Crusty Russ wrote:

> I'm years behind with many of my trip reports and pix, but, during our
trip last month to Cozumel with Chuck and
> Jeannie, we had a very special encounter with wild dolphins.  I know Chuck
has been patient waiting to see them...I
> hope it was worth the wait.

I should be so lucky.  As many times as I see dolphin from the boat, we've
never seen one while diving.  We do get to hear them occasionally.

Last week I managed to get in 6 dives.  I had a very special encounter with
wild lobster, but unfortunately, will be unable to post pictures of them . .
. ever.  They were quite tasty.

Our boat is proving to be more obstinate than I ever could  have imagined.
After a $10,000 rebuild of both motors, one lasted less than 2 hours.  A
crankshaft bearing failed.  Upon inspection and testing, it proved to be
defective.  The manufacturer has already replaced a ton of parts and will be
asked to pay for the labor required to re-rebuild the motor.  If it weren't
for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.  I have hopes that the motor will be
back in the boat later this week and that Jayna and I will spend next
weekend swinging from the hook somewhere south of here.

As soon as the boat's reliable enough, we're going to schedule two trips.
The first will be to a secret lobster spot to restock the freezer.  With a
limit of only 6 lobster per diver, we have to keep after it to be adequately
provisioned and with all the boat problems, we've not been after it much
this year.  The three lobster I picked up last week were the only ones I've
gotten so far this season.  The second trip will be to Bimini.  It's been a
long time since we were last there and we're both looking forward to a week
on "island time."  My bank account, however, is not looking forward to it.
The boat doesn't exactly get good milage, about 2 gallons to the mile, and
gas in Bimini is $3.60 US per gallon at present.

Lee