www.emeraldseadiveclub.org

In This Issue

Heartfelt thanks… & Looking Forward

As I reflect on the swirling changes impacting the Emerald Sea Dive Club, (ESDC) words cannot fully express the level of gratitude and an appreciation for the outstanding performance of club member, Wendy Drucker. Her willingness to take on the interim role of President and lead the membership into the transition so that the events of the ESDC would not skip a beat is commendable. For this selfless act of leadership, on behalf of the ESDC, and myself, we say a collective—Thank you Wendy!

Yes, 2005 will be a fantastic year. As I scan the horizon of this incoming year, and for the up coming dives… it truly will be an honor and a privilege to serve as your President. The caliber of the Officers, Directors, and Membership reflects a portrait of highly enthusiastic individuals who are dedicated to the New Year and committed to their roles as your dive buddy.

With sleeves rolled up, your elected officers donated their time, effort and expertise in preparation of a dive plan that will energize all of you in 2005. It is also my pleasure to announce our team has been expanded to include Steve Berthernier - Vice President; Rose Tadlock – Secretary; Cheng-Hui Wong – Treasurer; David Ripley – Newsletter Editor; and Greg Becvar – Activities Coordinator.

At the ESDC we are committed to your diving adventure. We ask that during the course of this year, when your experience is a positive one, tell the other divers about us so they may have an opportunity to join or sponsor an activity. If your experience becomes less than satisfactory, then tell us so we may improve our club. The ESDC is a mirror of its membership and that image is reflected within the diving community and depends on it for its support. I personally want to say THANK YOU to each Committee Chair, and you for your continued support of the ESDC and its activities. Thank you again for this opportunity of service. Let’s blow them bubbles below!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darlene for all her hard work on the newsletter last year and to thank her in advance for all her hard work yet to come in helping me produce the newsletter this year—so—Thank You!

As was the case last year I am asking that all contributors submit their articles, columns, etc. by the following dates:

January 24—for the February newsletter

February 21—for the March newsletter

March 28—for the April newsletter

April 25—for the May newsletter

May 23—for the June newsletter

June 27—for the July newsletter

July 25—for the August newsletter

August 29—for the September newsletter

September 26—for the October newsletter

October 24—for the November newsletter

November 28—for the December newsletter

Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to submit articles about their dives or any diving or club related topic.

Question: Is their any interest in having a column in which members could post dive gear they have for sale/trade or post items that you are looking for—at a good price? If so bring it up at the January meeting for discussion.

Tentative ideas—

Open to all members of the ESDC.

Each member may submit one photograph per month during 2005.

Bring them to the club meetings where they will be displayed for all to see.

May also display entries on web site. Details to be worked out.

Considering top three for yet to be announced but undoubtedly spectacular prizes to be awarded at the Christmas Party.

Also considering creating a calendar for 2006 using the top twelve photographs.

In order to open the competition to more members, photographs may be of above water (diving related} subjects as well as underwater subjects.

Voting to be done by all members of ESDC casting one vote each for their top twelve choices.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions contact David Ripley at the club meeting

or at esdcnewsletter@mindspring.com

It’s All About Me—Introductions from the new board member (perhaps more to follow next month?}

Newsletter Editor: David Ripley

I joined the ESDC in August of 2003 after having been introduced to the club by Laura Orlich and Mark Soule. I was newsletter editor in title, barely, last year with my wife, Darlene, actually producing the newsletter. This year I will be attempting to produce the newsletter under her guidance. (I still think it would be a lot easier on both of us if she just did it herself, but—).

I began diving in 1963 as a teenager in Long Island Sound. Having all the gear, minus a cylinder and regulator, I was forced into breath-hold diving while hunting stripe bass and black fish along the breakwater at the mouth of the Housatonic River. After seeing one of my buddies dive with SCUBA gear I joined the navy with grand visions of becoming a member of the Underwater Demolition Team; after all, I enjoyed blowing things up with firecrackers and diving. What better way to meld two great activities? The only thing I lacked was vision. With 20/400 eyesight the navy decided to pass on my application. I continued breath-hold diving in Hawaii after my parents sent out all my gear. A month or so afterward it was all stolen and I did not venture underwater until a suicide-dive in Maui almost twenty years later followed, in no short order, by a similar type dive in St. Thomas almost another twenty years later. After moving from Boise, Idaho to Issaquah, WA in 2000, I was finally back by the water where, a mere 44 or so years after I first took up diving, I was certified as a PADI Open Water diver through the Lighthouse Diving Centers. From there I continued my education with the short-lived Dive Shop out of Bothell where I qualified as a PADI Dive Master, otherwise known as an instructor’s go-for and caddy. Since their demise all my dive mastering has been done for my wife, I am her private caddy, schlepping her gear from here to there and back.

Once in the water, I prefer "doing" something as opposed to just taking in the sights, which for me equates to photography. Up until now that has meant using a point-and-shoot camera where there has been little point to my shooting. Now that I have a digital camera, thanks to my wife, I am looking forward to actually taking pictures of what I see.

