www.emeraldseadiveclub.org

Boeing 737 Project update

City of Shoreline Beach Walk and Dive

Fund Raising For the Annual Picnic

Howe Sound dive information

Richmond Beach Critter Collection

Speaker of the Month

Upcoming Fun Dives

2004 Board Officers

Dive & Event Calendar

Dive Site of the Month

Divers on the Loose

Editor’s Column

How to Contact Us

Our Next Meeting

President’s Column

Sea Stories

Sound Life of the Month

Submission Deadlines

Guy Balbirona

No wise words from Guy this month as he is in Hawaii.

David L Ripley

It has been said that a person is only as good as their word. The same can be said for any organization, including Emerald Sea Dive Club. The ESDC has been given exclusive opportunities to dive at normally closed locations in exchange for the service we can provide. Accepting these invitations requires us to live up to our word. To wit:

The April 3^rd pier clean-up of Edmonds Fishing Pier at Olympic Beach went as planned with eight divers participating and four pier hands to help Fran Murray topside. The divers included: Elena DiPardo, Jack Titterness, Bruce Bury, Sara Fowler, Cheng-Hui Wong, Greg Becvar, Jeff Smith, and Skip Stacy with Guy Balbirona operating the boat ferrying divers from the beach to the pier. Pier hands were: Shawn Miller, Rick Redfern, Darlene Ripley, myself, and Edmonds Beach Ranger Amanda Bradley led by Fran Murray.

There were not many fishermen present; which was good and bad. Good because there were not a lot of upset fishermen at having half of their pier closed at a time for the clean-up, but bad because there were not enough on hand to buy back all the gear found. However, Fran will continue to sell gear in the following months.

As well as the normal pier items such as lures, line, and lead there were also some unique treasures including: a hash pipe, a ritual dagger with a wooden face on the handle, a nice reel on a broken pole, and a pair of glass candle holders.

Thanks to all who participated once again demonstrating that Emerald Sea Dive Club is as good as its word by fulfilling our commitment.

Speaking of commitments, the normal Camp Casey critter collection was put on hold this year due to equipment problems in the form of a plugged water supply line. When the problem was repaired and the lab back on line all Keith Ludeman had were aquariums filled with water. Faced with classes to teach the following week he asked ESDC to restock the lab. Guy became concerned over getting enough divers from the club to handle the task on such short notice. He was concerned to the point of suggesting non-club divers be allowed to participate, which ruffled a few feathers. Fortunately, enough club divers volunteered to make the trip for the Sunday, April 4^th, dive. Among the divers were: Fran Murray, Skip Stacy, Bruce Bury, Guy Balbirona, Darlene Ripley, and myself.

My wife and I slept in our truck on Saturday night and judging by the strong winds and heavy surf all night we did not think the dive would be possible. But come splash time the winds abated and seas calmed. Our dive produced some sea stars, urchins, crabs and the like, nothing really interesting for Keith. Seeming somewhat disappointed with our results, Keith was less than enthusiastic when someone suggested we try the tire reef around the point. He felt we would find less there than what we had already.

With few other options we all headed for the reef. It proved to be a spectacular dive providing more critters than Keith dared hope for with Skip catching a wolf eel out in the open and Bruce snaring several fish with his aquarium net. We all brought back enough sea life for Keith’s tanks to literally overflow, for which he was most thankful.

Yet again, ESDC kept its word and fulfilled our commitment to Camp Casey, but only by the skin of our teeth. Being a member entails a degree of responsibility. To continue to enjoy these privileged invitations it is very important that we ALL take these obligations seriously. If we break our word we may not be asked back. There is always need and room for more participants above and below the water.

Darlene Ripley

Several members, about half, have NOT paid their 2004 dues. One of the benefits of being a paid member is you receive this GREAT newsletter every month telling you about upcoming dives, where you can locate dive buddies, where the picnic is, get to read dive stories, maybe learn something, etc., etc., etc. If members do not pay their dues by May 15^th they will not receive the May newsletter or future newsletters until their 2004 dues are paid in full. Remember, dues are now $30.00 for a single member and $47.00 for a couple.

If you know someone who did not receive their May newsletter please let them know they need to contact the treasurer, Willow, and make arrangements to pay their dues or to verify they have paid. Once dues are paid, Willow will contact Darlene and the newsletter will be sent to paid members. Thank you.

Thank you to all who purchased cookies at the April meeting. Laura sold twelve dozen for a grand total of $60.00 that goes into the picnic fund. There will not be a cookie sale in May; however, bring lots of money to the June meeting to buy more cookies. Other people will be baking besides Laura. Thanks for volunteering—you know who you are!

Our usual club meeting will be held July 7^th; however, there is no speaker because this is the night of our annual club dive at Edmonds Underwater Park. Be sure to bring your dive gear to the meeting so you do not miss out on the dive! Someone needs to HOST this dive so YOU need to step forward and volunteer. Please contact Rich to let him know you will host this dive and he will put your name in "the hat" for the $50.00 Host a Dive Drawing.

