Those of us (from the Ocean Turtle Diving group) that had decided to stay overnight at Gatwick, had arranged to meet in the Bar at the Hilton Hotel, in the North Terminal. That was the start of my period of confusion, because once I had checked into my hotel room, I was informed that the Hilton Hotel was in the South Terminal!

Thus, I walked to the South Terminal. After walking around the Hilton Hotel's Bar area in search of other members of the group, I returned to the Marriott Hotel 'empty-handed'. Soon after, and after having exchanged a few WhatsApp messages with Kerrie (who was in the North Terminal), I was made aware that there is also a Hilton Hotel in the North Terminal!

For the second time, I set off for the South Terminal, and use the free inter-terminal shuttle service to the North Terminal. Once there, I had to ask for directions to the Hilton Hotel. I didn't know that the North Terminal Hilton is known as the Hampton by Hilton London Gatwick Airport. No wonder I was confused!

Similar to what I did at the South Terminal, Hilton Hotel, I walked around the Bar/Restaurant area of the Hampton by Hilton, but I did not recognise anyone. After a few WhatsApp messages, Anna came down to where I was; sitting by Reception. She then took me up to her, Teresa and Kerrie's room, where other group members had congregated. We then made our way back down to the Bar/Restaurant for some food.

After an enjoyable and sociable time, I made my way back to the South Terminal, the Marriott, and bed.

We had arranged to meet at the Wetherspoons pub in the North Terminal Air-side Departure lounge, at 07h30. I therefore checked out and left the Marriott (at the South Terminal) at 07:00 and drove to the Sofitel Hotel car park (at the North Terminal), where I handed over the car and key to the car park attendant. Then it was a walk to the Check-in area for my TUI flight to Hurghada.

Upon reaching the Check-in area, I was surprised at the large number of people. I joined a horrendously long queue at what I thought was the correct queue, only to be told that not only was I in the wrong queue, I was on the wrong floor! There was no way that I could be air-side by 07h30!

I eventually checked in, and then joined yet another huge mass of people attempting to get through the security scanners. Fortunately, I and my hand luggage (containing my BCD and regulator) passed through without any issue at 08h25, and into the departure lounge. Now, where is the Wetherspoons pub?

I soon found it, as spotted Rene and Ian sitting at one of the outside tables. The time was now 08h30, so it was almost to get to Gate 43C; which was indicated at 08h40.

Once aboard the areoplane, and in my aisle seat, I had the misfortune of having a very large woman sitting in the centre seat next to me! However, Teresa (who was sitting in the aisle seat on the other side of the aisle) had the three seats to herself! So, from seat 27C I moved across the aisle to 27D, behind Colin, Kevin and Nicola in seats 26D, E and F. At least five of the OTD group were sitting close to each other. This helped pass the time to what would otherwise would have been uneventful.

Once on the ground at Hurghada, there were more long queues, but thanks to Kerrie knowing one of the local BO2 representatives, we were through immigration a lot quicker than a lot of other tourists!

Two minibuses transported us from the airport, through the crazy traffic in the streets of Hurghada, to the quayside, where we boarded M/Y Blue Horizon, and greeted by our hosts Carmen and Oliver! We had arrived!

After this morning's first onboard breakfast, we were requested to attend a briefing in respect of the first dive; a check dive, at the Poseidon Reef (Figure EG-043) located at N27°23'55.25" E33°51'43.35". I was very much looking forward to this moment, as it was the first time to experience a dive in salt water, wearing my very own (and new) diving equipment: a Scubapro Hydros Pro (a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)), a new Scubapro C370 R095 Regulator/Octopus and a 2.5mm Beuchat Undervest (for additional warmth). [In the past, I have hired a BCD and Regulator.]

However, based on previous experience, I jumped into the water (at 11:20) wearing all the above-mentioned equipment on top of a 5mm full-length wet suit, a little air in the BCD, and 4Kg lead weights in the BCD's integrated weight pockets. Unfortunately, after releasing the air in the BCD, I could not submerge, as much as I tried! I was effectively like a cork - too buoyant! This was due to the combination of a factors: the natural buoyancy of the wet suit and vest, insufficent lead weights, and the very high salinity level of the Red Sea.

Photo EG-043

Photo EG-044

Note: The quality of the diagramatic images (like EG-044) is not the best, as they are photographs of an image projected onto a screen, taken during the debrief sessions.

