874. Neptune: http://www.neptunedivers.net Seabase: http://www.seabase.net/ Starbase: http://www.physics.utah.edu/starbase/ Clear skies! patrick