Having looked forward to Ðec's trip to Malta for 6 months now, and to doing my full trimix with Paul Toomer, things got off to a mixed start. Getting out there with all the kit was no issue with easyjet, on time flight and good company in Dec, Triona, Vadim, Lochlan and Siobhan - my other half - who was coming to sort out a pile of new kit after she lost hers last year (fell out of a friends car boot).
Hotel Valentina was great value at €25.00 b and b per night, and was 5 mins walk from Divewise and Diving Matrix tec lab Malta. Divewise first shake out gear, and for Siobhan to sort hers with one of their instructors. Alan and Viv who run the place couldn't have been more helpful. Quick buoyancy dip off the shore, then prepped stages etc for pm boat dive on Imperial Eagle where Vadim and Lochlan nailed their tec 45 final dive. Well done guys. Personally I had a mare.... Lost a mask - brand new atomic, HP hose failed on stage after being fine on bubble check, surface check. Noticed stage gauge dropping on wreck so repressurised and jacuzzi city! Switched to backup schedule so no dramas. Had some reg issues despite having all 4 serviced before I went. Was then a bit seasick. Mmmm. Eagle was nice little wreck and viz 30 plus.
Next day was Monday. Nailed a Toomer special skills circuit inc dealing with 5 stages plus main sidemounts inc staging them off at 9m and back on with no mask! good team on course inc G.G. Gary Dallas aka Backmount Billy, Dave on a RB. Stretched me in a good way and looking forward to the rest of the course. Got back to Matrix and picked up phone message from a client, needed in Paris Thursday and Friday at all costs.. Arse and triple arse. Meant leaving weds pm Malta - Frankfurt -Paris so only one days diving left. Decision made, push on with course - go to work - get back ASAP. Siobhan got into diving her new Whites Fusion bullet suit and halcyon b'plate. Nice kit.
Tuesday was Gozo as anything off Malta was blown out. Headed to the inland sea. 2 x 40m dives with skills and scenarios. As a team we killed Paul Toomer on dive 2 but did rescue Dec! Did we make the right choice....! Good debrief anyway.
Planning then for first trimix dive weds to 65m just frustrating. Delighted for the lads who were kind enough to text me at the airport of their success. To be fair I got more than deserved sympathy for having to leave from the boys.
All above done sidemount, so all good.
Highlights - PT describing me as a Tidy Diver! Nailing skills circuit. Great company from Dec, Triona, Vadim and Lochy, great teamwork from G.G. Gary, Dave, Dec etc..
Now back to finish off as soon as PT and my diary can do it....
