IDC Day 1

Today was orientation day. Didn't start till noon, so I puttered around until about 10:45. then headed to UDC to drop off my bike. Starting midday the side street Mango Inn (where the IDC is held) is too crowded for me to comfortably bike. Also had to pick up my dive gear from yesterday.

So:

On the 5-10 minute bike ride, I carried a backpack filled with a giant binder and workbooks.

At the shop, I picked up my gear bag (BCD, Mask, Snorkel, Reg, Fins, Redundant Gauges) stuffed my backpack into it, and schlepped it for a 15 minute walk to Mango Inn.

Have I mentioned I better be in great shape after this? Heavy.

I leave my gear there for the next several days, as we'll be doing half days in the classroom, and half in the pool.

Got there early on purpose to eat at the restaurant there, They have good food, but their iced tea is the best I've ever had.

Orientation was straightforward, and as expected. We then took an epic pre-assessment exam. Well, series of exams. 20 questions each on:

Physics
Physiology
RDP
General Skills and Knowledge
Equipment

CRUSHED PHYSICS AND PHYSIOLOGY. I didn't get a perfect score on everything, but I didn't need one, and I did all the hard stuff perfectly. Scored high enough on everything that I (and my instructors) are confident in my knowledge going into the IE. Awesome news, and a weight off my shoulders (which is good, cause I couldn't handle any more, what with the gear and the books and the walking and the heat!) since it had been so long.

Tomorrow's a half day for me, since I already did my skills demos (see yesterday. OH, got my scores on these today - best in my group. YAY!), so I'm thinking I'll try Jade Seahorse for lunch, then check out the private Bundu Beach (it's been open the past couple times I've ridden by).

So, finished the exam, got it graded, walked the 15 minutes to UDC, got my bike and rode home.

Did all my homework and fully intended to go back to the main part of town for dinner, but I have a heat headache, and just can't. This heat is still slaying me. That's a big reason I want to hit the beach tomorrow, get some water!