Roatan, Honduras
2017-2018
Jim Wheeler's observations on the West End for 2 weeks around Christmas & New Years
Feliz Navidad y Prospero Nuevo Aņo
Yellow Submarine RIDE * to 1500 feet
(my deepest previous dive had been to 138 feet at the Blue Hole - with scuba-gear)
Karl Stanley - designer / builder / * founder of Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration / Captain of the 'Idabel'
2 passengers are seated behind the acrylic dome while Captain Karl stands behind as he pilots the Deep-Submergence Vehicle
this is where Shelly and I sit
vertical thrusters
horizontal thrusters
Karl Stanley affixes a water-proof - and presssure-proof - lens on the Canon speedlight stobe
which is fired by Jim's Canon 5D hotshoe from inside the Idabel
here's a dive profile of the wall we descended to 1500 feet, and then ascended back to the surface 
down below
dive... dive... [klaxon sounds here]
sunlight doesn't penetrate past 400 feet (photosynthesis stops at 300 feet) -- then Captain Karl kicks on the high-intensisty flood-lights
here's an Anglerfish at 1500 feet
notice that the Anglerfish has fins, but is 'walking' on the ocean floor with legs
Have you ever seen that Darwin bumper-sticker of a fish with four legs?
well, here it is! ...evolution, baby!
Bluntnose sixgill shark or cow shark in its natural habitit -- plastic water-bottle NOT in its natural habitat
Sadly, scuba gear cannot dive as deep as Idabel
Idabel surfaces, headed back to port
aah -- blue sky again
Captain Karl winches the Idabel above the waves
...and, safely back in port
now for some 'topside' fun
Shelly's new three-toed sloth friend
Toucan
Parrot
...and, Monkeys
Mangrove tour
New Years Eve in Punta Gorda
Special Thanks to Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford, owner Roatan Divers
the best in boutique style scuba diving on Roatan
Lodging The Beach House of Roatan
Thanks to Loani and Henry
