North Sulawesi - Malaria Tablets??

[Andrew]

Hi,

Now I know most of you guys on here have travelled to this part of the world and I was just trying to find out if you took malaria tablets? I have read lots of reports, some say you should and others say not worth it, the travel clinic here did not really know either!

I have been given the approval by my wife to go somewhere further afield than the Maldives this year with the principle activity of diving. Most of the places seem a real drag to get to (especially with a 9 month baby in tow) but Bunaken seems quite easy with a linking flight through Singapore, then a boat to the resort, but if anyone else can suggest somewhere that is not 3 days travel and 17 flights then please speak up! :D

Thanks as always,
Andrew

[tarczy]

I spent more than a month traveling/diving Indonesia last year . . . 14 days of which were spent diving Lembeh Straights. I did not have any kind of Malaria treatments, pills or shots.

I had considered the treatment but was told that it is oftentimes worse than the disease. In the end, I figured I was going to be spending most of my time underwater anyway, thereby reducing my exposure time to malaria carrying mosquitoes by 50% . . . so why go through the trouble.

I arrived back home from my Indonesia trip with no Malaria. I would skip the treatment if I were you.;)

[Daniel]

For more information, visit:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationIndonesia.aspx

[Andrew]

Thanks for the info and for that link. It seems as if most people don't bother with taking the tablets.

Maybe it is excuse to do extra diving in order to reduce my exposure time further? I have taken malaria tablets quite frequently when travelling around Africa/Mozambique and have never had any side effects, but this time we have our young son in tow and my wife is more concerned about him as it is something that stays in your system for your whole life.

Further investigation needed to convince my wife... :rolleyes:

Andrew

[Jonathan Bird]

Andrew,
My wife was insistent that I take the anti-malarial when I was in Indonesia. I did, and suffered no ill effects...

Jonathan

[seafan]

Andrew,
My wife was insistent that I take the anti-malarial when I was in Indonesia. I did, and suffered no ill effects...

Jonathan

Glad to hear that. I am in the process of setting up a trip to dive Lembeh the last 2 weeks of December... am planning on staying at Divers Lodge and they don't have ac so will need to keep windows open and ceiling fan moving!!

[Andrew]

Trip postponed until my son is old enough to take Malaria tablets! :( I hope it is soon as I also want to go back to Mozambique next year!

It is better safe than sorry, but really the problem is that it is so difficult to get information, the hotel is saying that there is no Malaria, however every other website and guidebook says there is!

Andrew

[tarczy]

Glad to hear that. I am in the process of setting up a trip to dive Lembeh the last 2 weeks of December... am planning on staying at Divers Lodge and they don't have ac so will need to keep windows open and ceiling fan moving!!

Seafan-

All the windows at Divers Lodge are screened. I did not suffer one mosquito in my room for the 14 days I was there in December 2007. However, there were two ginormous spiders and a couple of geckos that insisted on being my roommate. :eek:

Also, Indonesia is notoriously under supplied with the littlest things that we take for granted. For instance, O rings are sold in Indonesia for $2.00USD PER O RING!! :eek: The Owner of Divers Lodge is named Rob. He is the nicest guy. If you do end up going there, bring him a box or two of O rings (http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/ae/RB0816). The cost is minimal to you, but they are priceless to him. Oh yeah . . . Rob loves good Scotch Whiskey, so you might find it in your heart to bring him a bottle. If you do bring him a bottle, or a box of O rings, you'll pretty much get anything you want at the resort and be treated like a king. :D

Mark

P.S. Tell Rob that Mark said "Hi."

[Jonathan Bird]

The thing is Rob is so great, and his staff is so great, you don't even need bribes to be treated like a king there. Best Dive resort possibly on Earth. Seriously. However, if you bring him a little scotch and o-rings, he'll probably hook you up with some local babes! ;)

[Jonathan Bird]

P.S. That was joke, I don't think he would hook you up with local babes. :D

[Daniel]

P.S. That was joke, I don't think he would hook you up with local babes. :D

Geez... bring the fella o-rings and Scotch and your're still out of luck. Guess you'll need to spring for your own... "babes". :p

[seafan]

P.S. That was joke, I don't think he would hook you up with local babes. :D

Glad to hear that.... especially as I am a huge fan of the opposite sex! :D :D

So... just what can I expect there the last 2 weeks of December visibility wise?

Do you recommend staying there the whole time or taking a 3 day trip to dive someplace else before heading back to LAX. Right now I am thinking about leaving on 12/19 and returning on 1/1... have to go back to work on the 4th!!