That’s not all about me but probably more than enough for now. Happy diving!

by Greg & Laura Becvar

Amid the gaily decorated Milltown Sailing Association hall, the Emerald Sea Dive Club held their annual Christmas party. The club members proved their versatility as fantastic cooks as well as exceptional partiers filled with good cheer. The Christmas Committee members; Fran, Skip, Loogpla, Mark, Laura O., John, Boston and Greg arrived several hours early to set up the hall and begin the cooking. As the hall filled with the wonderful aroma of food, Santa and his elves set up to greet the incoming members (and take their money!).

The well planned program began following a delicious meal. Santa (Greg) started off by recognizing a few members who made for an interesting 2004 dive year. Certificates and "special" prizes were awarded. Santa reached into his gift chest (his sack sprung a leak and plastic is sturdier anyway). The lucky winners went away with prizes that included an egg timer/bottom timer, cook book, a pirate's hat, two dive equipment lists, miniature fins, a giant "seahorse" jaw bone, a no-luck certificate a smiley face night light, and two sets of fuzzy dice. The plunger and the handcuffs have yet to be claimed.

Diver of the Year was awarded to none other than Bruce Bury who confessed that he hasn't been in the water for two whole weeks. Following Bruce's award, the new officers were announced. One of the highlights of the night was the 2004 winner of the dive host drawing: (They don't call him rich for nothing) Rich Carton!

Mrs. Santa Claus (Loogpla) and her favorite Elf (Skip) presented the gift exchange. The coral, Fran’s famous canned goods and the lanterns were the hot prizes and the most frequently stolen items of the evening. Shawn has a new shirt that he will take on all of his travels as he searches to answer the burning question: Where the hell is Longviille Bait and Sushi Company?!

After a break in the festivities to refresh our drinks and nibble on the food, we returned for the drawing for prizes. The steel 80 cylinder was the first item to be claimed. Numerous dive charter coupons were won as well as gift certificates to local businesses. (Newsflash: the Carton's luck seemed to have run out as they didn't win a thing!).

Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time. Thanks to the dive club for providing the turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and the non-alcoholic beverages. And a special Thank You to John Laggart for opening the hall and setting up the tables as well as closing the hall and returning the key to the Milltown Sailing Association. We'll be planning the 2005 Christmas party in—oh...say....six months. Join in the fun of planning the festivities and remember, the Entertainment Committee is ALWAYS watching! 

We started something new at our last Xmas party. Though out the previous year you have been watched by the ENTERTAINMENT Committee & these awards are the consequence. Remember, these are personal awards but please do not take them personally!

This team of divers worked in the cold, the rain, dark of night. The team fought a difficult battle with Mother Nature. They tried again and again until they finally prevailed. This award goes to Jason, Guy, & Roy.... The "Camp Casey Beaver Boys" award.

(Gag gift- toilet plunger for future clogs)

This is for a buddy team of divers. These two people despite their normal outward appearance are extremely talented. At dive events people say, Oh NO here they come again, we have NO Chance. This award is for Rich & Loretta Carton...... the "Four Leaf Clover" Award.... Quick, someone take their lottery tickets!

(Gag gift- no luck clovers)

I've not had the chance to dive with the next winner, although this is what I've heard about him. He is always available, he is always there to help , always ready to go, and he is always CRANKY. This award goes to Steve Berthinier....the "Grumpy Old Frog" Award

(Gag gift- smiley face nightlight)

This next diver was threatened with grave bodily harm if he did not join the Emerald Sea Dive Club. We all believe he made the right choice.... We know Loogpla & Skip, & you don't want to cross them! This award goes to Mike Powrosnik...... The "Hostage Diver" award

(Gag gift- handcuffs)

This next award has to be given to two of our buddies. I had the privilege of making both dives that these divers had carefully planned. However, the water gods did not agree with the plans they had made. I did learn something from these dives.... how to crawl like a crab in a two knot current. This award goes to Loogpla and Wendy......the "Current Mis-calculator" award

(Gag gift- fuzzy dice for calculations)

Sometimes you just shake your head. This diver suited up full gear, entered the water, made a dive, returned to shore, packed up all his gear and was done,... depth 15 feet with a bottom time of.... eight minutes. This award goes to Buck Knight.... the "Quicky Diver" award

(Gag gift- egg timer on a band / bottom timer)

This diver is a wiz with math, a flash with a camera and she always has a plan of action. But even the most experienced divers sometimes forget their REGULATOR? I have made this check list for her so she will never forget another piece of equipment. This award goes to Cheng (Chin) Wong

......the "Ooops I Forgot My" award...

(Over size check list)

Come to think of it I can also give this award to Elena for showing up at Edmonds without her UNDERWEAR.

(Over size check list)

This diver just seems to have a nose for it. No matter where it is he will find it. And he always knows how to make good use of it. Maybe that’s why he can swim so fast. This award goes to Skip Stacy.....The "Hungry Hermit Crab" award.

(Gag gift- tiny fins)

The next diver ain't no Boy Scout but, he is always prepared. He gets up at 5 am to go diving. Who can question his commitment to diving? Who are we compared to this super man? Oh... wait a second it's only Bruce........ the "Beach Captain" award.

