OK, It\'s Time to Stop Fannying About and do This Properly..!

[Mr T.]

OK Troops,

We're all in the habit of reading some very good and truly entertaining dive reports from the various YD members who travel to the 'far-flung' and come back and then have us in the aisles laughing or making us dead jealous that we weren't on the trip........

So, what say you we cut to the chase and organise our own Troop Gig to say, the Red Sea? Liveaboard or shore-based - I care not a jot!! The crack would be fierce and it would be something that we could all share as a team experience!! Oh, and have a few moderately polite, medium-sweet sherries as a group into the bargain ;)

So come! Let's be having your suggestions for dates and venues. I'll kick off so we can put a stake in the ground at least:

Red Sea - July - Liveaboard - Northern (wreck and reef) Itinerary.

We could use Tony Blackburn or Regal (or any of the biggies) and get a stonkin group discount. Not everyone has to dive, so non-diving partners and bairns would also be welcome - although if the latter were planned, it would probably be best if we were shore-based (something for them to do during the day, pool, bar etc.)

I have to say that I'll go anywhere, any month, boat or land. But then again I'm a completely sad git! Like you didn't know that already, right?

So let's be having you...!!

[andy2tanx]

im sure brenster that well be having more than a little chat about that this weekend yah?  ands forget the medium sweet sherry...thats for puffs, get me a pimms!!

[Dr Stevil]

Sherry? Pimms? Worra boot the broon dog like!? :boozer: yuzzer aal a buncha soft suzzen ***** !! :speak_evil:
Actually, red wine is my preferred tipple but hey! I'm not predjudiced.

A capital idea Mr Tierney, unfortunately I have to wait until I get a new job before I can think about live-aboard hols (fixed term contract work, sigh...). However I reckon I could be up for that (employment willing)

[Frog]

Good idea Bren - what about Malta?  I plan to go in Feb and meet a diver, Ginge (boyfriend) is coming too and he's a non-diver, but not missing on the chance of a break in the sun.  I've been to the Red Sea before and fully intend to go back.  One day...

[Fi]

I like your thinking! :cheering:

Gav and I just got back from the red sea :sunshine: last week (where we also met up with Marco - good to see you Marco!).  We had a really good time and decided we would like to go back at some point.  

A liveaboard is a good idea, but they also do three day safaris (which might be more suitable if there are non-divers amongst the group???).

I was wondering about Easter time - or would that be too expensive? (just trying to conserve my annual leave by using up a couple of bank holidays)

Roll on :sunshine: and :snorkel:

[Driftwood]

Easter time would probably be less likely due to the new YD tech fanatics penciling in an entry-level trimix then - eh Davey? ;)

[Davey Willo]

#### right Drifty me ol'cock sparra :biggrin:

[Maltese Falcon]

Another alternative (one which I am sure that you know I am not biased about) would be Malta in Feb/Mar.

Water temp would be about 18-19 deg, viz good and many places to get wet in and out of the med.

I have done some preparation for me and mi mates and I reakon we can do it for about 400 quid all in.

The place I use is Meldives, off Tunny Net on the north side of the island. Mel Galea is the longest established diving school in Malta (about 36 years, PADI 5 star Instructor centre) and he has access to boats, ribs, whatever within his complex. Before you get thinking - rip off - don't. I got a great deal from him earlier in  the year - six boat dives - while I went back to visit relatives and believe me better than St. Abbs!

Directly opposite is a hotel that can cater for us on a B&B, Half or Fully inclusive basis.

If anyone is interested in this I will put some dates in diaries but am reluctant until some interest is shown.

[Tim Ingmire]

I must say that I like the idea of Malta.  It seems to offer good diving and also places of interest for my non-diving wife and wee bairns.

Best for me would be around Easter which, as Fi says, allows us all to minimise the amount of annual leave - also a school holiday then I think.  Problem is the clash with that techy course for some of the others.

Still, I'm open to other suggestions, especially if the family can come along.

Tim

[Ben Harris]

Timings,
You should suggest to your good lady wife that your going on holiday on your own........
We can probably get you in the Divorce court by Easter!!!!