[seafan]

Seafan-

All the windows at Divers Lodge are screened. I did not suffer one mosquito in my room for the 14 days I was there in December 2007. However, there were two ginormous spiders and a couple of geckos that insisted on being my roommate. :eek:

Also, Indonesia is notoriously under supplied with the littlest things that we take for granted. For instance, O rings are sold in Indonesia for $2.00USD PER O RING!! :eek: The Owner of Divers Lodge is named Rob. He is the nicest guy. If you do end up going there, bring him a box or two of O rings (http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/ae/RB0816). The cost is minimal to you, but they are priceless to him. Oh yeah . . . Rob loves good Scotch Whiskey, so you might find it in your heart to bring him a bottle. If you do bring him a bottle, or a box of O rings, you'll pretty much get anything you want at the resort and be treated like a king. :D

Mark

P.S. Tell Rob that Mark said "Hi."


Don't mind a few gekos (even have a dive computer named after the little guys) but SPIDERS???? :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[tarczy]

P.S. That was joke, I don't think he would hook you up with local babes. :D


Well . . . I've got a lot to say on this subject, but I'm gonna let it all go. This is a family friendly chat board . . . so 'nuff said. :p

[tarczy]

So... just what can I expect there the last 2 weeks of December visibility wise?

Do you recommend staying there the whole time or taking a 3 day trip to dive someplace else before heading back to LAX. Right now I am thinking about leaving on 12/19 and returning on 1/1... have to go back to work on the 4th!!

To the best of my knowledge, visibility doesn't change with the seasons in Lembeh Straights. It's a shipping channel, so the tides control the visibility, not the seasons.

I think you're good to stay in Lembeh Straights for the whole trip. The other alternative is Bunaken, which is a stone's throw from Lembeh, but I've heard that Lembeh is much more diverse. Your choice though. :confused:

[tarczy]

Geez... bring the fella o-rings and Scotch and your're still out of luck. Guess you'll need to spring for your own... "babes". :p

Ha ha!!

Truth be told . . . most of us divers have higher priorities. My own boat with a kick-*** dive guide for 14 days is much more important.

[seafan]

Ha ha!!

Truth be told . . . most of us divers have higher priorities. My own boat with a kick-*** dive guide for 14 days is much more important.

The only time I had that service was when I flew down to San Salvador and stayed at Riding Rock for a few days after DEMA several years ago. There were only 3 of us at the resort!! A huge dive boat, "private guide" that took us wherever we wanted to go and all our meals cooked to order. :p :p

Of course we dove mainly walls and swim throughs but the diving was great and we had a ton of fun... and that's what counts when all is said and done.

[allison finch]

I spend a lot of time in Indonesia and PNG and wouldn't even consider going without taking antimalarials. I use malarone, and have no ill effects. In PNG, one of the two major types of malaria is now resistant to doxy, so Malarone is the best bet.

I have seen people catch malaria there and it is bad. On several trips, crew members on the liveaboards (even the captain and chef on one trip) were experiencing malaria bouts. Just plain not worth the risk!!! IMHO!

In Lembeh, I used Malarone. BTW, in the summer months, the water in Lembeh does get quite a bit cooler. The locals say it makes for better critters, as it brings them shallower for the warmer water. I have only been there in the winter so couldn't say.

[dbh]

I would do a couple of days at Bunaken for some change of scenery. You will get great vis, awesome soft corals, scads of ornate ghost pipefish and boxer crabs.


Dave

[Andrew]

Thanks Guys for all you comments and help. This trip has been pencilled in for next year when the youngster is old enough to take Malaria tablets! We have had to do Galapagos this year instead... another hardship! :D

[Daniel]

I spend a lot of time in Indonesia and PNG and wouldn't even consider going without taking antimalarials. I use malarone, and have no ill effects. In PNG, one of the two major types of malaria is now resistant to doxy, so Malarone is the best bet.

I have seen people catch malaria there and it is bad. On several trips, crew members on the liveaboards (even the captain and chef on one trip) were experiencing malaria bouts. Just plain not worth the risk!!! IMHO!

In Lembeh, I used Malarone. BTW, in the summer months, the water in Lembeh does get quite a bit cooler. The locals say it makes for better critters, as it brings them shallower for the warmer water. I have only been there in the winter so couldn't say.

Very informative post, thank you Allison.

