Day six and all’s well. Jim, Hannah, Sal and Greg are spending an amazing amount of time in the water. Some days over nine hours! Though, their bodies and gear are showing signs of wear their spirits are good and it seems like good data is at hand.

Russ and I have been trading long days in the water to maintain the outside of Aquarius. One of us spends between four and six hours out cleaning valves and exploring a bit on the reef. It’s an ongoing job, kind of like when you’ve finished mowing the lawn and realize that where you started needs mowing again, or trying to dig a hole below the tide line on the beach. It keeps us busy and the fish get fed.

Despite the warm water, everyone suits up like we’re diving in the pacific. Full suits with hoods, gloves, booties and often layers of various types. Spending so much time in the water will definitely use your body’s energy stores and leave you thinking of the hot shower waiting at the end of your dive. AND THE WATER’S 82 DEGREES F.

Night diving around the Habitat is an experience one doesn’t forget easily. To begin with the lights on the outside of Aquarius give it a larger than life, eerie look. It feels as if you’re in the set of the Abyss. Bubble sounds in high fidelity stereo! With divers that don’t molest them, the fish have become amazingly unafraid, even bold. On a dive Friday evening, while standing at the edge of the pool of light from the habitat, two spotted eagle rays came close for a fly-by. Like Air force pilots buzzing the tower, the surge washed me as they passed. So close I could reach out and stroke a wing on the way by.

Daily checklists inside keep Russ and I on our toes and keeps us busy while the other one is out cleaning valves. Between duties as dive master, daily maintenance, and the transfer of necessities and samples to and from the surface, the inside time doesn’t allow for much boredom. One really can’t complain about the view either.