Whale sharks do exist!

Utila has not changed much in 2,5 years. A couple of new restaurants have opened, one divecenter has moved and another opened and closed a few times and a couple of old houses along the main street have been replaced with new ones.

The day after arriving on Utila, I walked into Altons diveshop and what a bizarre feeling it was. It was almost like I had just been away for a few weeks – some of the same people still around and the atmosphere of the diveshop still the same. Seeing the sunset from the top of the dock again was magic.

Anyways, the days are passing in a typical slow Caribbean manner.

6 AM Get out of bed – looking out the window to see what the weather is like and watching the fishermen still fishing on the dive sites.

6.45AM Loading the boat and having a cup of coffe on the dock

8AM Going diving!

12AM Back to the diveshop – offloading and reloading of boat

1PM Either going diving again or reading in the shadow somewhere

5PM Beer....

And then finishing the day with dinner somewhere, then going to bed and start all over again next day.

Ok, so the headline today divulged that I finally met the gentle giant. After such long time, and being so many places around the world hoping to see the whale shark, it was finally my turn. Between dives yesterday morning there was suddenly a lot of comunications between the different captains on the radio, and we could sense that there was something going on. When we saw the seabirds flying low over the water, and the tunas «boiling» we new there were whale sharks around. We arrived at the site and almost immedeately the captain rushed us into the water, almost landing on top of the gigantic animal. I was so close I could have touched him, but just stared completely amazed at him while he decended into the deep again. We circled the site for another 40 minutes before we enterede the water again, and this time I could follow the whale shark in a depth of 2-3m before I had to ascend for air and the whale shark dissapeared into the deep blue. It was a magic moment, and I loved every second of it.

I also have an admission to make. I kill lionfish.

This beautful fish  is not a natural part of the environment of the reefs here, and as they have no natural predators, are hungry bastards and bred like rabbits, they are a threat to the ecobalance of the reef. In other parts of the world, the moray and groupers eat lionfish, but as they are alreay endangered here, and the few that are around does not realize that this strange looking fish can be a delicacy, the lionfish is left alone.

They were first spotted on the reefs around Utia little over a year ago, and now they can be seen on almost every divesite. Local marine biologists urge DMs and Instructors on the Island to kill them and if possible, collect samples for them for further research.

So this is what happened yesterday. Me, another DM and an instructor brought our weapon of choice (spear) and went out lionfish hunting. As we went with a group of resort divers, we had to allow them to see the fish/take a photo of the beautiful speciment, and then we could go in for the kill. Kind of bizarre. Anyway, the reefs of Utila are now «freed» of another 6 lionfish. RIP.

My apartment building seen from one of the divesites

Travelling is easy

On the flight to New York it suddenly struck me. Fuck, I am actually leaving everyone and everything behind for undefined time... When you start thinking about it, it is actually kind of scary – so let's not. Keep focusing on all the positive experiences ahead, and not forgetting that this is what I really want to do!

I think I have finally realized that I am travelling again. Coming to the US from northern Europe doesn't really make such a big difference, but the abrupt transformation from Houston to Central America kind of hit you. Stepping out of the airplane in San Pedro Sula - the heat and humidity slap you in the face. I finally got that funny feeling in my stomach – the one you have when you are expecting something to happen but not sure what.... I love it!

Bringing all your dive equipment when flying – with several flights and going through security a million times – makes travelling a lot more challenging, or at least interesting. Not only do I constantly have more than the allowed baggage (2 check in bags – both weighing more than 23 kg...), but I also have a battery for my divelight that apparently looks like a bomb when sent through scanning.... I was told to always keep the battery in the carry on luggage to avoid any unpleasant episodes, but this has also meant discussing with security personel in Oslo, New York, Houston and now – San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Everyone has been understanding as soon as I have explained what it is (even the security personel in New York and Houston smiled and wished me happy diving!) apart from the ones here at San Pedro Sula. Right now the battery is «resting» on the security managers desk. The only way he would allow me to carry the battery on the plane, was if he could keep it until check in (god knows why – I mean, that would not keep «the unit» (that is what I am gonna call it from now on) from damaging the airplane if that was the intention. Anyways – hopefully both me and the battery are leaving San Pedro Sula as scheduled, allowing us one hour before the afternoon ferry leaves La Ceiba and securing my arrival on Utila tonight. I have the first Salva Vida in my hand and life is pretty good ;-)

That was yesterday. Now I am finally here – Utila. Stepping back on «the rock» felt extremely strange – everything was as if I never left (almost). People have left and others have arrived, but the island is just the same. Got my apartment, and have fantastic sea views. 15 min walk from the divecenter, and located in a really quiet area of the island. As I am still suffering from a bit of a jet lag, I woke up at 5 this morning and went for a run at 6. Seeing the sun coming up while running along the shore kind of reminded me why I am here. The smells, the views, the heat and the sea... Perfect!

Starting diving again today – life is good!

View from my apartment at 5AM this morning. 

The start of another journey

Someone once told me I had a bit of a longing for something else - somewhere else. I blame my forfathers - the vikings. Ok, I do not rape nor plunder, but I guess we share some kind of the same adventurous spirit. The longing for the unknown and wish for exploration.

It feels kind of strange leaving Norway behind this time. Both because I am now alone but also as there is no definite time frame. I have no obligations and no decisions are made in regards to where I am going. The freedom this gives me is indescribable. 

To everyone one at San Leandro last night - Thanks! I had a really great time, and will miss you all. See you on the flip side!

Anyway - boarding for the US in a short while and touching ground on Utila tomorrow. Until next time - cheers and take care.