[seafan]

I spend a lot of time in Indonesia and PNG and wouldn't even consider going without taking antimalarials. I use malarone, and have no ill effects. In PNG, one of the two major types of malaria is now resistant to doxy, so Malarone is the best bet.

I have seen people catch malaria there and it is bad. On several trips, crew members on the liveaboards (even the captain and chef on one trip) were experiencing malaria bouts. Just plain not worth the risk!!! IMHO!

In Lembeh, I used Malarone. BTW, in the summer months, the water in Lembeh does get quite a bit cooler. The locals say it makes for better critters, as it brings them shallower for the warmer water. I have only been there in the winter so couldn't say.

Just put down the deposit for 10 days diving Lembeh the end of December with Divers Lodge! Appreciate any suggestions... feel free to pm me with suggestions for my list of "critters to find" while there! :D :)

Since it's an unlimited tank package I think I'll need a wetsuit towards the end of the trip. From those that have been there that time of the year... do you think a 1.5 mil will be warm enough?

[allison finch]

I'll set a check off list for you

Find these critters. All are pretty common there;

Red devil scorpionfish
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1206/1363453868_f44bb97e17_o.jpg

A mimic octopus pulling a scam

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1143/1269813354_8760589cce_o.jpg

The very common marginatus (veined octo/cocoanut octo). Maybe two mating.

Hairy frogfish (you will see tons of different froggys).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2481515100_614215d60a_o.jpg

Pygmy seahorse

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2237639693_ce54af4d1c.jpg


Mandarin fish

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2244284917_cac7eb871d_o.jpg

You should see all of these and OH, so much more. Have fun!

[seafan]

Thanks.... I've been wanting to get a pic of a mandarin fish for a long time!

Now let's shoot for "stump the dm" while I'm there! I want to have a list of at least 75 critters for them to find fo me during my 9 dive days!

Wish I was heading there sooner but I have to take a group down to San Salvador in June, am heading to Mill Valley in July and Ecuador in October.

[Jonathan Bird]

I got half the stuff on my list on the FIRST DAY. There is so much stuff.

To answer your question....bring a wetsuit, and no, a 1.5 mil is not enough. The reason is because you are doing 4 dives a day and they are long dives. You will get cold. Wear a full 3 mm and I even suggest a little beanie hood.

Jonathan

[seafan]

Thought I might have to go buy a 3 mm suit. Good thing I have some time before I need it as I just bought a new bp/w setup.... and am now waiting to find out if I need a new computer. Mine froze up and started beeping on me. My lds is hoping that taking the battery our and replacing it will force the computer to reboot. However, just the fact that it froze up makes me leary that it will happen again... while on a dive. :(

So.... now it's time to look for a new computer!

[Jonathan Bird]

Have you read through my Lembeh Blog (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343)?

[seafan]

Have you read through my Lembeh Blog (http://www.uwphotochat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343)?

Read the first couple of posts which got me excited enough to book a trip there for myself! :D :D

Will go back and read the rest of it one of these days when I have time to make notes..

[ftansari]

I lived in Jakarta, and almost once a month I always do a trip to North Sulawesi, last time I checked there are no malaria over there... lembeh too.... all we got is dengue fever, but it only occurs during the monsoon and rainy season

[tarczy]

To answer your question....bring a wetsuit, and no, a 1.5 mil is not enough. The reason is because you are doing 4 dives a day and they are long dives. You will get cold. Wear a full 3 mm and I even suggest a little beanie hood.

Jonathan


I was wearing a 5 mil and found myself getting somewhat cold, especially on the deeper dives while looking for the dreaded Blue Ringed Octopus. :eek: Somehow a 3mil in Lembeh sounds a little light, although I was there in December so maybe the water was colder.

[scubagirl]

I'm thinking of bringing a tropical drysuit in October: 3 weeks of practically non-stop diving might require it (at least for me). I normally bring a 7/5 fullsuit for just a one-week trip of 4-5 dives/day, and I sometimes layer a 3mm vest with that!

[allison finch]

I carried a 3 mil, core warmer and hooded vest to lembeh. I used the 3 mil and core warmer but only used my neoprene beanie and never the vest. If I were to go during the summer, I would want a 5 mil and a core warmer.

[Jonathan Bird]

Did you have a beanie??? Ya gotta have a beanie!

[Jonathan Bird]

I'm partial to the Harvey's beanie (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P63UT6/ref=asc_df_B001P63UT6772377)...I have been wearing mine for years and it's still going strong because it has both a snap and velcro to hold it closed. Most beanies are kind cheap and they only have velcro, which wears out.

