The diving in the Exumas was great with the Aqua Cat crew, but the Rangers put that little extra something something into the mix. The arms of this family were always open. Honorary non members, that joined the group trip and folks who were met during the trip were welcomed with open arms.
Picture it. One big happy family diving, eating and drinking and laughing together on the open waters of the Exumas. And get this. We had to endure this for 7 days! Oh poor us!
Highlights of the trip were recounted at the table during meals. I can’t go into much detail here because what goes on to the Aqua Cat stays on the Aqua Cat, to protect the innocent of course. But let’s just say we had a host of characters from Rangers, Honorary Rangers and crew.
So here’s a playbill of synopsis of some of the characters and things that were said:
Kevin - Ranger: Only time his mouth wasn’t moving was under the water. When his mouth was moving food was entering it or he was saying something that had you cracking up. The most memorable times with Kevin was his commentary of the “chick-flic” Brothers. Dude could have left any time during the movie, but he complained and complained and listed all the movies that would have been better to watch. Actually it was a blessing. The movie was slow moving and wasn’t all that good, so Kevin served a purpose. Kevin also dished out words of wisdom. “You must warm your cream not cool your coffee.” Cream first, coffee second.” Arguing with him that net net the temperature was the same was futile.
Pete – New Crew Member: Let’s just say that within minutes of meeting him, you knew he wasn’t going to last long. Clearly he wasn’t the sharpest knife in the draw and possibly the elevator didn’t go to the top floor. My thought is that he was coming off of meds either recreational or prescribed. Mel, Greg, Martha and I had the pleasure of diving with him on one of the dive sites. We’re in the water about to descend and he announces that his guage doesn’t work! WTF! On another dive “The Washing Machine” I had the unfortunate pleasure of being in the back of dive. Leah and I are signaling to what direction we should go in to get to the dive site and he shrugs his shoulders. Leah and I prayed we were close to the boat. It was time to get away from the village idiot.
Rhon –Ranger: Fisherman extraordinaire… man of few words, but when he spoke, ya didn’t have to ask Rhon, “Tell me how you really feel.” Luv it when people speak their mind! I’m with ya Rhon. On a drift dive there should not be a whole lot of kicking and the person leading the dive needs to control the speed! Amen Rhon Amen.
Tony- crew: This man had a Cheshire cat grin when he cooled Cecile off. Let me explain. Cecile was getting over heated in her wet suit and Tony oh so eagerly poured cold water down her back. Shocking at first, but refreshing …Cecile went back for more any time she was too warm. Tony was having way way to much fun with this. Watching the two of them was too funny.
Toni – Ranger: Trip coordinator… thank you thank you … wonderful trip. Always the hostess making sure everybody on the trip was okay and having a good time. Cecile was in good hands with you as a roomie.
Mike – aka ODD Obnoxious Drunk Dude: We all met this guy on the trip. He was amazing …diving drunk. I wonder if he was ever really sober during the trip. Funny dude…scary dude… On one dive I saw him dive way past 100 feet chasing after an eagle ray. Amazing the guy didn’t get bent during the trip. He was good at finding things, but you had to watch yourself if you were following him, cause he could get you into trouble.
Glen – Ranger: The personal plumbing report from Glen before meals was too funny. TMI, but his ass was funny as hell....no pun intended. Most memorable thing about Glen was how easy you could shock him. Maybe it wasn’t shock or amazement, but just doubt…. Meet “Doubting Glen” You do what? You did what? You’re going to do x? What they have classes for that? There are levels for that? You’re too funny Glen too funny.
Audrey and Brion - Rangers: Our Newly wed doctors on the trip. It was nice celebrating their anniversary, because the cake Kelly, the chef put together was to die for! Yummieee! . And kudos to the doctors for taking on the good Samaritan role and helping out a sick Bahamian. Well done! Bravo! And BTW...Audrey's diving improved greatly with Kevin's tutelage and Brion's constructive critique and encouragement. You go gurl!
Bob - Ranger: The most memorable quotes said about Bob or to Bob were: "He's just a big Teddy Bear" said Cecile and "Real Rangers don't ride scooters", said Greg. Most memorable quote said by Bob about Greg was "The force is strong with this one."
Cheryl: "As an Aqua Cat virgin they were very gentle with me."
Fabulosity!
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