Well, over the Labor Day weekend and the weekend before I was supposed to dive the Oriskany and then do a dive at Alhambra beach for more sharks teeth. Unfortunately I did neither. The Oriskany dive had to be cancelled due to financial issues (a new air conditioner, new tires for the daughters car, a needed ceiling and roof repair) the Alhambra dive I cancelled since the weather where I was in Florida was terrible (I was 80 miles above Tampa, while Venice/Alhambra is about 40 miles below Tampa) I just couldn't risk a three hour drive only to turn around and drive back if the weather was bad there as well. Of course as it turns out the Alhambra dive was great and everyone who went had a great time.

Admittedly the reasons I had for cancelling the dives were valid, one was beyond my control (financial needs of the family outweigh diving) and the second was a judgment call (would the weather be a bad there as here, based on the weather predictions and all my resource, I voted yes, and was wrong.) However, no diver should be afraid to call a dive if it just doesn't seem right, equipment is not working exactly as it should, or, the diver is not feeling up to snuff.

There are old divers and there are bold divers, but few old-bold divers to paraphrase an old saw. Anyway, enjoy your diving and remember to dive safe!