Linda enjoys the Jacuzzi at our timeshare.

During the week we took off from the cockpit teak work, we went to Orlando for the Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association (DEMA) annual show. This is the showplace for all things Scuba, and it gave us an excuse to take a vacation in Orlando! We booked a timeshare and Linda couldn't stop thinking of soaking in the Jacuzzi tub, and having a few of the "landlubber" conveniences, like a washer-dryer. The only problem was, our unit didn't have either, despite a call to the resort to confirm. Front desk can't help, they're out of room inventory. RCI representative to the rescue! She had a unit at a resort 2 miles away, so we grabbed our stuff and moved there. We wound up with an entire A-B unit even though we had only booked half, but we made sure to use the amenities!

The show was great. We attended the PADI member social and met up with some friends, Glen & Karen, we met two years ago at the show from Helena Scuba in Helena, Montana (where Open Water check- out dives are performed in dry suits!). Chris also spent some time talking to Kyle, his instructor trainer. We walked the show floor pumping all the island representatives about anchoring spots and ignoring the hotel info, eating the treats from the bowls, and collecting tchochkes that we could use on the boat, mostly t-shirts, floating key rings and can cozies. Chris also picked up a discounted pole spear on the last day of the show to try out in the Bahamas. Stay tuned for the underwater hunting adventures!

Our friends from Aquatic Adventures, Inc. (Brookfield, WI), where we used to help with scuba classes, came into town for the show also! We were able to catch up with Jerry, Jenny, and Maureen, over dinner and also spent some time with another AAI transplant, Tim, who came in from Hollywood, FL for breakfast and a day at the show. Hey, Jenny, we're still waiting for our staff t-shirts!

Our friend Rich from Milwaukee also was in Orlando and we chatted over cocktails. Later in the week, Rich and girlfriend, Amy, came to see us and get the boat tour. We sat in the cockpit and reminisced over beers enjoying the sun and warm breezes.

When we left Orlando, in contrast to flying back to Milwaukee like we did two years ago, it was nice to be able to pack everything in the car instead of going through airport security! Less than two hours later we were on the boat, getting ready for a trip to the Bahamas, since we are now in the unofficial end of hurricane season. Here we go!