Loogpla Cowden

As the club liaison for the City of Shoreline, I am happy to announce that this is our seventh year supporting the City of Shoreline’s Beach Walk and Critter Dive Event. Once again, the city has invited Emerald Sea Dive Club to participate in this event and we are happy to accept the invitation. Please mark you calendar for the following dates: Sunday, May 23^rd 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p. m. hosted by Elena; Sunday, June 20^th 12:00 p. m. – 3:00 p. m. hosted by Skip and Loogpla; and Saturday, July 17^th 10:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. hosted by Guy.

Emerald Sea Dive Club provides safe recreational SCUBA diving, underwater education, underwater presentations, and volunteer civic events such as: Earth Day, underwater clean up of bed lands, tidelands, and public fishing piers. I want to fully express my sincere thanks to all who contribute to making us the BEST dive club in the Pacific Northwest!

Elena DiPardo

Please join me, May 23 for one of several Critter Collections this summer for the City of Richmond Beach. We will be collecting critters in conjunction with the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Rangers to provide marine education to the public. This is a fun experience that we share with local families. This will be a one tank dive for the purpose of collection, but you are welcome to stay to do a second. The city will provide a truck to haul our gear down to the beach; please meet at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot.

This is also a great time to include your family and friends. I will be bringing snacks and finger foods to share (maybe even fried chicken or something to that effect) so you are welcome to do the same. Sign up for this dive on the clipboard at the meeting or e-mail me to let me know you’re coming at edipardo@u.washington.edu. I hope to see you there!

Loogpla Cowden

Just a note to keep you informed. I have been in communication with Howie Robins, Vice President of the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia. The permit is taking longer than expected but the project is still moving forward and the expected time frame to sink is mid July. I will keep you posted on any changes. The cradle is being built as you read this, the plane has been barged to Comox, and there are a few minor finishing touches to be done. When time draws closer I will be able to give more specifics. Thank you for your patience.

Skip Stacy

The upcoming trip to Cozumel is now only about four months away so I thought I would add a quick note to let anyone interested know that there are still three spots left to fill for the trip. Cozumel is world class diving in a relaxing Caribbean setting and we are still planning on a trip to the Mainland to dive the Cenote sinkholes of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This will be a day trip in its own right and will also include tours of the ancient Mayan Ruins of Mexico. Join us for some beautiful tropical weather with good food, good friends, and fantastic diving. For more information phone Skip 425-775-2410 or Loogpla 206-399-5682.

Loogpla Cowden

Come play with us in the heart of Sea to Sky Highway in the town of Squamish. Located less than an hour north of Vancouver in the rugged Coast Mountains this is a community of unparalleled scenic wonders.

On behalf of Emerald Sea Dive Club, Skip and I invite all of you to join us May 7^th –9^th for a quiet weekend of shore diving, good friends, and conversations. Search for sunken treasure where there is no current, a short easy swim, and easy entry; recommended for all divers. This is the Old Customs House dive located in Howe Sound. Diving here can result in finding old mining artifacts, old bottles, and maybe even old bricks. We will also explore Porteau Cove Marine Park – wrecks galore – easy to find sunken ships! May is an excellent time of year to dive Howe Sound.

We will stay at Dryden Creek Resorts. A quiet, forested creek side retreat located on 14 acres of forested grounds alongside Dryden Creek and is in the heart of "Sea to Sky Playground". You have a choice of camping or motel suites.

There are only five motel suites (sleep 2-4). All motel suites have a full kitchen, full private bath, beautiful custom woodwork, lofted ceilings, skylight, and deck. The cost for the suite is $90.85 (Canadian) per night, double occupancy, tax included.

All camping sites have fire pits, sturdy tables, a clean washroom, and free hot showers. The cost for the campsite is $21.50 per night, (Canadian) double occupancy, tax included. To make lodging reservations please contact Dryden Creek Resorts:

We look forward to having you join us. If you need assistance or additional information please contact us at 425-775-2410.

Darlene Ripley

Alas, I found no aliens on my deep sea adventures this month so I have nothing exciting or interesting to report. However, while getting air today, David and I were discussing Mike Nelson. I am sure most of you know who Mike Nelson was. He was the greatest diver in TV history during the late 1950s.

How come Mike never had a buddy? And the times he did have a buddy that buddy was a bad guy out to kill our hero Mike. How come Mike was always finding Nitro Glycerin—unstable Nitro Glycerin? How come he always narrated that NG was so explosive it had to be handled with care, and yet, he would bang it, he would drop it, or someone evil would swim by and they would fight over it. How come Mike could stay in the water for hours with a regular old cylinder? How come Mike was always getting caught in kelp and having to fight his way out with a knife?

