February 8,

We both woke around 0300, but tried to sleep some more. Finally, at 0430, we both gave up and got around. We went out around 0515 to get to the dive shop at 0530. We were the first ones there. We were questioning if we should go to the pier when another diver showed up and then Jacob came. It was all in five minutes but when it is that early and the place was locked up, it makes you think you got the instructions wrong. Anyway, the other diver with us is Alex from London. We each grab our gear bag and walk to the pier. We boarded our boat. It is a two hour ride to the dive site, Sail Rock. I was a little nauseous and dizzy.🫤😵‍💫  Seasick? Jacob gave me a Benadryl equivalent. We were each given a breakfast sandwich of chicken, veggies and a great sauce. I only took a couple of bites, due to my earlier nausea and my body saying it was too early for food. Sometime here Jacob our dive guide told us Alex was a divemaster!

We arrived – only the second boat here! The site is actually a tiny island/rock that is above the water. So we geared up and entered the water. It was bad visibility, again! So much plankton, and once in the water you lost sight of the rock! There was a noticeable current, but Jacob navigated us to the rock. When the Rock came in view, it was nice to see!! We immediately went to a vertical swim through – called the Chimney. It was a wide open area of the rock straight down to ocean floor with openings at around 5 meters (16ft), 12m (39ft), 18m (59ft). We entered the opening at 12m and went down to the 18m. It was the first vertical swim through either Jeff or I had done. It was a little of a challenge to descend, but very doable. Then we circled around the rock seeing some beautiful Blue-Ringed Angelfish; and more Sea Anemones, swaying in the current. One of these Anemones had a tiny shrimp in it. There were also Big Groupers here, and other fish. But the main draw of this site – besides the chimney – is the massive schools of fish circling in whirlpool fashion. This is now (more than two days ago) the largest schools of fish Jeff and I have ever seen. Jeff said he remembered seeing this phenomena on Jacques Cousteau shows in the 1970’s. The fish we first saw were the same fish we had seen in schools our dives from two days ago. But then we saw Barracudas doing the same schooling whirlpool, a circling cyclone, if you like. We even saw 6 feet long Barracuda doing this. It was a spectacle to behold!!! Wow, so amazing!

We finished the dive by doing the Chimney again, and returned to the boat. We stayed on the boat for around an hour for a surface interval – something you need to do between dives. Anyway, we geared up and went out swimming against a stronger current then before, but I felt tired. I was not feeling it. So I called it for me – we had not gone very far, thankfully. Jacob helped me back to the boat, and then rejoined Jeff and Alex to do the dive. I think was tired due to a trifecta: of lack of sleep last night, taking the Benadryl – it always makes me sleepy, and lastly, being out of shape. I was the only diver on the boat with the boat staff, but I could not sleep like I thought I would. I just relaxed. The other groups tickled back, until only Jeff, Jacob, and Alex were still out. They had gone in last and I set them back a bit more. Around 1035, our boat started up and I got a bit nervous, but when they pulled up one of the ladders, I exclaimed, “My people are still out there.” They knew this, of course, but I was anxious. Someone told me they are just moving the boat, because more boats are tying up. Finally, at 1046, “my people” surfaced.🤣😂🤣

They boarded before the 1100 back on board mandated time! Every minute over the 1100 time, supposedly, the guide has to buy the captain a beer – five minutes, five beers!!🍻 It could get expensive, even at Thai prices! Anyway, now we began the 2 hour boat ride back to Koh Tao. We were given lunch of rice and spicy pork. It was good spice level, but not much pork and lots of rice.

Once back, we only had to cross one boat to get to the pier. Jacob said in high season once he had to go through 14 boats to get to the pier. That is CRAZY!  We said our goodbyes and tipped Jacob – he was a great guide. Now we went back via the beach to our place and crashed in our room. Rest of afternoon was laid back, just about relaxing with a swim in the pool.

Around 1700, we went down to our resort’s restaurant for supper. We had Fish & Chips; and an EVOO, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese Carbonara Spaghetti. I had a banana shake, Jeff had a Leo. After we finished we watched the sunset on the beach, and then back up to our room for the rest of the evening. Fun day – seeing our first fish “whirlpools.”