http://picasaweb.google.com/dundee2985/CozumelApril2008 Pictures Another wonderful 10 days in paradise came to an end on April 20th. Actually one of the easiest return flights we have had (Delta). 20 minutes early and no waiting at customs and the bags were quickly on the turntable.(In Atlanta) We began our adventure not quite so lucky with our SpiritAir plane being delayed in Atlanta to the point we missed our connection in FLL, Fla. But they got us on the afternoon flight to Cancun so we ventured onward. Only incident getting from CUN to COZ was the Federalies wanting to inspect our luggage as we were about to board the ferry in Playa. The ride over was smooth and a cervesa was enjoyed. We were staying at Caribe Blue and gave them a call once we realized we would be getting in several hours later than planned. Asked her to rebook us on the afternoon boat the next day so we could sleep in a bit. We headed down to Lapalapita since Rendez Blue was closed when we arrived. We ran into Opal, Mau and Marco from Scuba Mau Cozumel (a new shop located in the same place that Blue Angel started many years ago) Saturday afternoon (the 12th)we went out with Blue Angel (Jose) and Sunday (the 13th) morning with Pumba. Both wonderful dives. When we awoke on Monday morning the winds were a ripping. This was our first experience with el norte in 4 trips to the island (in the past 13 months). I believe the ports were closed to the small boats. We got a jeep and along with Pumba and Tony from BA, secured a cooler and headed off to Chen Rio for most of the day. The cervechie (sp) was great and at Chen Rio you can take your own cooler. Once we left there we stopped at the Bob Marley bar for another round and met up with fellow Caribe Blue'ers Cheryl and Jose. Then we ventured to El Cedral to replenish supplies and find banos. We ended up at Los Otates for dinner that night. Tuesday morning was still fairly rough so we ventured out to check out the Scuba Mau location. It is underneath the Hog Town Cafe. (Watch your head when you enter) The weather calmed a bit so we decided to do an afternoon dive with Scuba Mau. We enjoyed diving with them so much we finished out the week with them. (they will rinse and store your gear if you want, and have fruit or cookies on the boats) They were great. And they let you dive your air. Did 2 trips with Maurizio and 2 trips with Opal. They worked very hard to find find the best spots with the conditions as they were. The currents were a little fast and the visibility not up to normal Coz standards, but not bad. But we had great dives and a great time. The faster currents were fun. Scuba Mau does not have thier own boats yet but are easiely able to rent boats and accommodate any size group. We went out on the Gavioto and the Anita and on a couple of boats from the shark fleet. All boats were nice and the captains were wonderful as well. We ended up diving with a couple from Texas one day and then the next day the same couple from Texas plus 2 more of their friends. (Hello to Georgia, Dan, Jena and Jeff(aka Dwight). I believe we were the first group of 6 for Scuba Mau to take out. During our dives we saw many turtles, a sailfin blennie, pipefish, seahorse, rays, many large parrot fish and groupers, toadfish and 4 squid swimming along. One site also had many trigger fish (Tormentos I think) Also did the swim thru at Cedral for the first time,(it was great) I will try to post some pictures later) Actually saw 2 decent size sword fish on one of our safety stops. As usual, the diving was great and so was the FOOD. To name a few of the places we ate: La Chef, Los Otates, Los Palmas, Ernestos, Villa Blanca Cafe, Parilla Mission, La Conchita, Some Cafe next to bakery on the corner of something and something(great club sandwich), Mescalitos West(good burger), Chen Rio, Rendez Blu, Hog Town Cafe {actually Rocky (great waiter at Hog town)was nice enough to come downstairs to serve us as we sat out front of the Scuba Mau shop, chilling and sipping on a cervesa} Again, another great trip, great food and great diving with Scuba Mau Cozumel and Blue Angel. Got to start planning the next trip..................We will definiantly be diving with the gang of Opal, Mau, Pumba, Gabi-loco and Marco (aka the German guy) in the future at SCUBA MAU COZUMEL. Their focus seems to be on customer service and safe diving. Great little dive shop. __________________ Thanks, Randy and Angie