An additional 4Kg of lead weights was added to my BCD pockets, but it didn't make enough of an improvement; I still couldn't leave the surface. Because I was so busy trying to get down, I ended up becoming very exhausted. Hence, I aborted the dive after about 18 minutes.

I participated in a second dive (at 15h45) at the Chrisoula K site, this time with another 4Kg of lead weight. It was distriuted as follows: 4Kg in each main BCD pockets and 2Kg in each of the BCD's rear pockets. Although I was carrying a lot of additional weight, it certainly helped with my buoyancy!

Entry into the choppy water for this dive was from a Zodiac/Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). The dive itself was more successful, lasting about 25 minuts, but for about the last five minutes of the dive, tiredness crept in. So much so, I needed help getting back into the zodiac/RIB. Once inside the zodiac, I had to put my head over the side, as the choppy water made me feel sick; but I wasn't!

My next planned dive was to the Carnatic, with Colin and led by Anna. Although I was sure my entry into the water was clear, it was marred by colliding with Colin! With gas escaping from his tank, he got back on board Blue Horizon. Believing all was OK, Anna and I resumed the dive.

Having established my correct amount of additional weight yesterday, this was a very calm and casual dive in and around the wreck, with no current. Ideal! A Blue-spotted Stingray was seen.

It was not until we back on board Blue Horizon that the true effect of the accident was apparent. Because Colin was not feeling well, we sailed back to Hurghada, where Colin was met on the quayside and taken to hopsital.

I felt terrible; quite possibly suffering from shock at what had happened! A short time after, Blue Horizon left the port and resumed a revised diving schedule at a dive site just outside the port. Not surprisingly, I was not in a fit state to dive again that day!

I was still unfit to dive this day.

Overnight, Blue Horizon made its way to the location above the wreck of SS Thistlegorm (located at N27°48'30.59" E33°55'7.19"), for the first of three planned dives. I was still not fit enough to dive that morning, so (unfortunately) I did not make any notes at the mornings' dive breifings.

After lunch, Oliver (Strunz) offered to accompany me down to the wreck (on a one-to-one basis) for the third and final dive at that location. I regarded it as a very kind jesture from him, to which I accepted.

At 15h00, after all other divers had entered the water, we did the same, and followed the line down to the bow of the ship. We took it easy, reaching a maximum depth of 27 metres during the dive. I can distinctly remember seeing the damaged motorcycles and road vehicles that were on board, as well as unexploded ammunition! During one part of the dive, we turned a corner, and upon seeing what I recognised as two railway buffers, realised that we had just swam around one of the two locomotive's tender! Quite amazing! Not only that, I felt that I had finally got my MoJo back!

I believe a lot (if not most?) divers have the SS Thistlegorm on their bucket list of wrecks (or favourite dive site) to see. It wasn't on my bucket list, but I am pleased that I have visited the wreck.

The following four photographs are of Bluff Point (Photo EG-045) and this afternoon's setting sun (at about 17h40).

Photo EG-045	Photo EG-046	Photo EG-047	Photo EG-048

Similar to yesterday, I only completed one dive to-day; at 11h00. This was at the Disha Malagk Reef. It wasn't as good as yesterday's dive, as I had to spend the first 5 to 10 minutes continually adjusting my buoyancy. Very strange, as it was fine yesterday!

With the initial difficulty behind me, we swam past Giant Sea Fans (Annella mollis), and Large Tube Sponges (Siphonochalina siphonella). As for wildlife, we saw two Speckled Sandperches (Parapercis hexophthalma), a few multicoloured Parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor?) and a Lionfish (Pterois volitans).

This dive concluded my underwater activities for this week.

Photo EG-049	Photo EG-050	Photo EG-051	Photo EG-052

Although I attended the morning's dive briefing (Photo EG-054), for those that wanted to have a final dive, at Umm Gammar Reef; I decided not to dive. I didn't want to have a damp wetsuit and equipment in my suitcase (alongside dry clothes), when packing it in preparation for my transfer to Roots tomorrow.

Photo EG-053

Photo EG-054

Early afternoon, we arrived back in Hurghada, specifically at the port's "fuel station", in order to refuel Blue Horizon, but due to the inconsiderate docking of what could only be described as a "hippy-looking" vessel, Blue Horizon was unable to tie up at the quayside. Eventually, and after the hippy boat left the berth, and a couple of expensive-looking boats were repositioned, Blue Horizon was able to reverse to the quay, and commence refuelling.