[seafan]

I'm partial to the Harvey's beanie (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P63UT6/ref=asc_df_B001P63UT6772377)...I have been wearing mine for years and it's still going strong because it has both a snap and velcro to hold it closed. Most beanies are kind cheap and they only have velcro, which wears out.

I hate wearing anything on my head that covers my ears! I will be diving there from Dec 23-Jan 1. I wasn't planning on bringing anything beyond my 1.5 mm as I figured I could rent one of their 4/5 bare's if needed. Do you recommend my bringing a 3 mm vest to use as well?

[tarczy]

Seafan . . .

I was in Lembeh during the months of December and January in 2007/2008. At 70 feet, water temps were hovering just below 70 degrees Fahrenheit

I too can't stand wearing something over my ears unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, here in California, a hood is absolutely necessary. While I'm aware that you lose 50% of your body heat through your head, I didn't find it crucial to wear a beanie in Lembeh (just my personal choice).

However, I seriously recommend a 5 mil suit if you have one. You will be hangin' around at depth watching and waiting for long periods of time while your dive guide looks for the specific critter you'd like to photograph. Hangin' around at 60 to 70 feet for a long time, using very little movement, will definitely get you C-C-Coldddd.

Using a 1.5mm suit will leave you very cold while diving deeper depths. Renting the Bare 4/5mm suit is a good idea. Just make sure the resort actually has that type of suit on hand and definitely make sure they have your size . . . and definitely "reserve" the suit for the length of your stay. In my opinion, it would be overkill to use a 3mm vest in conjunction with the 4/5mm Bare.

Just mah two cents.

BTW, where are you staying while in Lembeh. Can't wait to see your trip report.

Mark

[seafan]

Seafan . . .

I was in Lembeh during the months of December and January in 2007/2008. At 70 feet, water temps were hovering just below 70 degrees Fahrenheit

I too can't stand wearing something over my ears unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, here in California, a hood is absolutely necessary. While I'm aware that you lose 50% of your body heat through your head, I didn't find it crucial to wear a beanie in Lembeh (just my personal choice).

However, I seriously recommend a 5 mil suit if you have one. You will be hangin' around at depth watching and waiting for long periods of time while your dive guide looks for the specific critter you'd like to photograph. Hangin' around at 60 to 70 feet for a long time, using very little movement, will definitely get you C-C-Coldddd.

Using a 1.5mm suit will leave you very cold while diving deeper depths. Renting the Bare 4/5mm suit is a good idea. Just make sure the resort actually has that type of suit on hand and definitely make sure they have your size . . . and definitely "reserve" the suit for the length of your stay. In my opinion, it would be overkill to use a 3mm vest in conjunction with the 4/5mm Bare.

Just mah two cents.

BTW, where are you staying while in Lembeh. Can't wait to see your trip report.

Mark


70 degrees at 70 ft? YIKES!!! :eek: :eek:

I had no idea it got that cold in the water there that time of the year.
I was expecting temps in the 78-82 degree range... I consider anyting below 78 degrees cold water diving. ;)

I will try on some bare 4/5 locally for sizing and then email the resort to see if they have my size and then have them reserve it for me. When I checked their website that was the brand and mil they had as rental for a great price too. I'm staying at Divers Lodge... only thing I don't like is the fact that they don't have AC. :mad: Even if I don't need it at nite, there's nothing like coming back from a day's diving to a nice cold room!!

This will be my first time muck diving so I know I'm in for a bit of a shock at first.

[Jonathan Bird]

Guys, a beanie is so much less intrusive than a normal hood with a neck on it. I always wear one. TRY IT. They are not annoying in the slightest and you will be so much warmer. A thinner wetsuit is more comfortable than a thick one. A 3mm suit and a beanie is a heck of a lot better than a 5mm suit, extra weight...and still being cold because your head is exposed!

Jonathan

[seafan]

Guys, a beanie is so much less intrusive than a normal hood with a neck on it. I always wear one. TRY IT. They are not annoying in the slightest and you will be so much warmer. A thinner wetsuit is more comfortable than a thick one. A 3mm suit and a beanie is a heck of a lot better than a 5mm suit, extra weight...and still being cold because your head is exposed!

Jonathan

Wonder if I cut cut holes around the ears... after all, I do need something sticking out to keep the mask strap from falling down around my neck! :D :D

[tarczy]

I'm staying at Divers Lodge... only thing I don't like is the fact that they don't have AC. :mad: Even if I don't need it at nite, there's nothing like coming back from a day's diving to a nice cold room!!



