The water temperatures are now at their highest-around 85 degrees. It's great not to have to wear a suit, or weights come to that. And while other operators talk of slow times, we on the other hand would welcome a little respite. We have had a constant increase in guest numbers continually this summer and September would appear to be no different. The island finally seems to be back on its feet 2 years after Hurricane Ivan and Sunset House is reaping the benefits.

Lots of repeat guests and many familiar faces for us, which is always reassuring.

Lake Norman Scuba from North Carolina just left. Andy & Danielle bought 17 avid divers down and they all enjoyed perfect conditions. The Babb family from Atlanta, Jerry Hawk and the kids from Tampa, Skip Cole from the UK and many more.

So with calm seas we have been diving a lot on the North Wall. Eagle Rays and sharks are the order of the day and we haven't been disappointed. With the departure of Sam to Costa Rica, Pete now runs Sea Ray and he is out there at every available opportunity. With the warm seas we see Permit and the occasional African Pompano with its distinctive trailing dorsal fin.

Last month we reported Manta sightings and the resident Hammerhead. People are still seeing the Manta but it appears to have moved up the beach a little way.
The Hammerhead too is cruising up and down the beach. Tim Austin at the Department of the Environment reports that she is pregnant and this is quite normal behavior. Let's hope her and the kids stay in the area.

Everyone now must be aware of the sad loss of Steve Irwin from the Australia Zoo. While many disagree at how Steve 'handled' his subjects he was without question a Ambassador of Conversation.

This was a freak accident. There has only been one other recorded death and that too was in Australia. Stingray excursions are ran all over the world without incident and our Stingray City ( the original) tours carry on without incident. Our Southern Stingrays are quite used to interacting with humans and we even provide a Stingray Specialty program where you can learn more about these amazing creatures. Business as usual - Pete at Stingray City.

We at Sunset Divers applaud Steve for his efforts over the years and our condolences go out to his wife Terry and family.


New staff member Jax has settled in and is now firmly ensconced in the
Sunset family. She is teaching like crazy and loving every minute here. Also
in the frame is Vivian from South Africa who is helping out with the
training programs. Speaking of training it's been relentless which of course
a good thing! This is the time of year where we start our Community programs
and this year is no exception. We train a number of local kids from
neighboring schools which is always great fun and as Jax is the new kid on
the block she'll run the local program. Pete continues a near perfect
continuing education rate with full Open Water courses moving directly onto
Advanced classes. He has a great ability to convert students. His weekend
afternoon boat classes are proving to be very popular. Our continued
commitment to the Medical University has been strengthened this fall by
taking on the Vet College as well. We now expect to certify up to 180
students this year.


Don't forget our IDC starting in October-space is limited so hurry
Divemasters. Dave Hinman and I are realy looking forward to the event.

Freddy completed his Captain training and has been exploring the South side
a little more recently. It makes life a lot easier to understand this area
now while its quite there. In the winter it can be hectic particularly when
we have a Nor'Wester. His investigations paid off yesterday when he had a
group of Dolphin on the bow. Ask him to take you to Pinnacles Central- a
brilliant dive.


We have just replaced our rental BC's. We now use Scubapro Classic Sports.
A virtually indestructible BC. Our thanks to Harry Ward, Brad Lally and Richelle Pizl from Scubapro. No more e-mails Richelle! Great service and support from
this well respected manufacturer.

Next week sees the start of Digital Madness. Lots of photo pros are here to
offer words of encouragement to the many digital photographers. It should be
quite a week. Stephen Frink and Cathy Church head an all star line up of
celebs and we'll have a full report next month on the event.


Ikelite were here last week conducting a R&D week prior to the big industry
trade show in November. They had a great time and all the new products look
and perform brilliantly so look out for them at your local dive store.

Savannah Hawk became certified yesterday and celebrated by taking her entire
family on a dive on Sunset Reef.

As did Hensley Babb from Georgia.


New Divers this month include Elliot Cole and Matt Heneker, both from the UK. (See Matt's picture below!)

A special mention about Matt- he arrived on Grand Cayman a none- swimmer and after a number of swim classes with Jax (yes-she does that too..) he was certified and could be found diving with the staff on the more advanced dives. A great achievement indeed- and he's from Wales!

Sunset Divers poster child Meghan leaves us in December. She has been with
us for 18mths and now will embark on a more technically challenging career.
Though she's not sure where she is going there has been talk of the South
Pacific.

Some of the disadvantages of telling Mike your leaving!

A big thanks then to Meghan - she'll be missed. Watch out next
month for our new arrival- Mike (that will confuse you) from Blackpool Area
Divers in the UK arrives and also Tom. New faces and new enthusiasm is
always a good. Vacations for just about everyone this month, eyes open for
Pete and Lyndsey in New York with Freddy and Liz going too. Meghan is
actually taking a busmans holiday and going on the Nekton for a week- where?
The Caymans of course! Rob has had a week off and no-one knows where he went
and I'll see a lot of you in Orlando in November for DEMA.

Remember now you have got the kids back to school it's a great time to
visit. Come enjoy the warm water because its going to be a long winter!

Safe Diving

Mike.

Mike can be contacted at mikep@sunsethouse.com



Captains Blog is sponsored by Ikelite Underwater Housings - The Sensible
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