We had an option of spending the last night eith ashore or on Blue Horizon. We all opted to spending the last night on board; including Colin, who came on board shortly after the boat had been made secure in port. It was a tense moment for me, but we greeted each other very amicably and i a very mature way, which removed a lot of my built-up tension. Thanks Colin!

After dinner, and back in our cabin, Colin and I discussed how he was treated at the hospital, how his week had been, and how he felt - he said that his neck and shoulders were still painful, for which he had been prescribed pain-killing tablets. Then it was lights out and time to get some sleep.

I always find it an emotional time when leaving a group of people that I have been with for a period of time; be it a work environment or a holiday environment. And leaving Blue Horizon this morning was no exception! However, the good thing this time was that I was off for another week's adventure, whereas those on Blue Horizon would later make their way to the Marriott hotel, until their taxis had arrived to take them to the airport, for their flights home.

Separate arrangements had been made for a taxi to arrive outside the Marriott Hotel (see Photo EG-055) at 10h00, to take Sammie, Andrew and myself to the Roots Red Sea Resort.

A few minutes after 10h00, our taxi arrived, and we were on our way! I was told that the journey time is a little over one hour. At one point in our attempt to get out of Hurghada, I thought I was in the centre of a large city - with cars travelling in all directions (Piccadilly Circus)!

Once we were away from the busy town, the landscape took on a desert appearance, with sand all around. This was spoilt by frequent collections of discarded plastic alongside the road, either intentionally dumped, or blown there by the wind. They really are a blot on the landscape! I wish there was a human effort to collect it!

Shortly before 12h00, we arrived at Roots. After completing the obligatory checking in activities had been completed, we were asked to put all of our diving equipment and wetsuit into a numbered kit crate. The crates were later taken across the road to the Pharaoh Dive Club Building, close to the Beach Café.

Then we were taken to our respective accommodation. I had opted for a Deluxe Chalet. It contained two single beds, a television (that I couldn't get to work) and a combined shower and toilet. It looked and felt very cosy and comfortable.

Before lunch, which was planned at 13h00 at the Beach Café, I explored the site, taking photographs EG-056 to EG-060.

Photo EG-055	Photo EG-056	Photo EG-057
Photo EG-058	Photo EG-059	Photo EG-060
Photo EG-061 is a panoramic view, created from merging photos EG-056 to EG-060. Photo EG-061

There was no diving to-day because of the weather; strong winds and a rough sea, so it gave me an appropriate opportunity to familiarise myself of the resort - by walking around the whole site, in particular, the area around the Beach Café, where I took more photos and a couple of videos.

While walking along the water's edge, I had a sense that the ground was moving beneath my feet. On closer inspection, small Hermit crabs were walking around, under small black and white shells; Video EG-002.

Photo EG-062	Photo EG-063	Photo EG-064
Photo EG-065	Photo EG-066	Photo EG-067
Photo EG-068	Photo EG-069	Photo EG-070
Photo EG-071	Photo EG-072	Photo EG-073

Two Reefs and the Whole Resort Video EG-001 [0 minutes, 47 seconds]

A Small Hermit Crab Goes Walkabout! Video EG-002 [0 minutes, 29 seconds]

Sammie received a WhatsApp message from Kerrie, stating that six of those of us on Blue Horizon had contracted Coronavirus! Thus, being the latest guests, Sammie, Andrew and I were summonsed to the Manger's office by Moudi, who required us to each take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT).

Fortunately, all three tests were negative! We could carry on as planned.

I woke up to a completely calm day. Wow, no wind! After breakfast, Sammie, Andrew and I arranged to meet for a morning dive. Once in the water, Sammie got me to regulate my breathing, and then to hover up and down in a controller manner, purely by breathing. Success! As part of the success, I also managed to effectively use the rear dump valve, once I became aware of its location!

We swam to and around the pinnacle on the south side of the resort. The dive lasted 47 minutes, to a maximum depth of 19 metres. It was probably my best dive ever; from a techical aspect! For the first time in a long while, I was in full control, after having made a slight weight adjustment - I still had 12 Kg, but distributed as follows: a 1 Kg weight in each of the rear BCD pockets and a 5 Kg weight in each of the main BCD pockets.

The wildlife seen during this dive: Yellow-spotted Burrfish (Cyclichthys spilostylis), a Common Lionfish (Pterois volitans), a junior and adult Red Sea Walkman (Inimicus filamentosus), a Blue-barred Parrotfish (Scarus ghobban), a Blue-spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma), and an Iridescent Cardinalfish (Pristiapogon kallopterus).

