Taking the Plunge

Remember how I recently got my Open Water Diving Certification?  Well, I just got to use it for the first time!  It was bit of an impromptu (and quick) trip, but it felt great to put my certification to use!  Here's a a play-by-play of my Key West diving adventure!

I met up with a couple friends on the way to the Keys, but before hitting the road, we stopped to make some new friends in the Everglades.  This one is named Jackson.

A well-timed dinner stop in Key Largo along with outdoor seating made for a beautiful welcome to our brief visit to the islands.

We got up at 3am to walk down to the beach to watch the lunar eclipse, aka the Blood Moon.

Our first day there we spent hanging around the island, enjoying some beach time and soaking in the sun!

We rented scooters to ride around the island for the day.  I may have nearly killed myself learning how to drive it, but once I got the hang of it, it was a good time.

Another sunset dinner, this time on the pier.  Can't go wrong with views like this one.

A little Key Lime pie for dessert.  We may have tried as many different Key Lime pies as possible.  I believe my total was 6.

We were up bright and early the next day for our diving adventure, only after a delicious cuban breakfast and coffee.

It's time to go!  After a 40 minute boat ride, we were out at the reef ready to jump in.

Getting in and out of a wet suit may be the hardest part of diving.

I was a little excited.  Also, flippers are favorite.

And so our diving fun began!

Flag = divers in the water!  Apparently, there is also a reef shark that lives in those waters.  I didn't see her, and I can't quite decide if I'm glad about that or a little disappointed.

After diving, we enjoyed a little more pool time before it was time to pack up and go home.

Dear Key West, thanks for a fun, quick trip and my first ocean dive!