I was staying at Divers Lodge last time I was in Lembeh. Trust me . . . after 5 or 6 dives of doing nothing but waiting around for your dive guide to find you critters, your core body temperature will be so low you will be thankfull for the heat when you arrive back at your room. You'll have that shower jacked up to just below scalding temps.

At night, I'd run the fan in my room and ended up getting up in the middle of the night to turn it off because I was so cold. :rolleyes: Things were even colder after I did my night dive . . . and I was positively freezing if I did a dusk dive (Lembeh's version of a night dive) AND a full blown night dive.

I'm predicting you will be very comfy with just a fan in your room at night. During the day, things get kind of hot and muggy, but the rooms are so spartan that there will be no way you'll want to spend any time in your room during the day. In other words, sleeping will be the only reason to spend time in your room.

[tarczy]

Guys, a beanie is so much less intrusive than a normal hood with a neck on it. I always wear one. TRY IT. They are not annoying in the slightest and you will be so much warmer. A thinner wetsuit is more comfortable than a thick one. A 3mm suit and a beanie is a heck of a lot better than a 5mm suit, extra weight...and still being cold because your head is exposed!

Jonathan


Okay . . . I'm coming clean on this one.

The covered ears thing is bothersome, but what really, really turns me off about a beanie is the fashion statement! :eek:

I mean . . . c'mon!

TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/) would have a field day if they ever got a photo of me wearing a beanie and looking like this :eek: . . .


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/mongo255/Bahamas%2003_07/Bird-Beanie.jpg

:D










(This will probably get me kicked off the board, but I just couldn't help myself!)

[seafan]

Cute pic.... and all this time I figured you for a bp/w type of guy! :D :D

[Jonathan Bird]

I second what Mark said about AC. I was worried about the lack of AC at Divers Lodge too, but it was a non issue. It was quite comfortable at night. I never got up to turn the fan off, but I did end up under a blanket most nights.

And that guy with the beanie is one handsome dude. :D

Jonathan

[seafan]

I just tried on the scap at my lds.... it's modeled like a do rag but it's made of 1.5 mil neoprene. What about that instead of a beanie...

[Jonathan Bird]

Better than nothing!

[Jonathan Bird]

Cute pic.... and all this time I figured you for a bp/w type of guy! :D :D

What the heck is bp/w? Back plate/wings? Not me. Too heavy to travel with. I'm anti-tech. I'm low tech!

[Jonathan Bird]

That BC is an IDI that was given to me many years ago by Performance Diver when they were still around for a product photo shoot. It's an el cheapo--and it's my favorite, most comfortable BC. I like it so much I scoured eBay to find a couple more.

Jonathan

[scubagirl]

Sorry for dragging up an old thread, but I'm thinking about the upcoming trip to Lembeh & Raja Ampat, and immunizations/preventative drugs. I've already got a prescription for Malarone from my doc, and as recommended by her I'm starting the TwinRix shots for Hep A & B. I'm up to date on my regular vaccines, but should I also get immunized for Typhoid & Yellow Fever? I've had those before, but it was about 20 years ago so I'm pretty sure they're no longer effective. My doc doesn't think I need them since we won't be going to any rural areas or staying in rustic accomodations, but I know nothing about where we're going, so I figured I'd ask. Thoughts?

Edit: Forgot to ask: anyone else with acid reflux taken Malarone and had increased symptoms? I've heard one of the side effects can increase stomach acid.

[tarczy]

Sorry for dragging up an old thread, but I'm thinking about the upcoming trip to Lembeh & Raja Ampat, and immunizations/preventative drugs. I've already got a prescription for Malarone from my doc, and as recommended by her I'm starting the TwinRix shots for Hep A & B. I'm up to date on my regular vaccines, but should I also get immunized for Typhoid & Yellow Fever? I've had those before, but it was about 20 years ago so I'm pretty sure they're no longer effective. My doc doesn't think I need them since we won't be going to any rural areas or staying in rustic accomodations, but I know nothing about where we're going, so I figured I'd ask. Thoughts?

Edit: Forgot to ask: anyone else with acid reflux taken Malarone and had increased symptoms? I've heard one of the side effects can increase stomach acid.


Gosh!!! That's a lot of drugs!!