However, the most perplexing question? Why did the powers that be take "Sea Hunt" off the air and Deep Six our diving hero, Mike Nelson? Did Mike ever run into aliens down there?

Mark Soule

Upon beginning diving - there was one major concern. One might think breathing with a hundred feet of sea water over your head might be cause for concern. But no, that was not it. Possibly keeping warm in the frigid waters of Puget Sound might be a reason for having some concerns, but no, that was not it. Maybe the expense of such an exotic pastime? No, not it. Perhaps the tricky and powerful tides and currents might possibly be worthy of some concern? No, not the major concern. How about being eaten by voracious sharks while in some exotic dive destination. Hell yes! But still not the major concern. No, no, none of the above. There was one major concern which caused many sleepless nights.

The major concern is whether or not it is possible to chew tobacco while diving. Well, common sense told me it was unlikely because of the sensitive nature of the regulator. Such a precision piece of equipment and all. It was about five dives into my diving career when at last, while having a conversation with a highly skilled diving dude the question was asked. Can one dive and chew tobacco at the same time? The moment was tense waiting for the answer. Just imagine the increased enjoyment if it were possible. Time seemed to slip into slow motion. Then it came. "Why yes", he said. A regular dive buddy of his always chewed while diving. So I tried it on the next dive. Fantastic! Check the gauges. Spit. Get thumped by a territorial Cabazon. Spit. Ascend. Descend. Gaze at the underwater beauty. No problem. Spit, spit, spit.

You could win a $50.00 ESDC check by hosting club dives. Every time you sponsor a club dive your name "goes into a hat" and twice a year a raffle will be held and one person from each drawing will receive $50.00 from ESDC as a Thank You for sponsoring dives, friendships, and fun! Remember, a club dive is a dive approved by Rich Carton, Activities Coordinator, and placed on the clip-board and on the ESDC web-site. This is a great way to meet club members and have lots of fun. Book your dives today! Remember: the more dives you book the more chances you have of winning.

When you take a class that furthers your diving experience, such as Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Dive Master, etc., show The Board your certification card and you will receive a congratulatory $15.00.

E-mail Jason Miller, our mailing list moderator, jason.miller@IDG-Corp.com,

to be put on the ESCD yahoo group mailing list (www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ESDClist) where you can communicate with other members regarding various dive topics, find dive buddies, or let everyone know about a planned dive that did not make it to the newsletter or clipboard in time. Join the list so YOU won’t be left out!

Wednesday, May 5

Alfy’s Pizza

4820 196^th SW

Lynnwood WA

425-775-5459

Board meeting, 6:00 p.m.; everyone is welcome to join these meetings

General meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Elena DiPardo

I am going to be your speaker for the May meeting. Please join me while I share my pictures and stories from my recent trip to Indonesia. I look forward to seeing you there.

Heading north on I-5: take exit 181B (196^th St SW/Alderwood Mall Pkwy). At the top of the exit there is a stop light, turn left. At the next stop light turn left onto 196^th St SW proceeding to 48^th. Alfy’s is on the south side of the road. (Alfy’s is 4 blocks down from The Rock.)

Heading south on I-5: take exit number 181 (Lynnwood). At the top of the exit there is a stop light, turn right onto 196^th St SW, proceed to 48^th. Alfy’s is on the south side of the road. (Alfy’s is 4 blocks down from The Rock.)

President Guy Balbirona kaikanuni@aol.com

Vice-President Elena DiPardo edipardo@u.washington.edu

Secretary/historian Laura Orlich lorlich@ssoe.com

Treasurer Willow Moore dr.moore@verizon.net

Activities Coordinator Rich Carton addcorich@verizon.net

News Letter Editor David Ripley esdcnewsletter@mindspring.com

NL Editor’s Secretary Darlene Ripley esdcnewsletter@mindspring.com

Big Buddy Coordinator Sharan Smith sjsmith0@gte.net

Webmaster Phil Morgan pmorg@olmpus.net

Greeter Loogpla Cowden loogpla@att.net

Visit our web-site: www.emeraldseadiveclub.org

Write us: Emerald Sea Dive Club

PO Box 73

Edmonds WA 98020

Contact any of the board members via telephone or e-mail.

Month for newsletter Deadline

June May 31

July June 28

August July 26

September August 30

October September 27

November October 25

December November 29

₪ Bruce Bury

425-788-8063

bury1of6@aol.com

₪ Skip Stacy – rainy days

425-775-2410

₪ Guy Balbirona – anytime after work (3:30)

425-252-1632

₪ Jason Miller -- Rescue 425-778-7548

Jason.miller@idg.corp.com

₪ Mike Bevan

work: 425-788-0595

home: 425-788-1015

₪ Greg Becvar

425-670-3978

tridoxia@yahoo.com

₪ Jim Sawyer -- Rescue Certified

425-335-5312

jpsmrvideo@aol.com

*Please note: this dive has changed from Skyline Marina Wall in Anacortes.