(Gag gift- pirate hat)

This diver has saltwater in her veins, she swims like a fish, and has such character........or maybe she is a character. The person most instrumental in planning tonight’s festivities This award goes to Fran.......the "Angelfishy" award.

(Gag gift- "seahorse" jaw bone)

This diver was volunteered by his buddy to cook although it was not his forte, so he promoted himself to the lead assistant....The "Golden Spatula" award goes to Paul Mayfield.

(Gag gift- "How to Cook Anything" cook book)

I joined the ESDC in the Fall of 1993, I went on the Cape Flattery/Neah Bay excursion. When I got there – I fell in love with our corner of the world, and knew that I would be going back!

Imagine yourself taking a journey from U.S Highway 101 to the Makah Nation along state Routes 112 or 113. Driving through forested landscapes and traveling along the Strait of Juan de Fuca where you’ll see waves splashing along the seawall, whales surfacing during their migration and perhaps catch a glimpse of an American Bald Eagle hunting. How about finding artifacts that are 300-500 years old?

Diving Neah Bay—what can I tell you – it is one of my favorite dive destinations. The natural, rugged beauty appeals to me. Located at the most northwest corner of the United States, it contains some of the country’s finest diving. The up-welling from the San de Fuca Canyon creates crystal clear water, especially during the summer months. Most divers don’t know it’s there, how good diving is or what to expect. The nutrient rich waters feed an incredible variety of humongous marine life and create an underwater playground for fish, whales and us—divers.

Skip & I are hosting a Neah Bay Excursion – Diving Duncan Rock, Tatoosh Island, and the Wild side of the Pacific Ocean on May 20-22, 2005. We are renting a house, and spaces are limited to 12 divers. Lodging is $35. 00 p/p per night. Boat dives are $100.00 for a two-tank dive. You can schedule yourself for as many dives as you like.

Please check your calendar, and join us for this fabulous weekend. For more information see Skip and or myself at the January meeting or call 425-775-2410.

VIZ is excellent this time of the year; Please join us for a three (3) tank dives aboard Porthole Charter to exploring South Puget Sound for only $75.00 p/p. Snack is included, bring your own gear.

• Here what you can expect for Jan. 9^th - DalcoWall is glacial sandstone, sheer wall, undercut caves, and wolf eels abound. Z’s Reef again undercut ledge ribbon of rocks, and octopi. Sunrise Beach – Well you know – we can never get enough of the Sunrise. It is an Intermediate and Advance dives.

• Here what you can expect for Jan. 23^rd – Day Island Wall be especially noted for octopi and wolf-eels, Tacoma Narrow Drift – anything goes! Sunrise Beach –the rest is history.

We love to dive with you! Space is limited. Come to the meeting, and give the Treasurer $75.00 to guarantee you space.

Skip & Loogpla.

Did you know that when you show your ESDC membership card at Starfish dive shop you receive a 10% discount? Did you know that if you show your ESDC membership card at Northwest Sport Dive you get a free air fill? Be sure you have your ESDC membership card with you when you go shopping at dive shops—you just never know.

If other shops give you a discount please let us know and we will publish their name.

If you would like to plan some cool dives (not brrrr, but yahoo) please contact Wendy or Rich regarding the Dive Planning Committee. YOU can have a say in YOUR club’s dives!

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 Greg Becvar, 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. This offer is only good one time per calendar year.

E-mail Jason Miller, our mailing list moderator, jason.t.miller@comcast.net

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!

TRIATHLON!

Cheng-Hui Wong

What is a triathlon?

Individual participants complete three athletic disciplines: swimming, biking, and running. I know most amateurs are able to complete a distance of .75K / ½ mile swim; 20K / 12.5 mile bike, 5K / 3.1 mile run in 1-1/2 to 3 hours. So…why not us… We can use our wetsuits and snorkels during the swim portion too!

I’m planning to put a group of people together this summer. The resource is that one of my clients has many triathlon trainers in his staff. He offered to give us an hour long free seminar about preparing, and will provide us with a trainer to watch our progression with very minimum cost. We can divide the cost by how many of us will be in the group.

If you are thinking ‘Can I really do this race?’ The answer is YES! I will have a sign up sheet at the January meeting. Come and Play with us!

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.

Guest Speaker: Dan from Starfish will be showing a video and speaking about a Crescent Lake wreck in which bones were found.

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 Loogpla Cowden loogplacowden@att.net

Vice-President Steve Berthinier resoyrua@verison.net

Secretary/historian Rose Lyn Tadlock tadloro2002@yahoo.com

Treasurer Cheng-Hui Wong chengwong@comcast.net

Activities Coordinator Greg Becvar tridoxia@yahoo.com

Newsletter Editor David Ripley esdcnewsletter@mindspring.com

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 www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ESDClist

₪ Greg Becvar

360-659-2853

tridoxia@yahoo.com

₪ Bruce Bury –PADI rescue

425-788-8063

bury1of6@aol.com

₪ Jason Miller –Rescue

425-778-7548

Jason.t.miller@comcast.net

₪ Skip Stacy – rainy days

425-775-2410

If you are interested in being included on this list please contact the editor.

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