A new day, and the strong wind had returned! There was also a strong current. For the dive, we (Sammie, Andrew and myself) decided to visit the north pinnacle. Because of the strong current, it was most important that we held onto the guide ropes on our way out.

On our way out to deeper water, Andrew went off on his own, with my GoPro camera; which, I later learned, escaped his grasp! Once at the end of the rope, Sammie and I swam towards the pinnacle, where we were somewhat protected from the current. We circumvented to rock and made our way back to the ropes, where we were joined by Andrew, and ultimately to the safety of the beach.

Back on dry land, Andrew told us that my camera escaped his grasp and floated to the surface (as it was attached to a float). He swam after it to retrieve it; which he did. I told him that, due to certain events and bad weather, I hadn't used it in eleven days, so its loss wouldn't have been a bad thing.

The wildlife seen during this dive: a Blue-spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma), a Giant Moray Eel (Gymnothorax javanicus), White-spotted Pufferfish (Arothron hispidus), many Masked Pufferfish (Arothron diadematus) and many Cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii).

It was a very windy night. I was woken up by a regular squeaking noise, thinking it was from the rattan furniture outside the hut. But it may have been the main door not completely fastened, as the noise ceased after I shut the door.

My breakfast this morning was a bowl of fresh fruit and two slices of toast, topped with Nutella and sliced banana.

Sammin and Andrew departed for an early dive, but I stayed in the dry! When they returned, they both said that the current was strong, but perhaps a bit less than yesterday. O that information, I decided not to dive.

An hour or so later, the wind had increased, causing an increase in the size of the waves crashing over the reef. That was a signal showing me not to dive anymore to-day!

After lunch, we reviewed the situation after Kirsty had returned from her orientation dive with Lea. She reported a strong current, so it was a "No dive" from me.

Instead, I went for another walk along the water's edge, and like three days earlier, the ground was (still) moving. This time, I noticed two black and white shells (Video EG-003), but only one crab moved - very slightly.

My planned next dive would be my 90^th; not a big landmark, but if all is well weatherwise, I shall accomplish that dive tomorrow morning, with Sammie and Andrew. Tomorrow could also be my last dive day of the holiday, so I would need to take my camera!

Photo EG-074	Photo EG-075	Photo EG-076
Two Hermit Crabs Video EG-003 [0 minutes, 36 seconds]

Sammie, Andrew and I had arranged to dive this morning, but because the wind had not abated (it was 'blowing a gale') and the possibility of strong currents, I decided not to dive. Thus my 90^th dive would have to wait for another day.

In addition to the strong wind, the morning's weather was also cool and overcast. Therefore, apart from walking over to the restaurant for breakfast, this turned out to be another do-nothing day, spending the whole morning in my hut (and updating this diary).

On my way to the restaurant, the wind was so strong (as can be heard in Video EG-004, a panning view of the huts), that sand was being blown into the air! Video EG-004 was taken from outside The Terrace eating area.

A Panning View Video EG-004 [0 minutes, 49 seconds]

My third do-nothing day, although I did go and spend some time by the swimming pool, where Andrew was instructing Ellie on her first open water diving experience. Simply watching them, and listening to Andrew's guidance, I learned a few more diving tips!

Another task that had to be completed, before leaving the site, was to complete a Passenger Locator Form, because of the outbreak of Coronavirus. It was a real palava (in trying to establish an Internet connection to www.gov.uk), but despite the problems, I eventually managed to complete the form!

Photo EG-077

Photo EG-078

I awoke this morning (Packing Day) with an annoying itching and pain in my right ear! After lunch, my taxi to Hurghada International Airport arrived in plenty of time. Just before I was to leave Roots, those that went diving this morning, arrived back at Roots just in time for me to say "Goodbye" to all of them.

Upon arriving at the airport, I joined the hundreds of other passengers, waiting to check-in for their flights home. When I had finally reached the check-in desk, I was allocated an isle seat, but I asked if I could have a window seat; which I was. However, that might have been a mistake!

After the five-hour flight back to London Gatwick, there was yet another mass of people trying to pass through passport control. It was a total mess, now that the United Kingdom is no longer a European Union member! Once through, I quickly made my way to the car park, where my car way waiting for me.

I regard this holiday as a bit of a disaster, for two reasons: the diving incident and the bad weather encountered throughout both weeks. To add salt to the wound, three days after arriving home (Thursday, 17-Mar-2022), I felt unwell. The following morning, I felt worse, so I tested myself, using an LFT. Low and behold, I produced a positive result for Coronavirus!