Sharks Bay - July 2009
When we all finally met at the correct terminal at Gatwick, it was like meeting up with "our annual holiday family". There were a few of our normal group missing as they had let their offspring loose or had work commitments, but guest appearances from Keri and Amanda made up for their absence. In fact, places for this trip next year may have to come under negotiation as the new members of our holiday family fitted in so well and will undoubtedly be fighting for some deck space next year!
The Family and Crew
Helen Geall
Barbara Arkell
Rose Arkell
Rob Poole
Tom King
Michael Ranner
Dominic Waller
Keri Lummis
Amanda Clarke
Yasser - our superb guide for the week in Adel's absence
Said - our trusted captain & womaniser
Osama - the best chef in the Northern Red Sea
Amr - deck hand and tank filler extraordinaire
Salah - James Bond in the zodiac
Friday - slacker on the ropes
Our Diving with Sharks Bay
After an evening moored up at the jetty so Yasser could celebrate his birthday with his pals on land, we set off towards Ras Mohammed. Our check dive was completed at Stingray Station and we obviously 'passed', as our 2nd and 3rd dives were on the Thistlegorm. What a great way to start our 5 day safari, apart from several rather questionable diving techniques from some Italian divers sharing our mooring line!
We spent the next two days diving the four wrecks at Abu Nuhas. Well done to Rob who led the night dive here whilst some of us drank Pimms and watched!
On our way back to Tiran, we did some amazing dives at Shark Reef. The schools of snapper, jacks, batfish and barracuda were fantastic. (The divers from other liveaboards who kept insisting that they were part of our group were not so fantastic. Maybe everyone just wants to dive with us and Sharks Bay, who knows?!)
We ended our safari searching for hammerheads off Jackson Reef. A few of us were lucky but thanks to Yasser for trying his best to spot the elusive creatures! Next time you will be more lucky Amanda but at least you saw your turtle briefly. An eagle ray on our last dive was a great way to say good bye to the sea, along with our sommersault ritual !
2 days on land to celebrate Rose's 21st Birthday!
When we arrived back at Sharks Bay, it was a nice surprise to see Adel back from his holiday. He was persuaded to have his first beer in 8 months with us and that soon became two and some Pimms!
For two days we enjoyed some sun and serious sleeping in the newer Bedouin Village rooms. On our last night, after numerous glasses of lovely champagne we ventured to Naama Bay to celebrate a milestone birthday. Thanks for a lovely meal Barb and to Camel Bar for some tasty cocktails!
Memorable Moments
Quotes
"Thank you again for another fantastic holiday. I had a brilliant time"
Amanda Clarke
"A huge thanks for a great holiday .......... thanks a million"
Barbara Arkell
* 50th dive for Michael and Amanda
* 100th dive for Dom
* 100th hour under water for Rob
* Sundowners on deck with enough alcohol to supply a small army!
* and specifically for Helen : snorkelling with a manta ray in Sharks Bay on our last evening and .............don't kill me ...... seeing 7 hammerheads circling very close beneath me when I went off and did one dive with Yasser (thought I should keep quiet about that at the time!!)
I think we can all 'promulgate' how 'ineffable' and fun our week away together was. Thanks to everyone for no 'capricious' behaviour and l look forward to repeating the experience again in 2010."
"I think gin and chillis were to blame for me not seeing them (sharks)..... next holiday i'm going T total!"
You decide the author!!
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