I went to Lembeh and then Raja Ampat for over a month during the 2007/2008 Christmas Holiday season. I did zero Malaria prophylactic medication . . . did not get Hep A or B vaccinations, nor Typhoid or Yellow Fever. In other words . . . no prophylactic medication whatsoever. The only malady I suffered was a bad case of Bronchitis due to a bad Cold Virus I picked up on the flights over. The cough medicine they gave me knocked the Bronchitis right out of me in 48 hours. That was some good s**t!!

Lembeh is a more civilized city in Indonesia. From all that I've heard and witnessed, there is no Malaria there. In addition, you're spending most of your time under water, where Mosquitoes can't get you.

I'm presuming you'll be boarding a dive boat out of Sorong in order to dive Raja Ampat. Sorong is built over a swamp and is, what I would describe as, a "Fourth World" city. For example, we were ferried from the airport to the boat in Oxen drawn carts. Nevertheless, you will only be spending all of about 4 hours in Sorong throughout your whole trip. The rest of the time, you'll be in a boat on the open seas. The risks to your well-being will be greater when diving the strong, washing-machine currents in Raja Ampat rather than diseases like Malaria, Typhoid or Hep A or B.

All of that said, getting a Tetanus Booster is highly recommended. Lembeh Straights is a bit of a garbage dump and a Tetanus Booster will protect you should you get injured by rusting metal objects.

Hope this helps to calm your fears. ;)

[scubagirl]

Thanks Mark. I had my Tetanus booster last year. Interestingly, my doctor informed me that you have a better chance of getting Tetanus from gardening (from the soil) than you do from getting cut by a rusty object.

I tend to be a mosquito magnet, so if there's one mosquito in the vicinity, I'll be the one who gets bitten. I also react a lot to the bites (huge silver-dollar sized welts). Therefore, I'll likely take the anti-malarial drugs and deal with the side effects. I guess Dengue fever might be a problem in swampy areas, but I'll be using DEET so hopefully that will help.

BTW, I'm not fearful: I've travelled to many places and never been sick, but this area is new to me so I'd like to be prepared. I should have gotten the TwinRix vaccine many years ago, but I never got around to it.

Ox-drawn carts? Sounds cool (and good for photo ops).

[tarczy]

Scubagirl-

Your reaction to Mosquito bites sounds a lot like my Girlfriend's reactions. She gets more than her fair share of bites and they swell up to silver-dollar sized welts or larger. Better take a lot of Benadryl along.

When are you going on this dream dive trip to Lembeh and Raja Ampat? What boat are you going to be on in Raja Ampat and where are you staying in Lembeh?

I can't wait to see your trip report. I'm very jealous of your compositional skills.

Mark

P.S. Just got back from an RV trip to Yosemite. Here's a snap of my favorite mountain - Half Dome.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/mongo255/Yosemite/Half-Dome.jpg

[scubagirl]

Great photo! Very scenic.

I use After Bite Extra on my mosquito bites: it contains medicinal ammonia and it relieves the itching. I use Benadryl sometimes, too, but After Bite works very well and also works on jellyfish stings.

I'm going on Jonathan's RA trip in November, but David and Pierre and I are spending the week before that in Lembeh at Diver's Lodge. Yeah, it's still a while off :o , but summer is slipping away and before I know it, it'll be October. I've been dry for a couple of months due to a nasty sinus infection and other stuff and only last weekend was I able to get back in the water. It was nice to be able to dive again and I was able to try out the D300 with my new housing. I found a new buddy who is actually willing to model for me (for free!) and he's pretty good (he's a former underwater photographer, so that probably helps) so I'm going to get some practice shooting with a model.

Thanks; I will definitely be doing a trip report! However, I will have lots of 'competition' from all the much better photographers on the trip, especially Jonathan. I'm sure there will be many reports posted here about that trip.

By the way, the photography courses I've taken while I've been dry were great: I have a new appreciation for artificial light after finishing my most recent class, Intro to Photographic Lighting.

Natalie

[Jonathan Bird]

Mark, nice half dome. Ansel Adams loved that rock too. He was one of my early photographic heros before I discovered the underwater world.

Natalie, I'm jealous that I can't join you guys at Lembeh. Diver's Lodge rules. I just can't be away from home that long or my wife and kids will leave me. :o

When the kids are older, I'm going to take the whole family there. I love that place.

I can't wait for Raja. I'm excited!!!!

Jonathan

[seafan]

Will be looking forward to reading all your reports... I will be at Divers Lodge from 12/23 - 1/2!!

There is a muck stick group on another forum and I'm going to be working on a trip for us for the same dates next year 2010-2011. We're not quite sure where we will be heading but Lembeh and Raj are high on the list.