Isis

On Saturday, October 6th, MARSH will be hosting a presentation by Anthony Calfo called "Reef Toxicology".

This presentation examines reef organisms with an eye upon two most fundamental categories: 1) things you can eat, and 2) things you cannot eat. Good humor and jokes aside (but included in good measure!), we will explore the increasing awareness that aquarists have about noxious, poisonous or toxic organisms in another pair of equally practical categories: 1) things you can touch, and 2) don't even think of touching that! We will review interesting creatures on the reef, including some of the most fascinating, if not bizarre species feared, eaten or otherwise used by coastal peoples. And overall, we will consider the dangerous elements (intrinsic and exudate) that some reef organisms produce and how that relates to issues of handling and stocking them in aquaria.

In addition to his talk Anthony will be selling his book, Reef Invertebrates, C...The Journal the last 4 publications and subscriptions and seven of his Reef Posters. You can see all seven of his posters on ReadingTrees.com.

Here is a sample of one of his posters:

The prices are listed below:

C...The Journal - Set of 4 - $40

Reef Invertebrates - $40 each

Reef Posters - $10 each

If you plan to purchase any of the above, please PM me ASAP. We will have a limited supply for sale, so first reserve gets at the meeting followed by first buy gets. If there is enough requests for any of the above, we will try to have more shipped to accomodate the demand.

Location: Williams Tower http://www.williamstower.com

2800 Post Oak Blvd

Houston, Texas 77056

Time: 11:00am-1pm - the doors will open around 10:30, if not sooner. We will have someone at the door to let people in. We ask that everyone get there before noon.

Meeting Room: We will be in the Beacon Room on the 62nd floor of the tower.

Guest must enter through the breeze way entrance on the back side of the building. All guests will be required to sign-in. This is a building code requirement so they know who is in the building in the event of a fire ect.

Here are the registration links for the tour and meeting. Please register for each if you are attending both. If you plan to do only one, please register for that one.

Meeting

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=...fo&ev_id=27

Tour

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=...fo&ev_id=28

There will also be several items for raffle:

Hand held TDS meter in vinyl case

Donated by ReefAholics.net

Coralife Digital Hand Held PH meter

Donated by City Pets

Coral Life 10,000 K T5 bulb 36

Donated by Markieb

Coral Sun Actinic 420 T8 36” bulb

Donated by Innovative Lighting Solutions

Aqua C Remora HOB skimmer

Donated by Aquatic Hobby Aquarium Supply

Fish Bowl $25.00 CG

Megan’s Tropical Emporium $25.00 CG

Blue Moon Aquarium Services $25.00 GC

T&T Fish and Reptile $ 25.00 GC

Fish Gallery $25.00 GC

I have updated the list with all current payments recieved, and those not recieved. If you haven't sent in payment, please send in payment as soon as you can.

We only have one room available at the villa next door, which we will need to fill as soon as possible. There are only two room left at the Tarpon Inn, #30 and the FDR suite. There are still several rooms available at the Captain's Quarters, so if you are interested, please let me know.

Rooms #30 and #40 have been claimed. Pending payment.

The following rooms are available for the trip, so if you want the room, please PM me. First person to claim it and to send in payment gets it.

Tarpon Inn (all prices are total after check in Friday, check out Sunday):

#29 --> $320

#30 --> $190 pending

#40 --> $155 pending

FRD Suite (sleeps up to six if desired) --> $445

La Palma Villa:

one room available ($218 for check-in Friday, check-out Sunday)

Captain's Quarters:

10 rooms ($129 per night, after taxes)

The following rooms are available for the trip, so if you want the room, please PM me. First person to claim it and to send in payment gets it.

Tarpon Inn (all prices are total after check in Friday, check out Sunday):

#29 --> $320

#30 --> $190

#40 --> $155

FRD Suite (sleeps up to six if desired) --> $445

La Palma Villa:

one room available ($218 for check-in Friday, check-out Sunday)

Captain's Quarters:

10 rooms ($129 per night, after taxes)

Updated.

There are only a few rooms unpaid at this time, so if you want to get one of the unpaid rooms, please PM me.

Hello everyone... for those who are interested in staying for Friday and Saturday night for the Port A trip that is planned for July 20th-22nd with MARSH, MAAST and DFWMAS, here is the hotel we are looking to stay at. It is called the Tarpon Inn, and it has a pool and nice backyard for our BBQ. Please check the rooms out and their room rates, which are really great for that time of year, let alone for staying on the island during peak season. Please post here if you are interested in staying there. MARSH has arranged a discounted rate (15% off the listed price), so all payments will need to be made to us directly in order for us to get it, which we will have set up soon.

We also have a set of rooms blocked at the Captain's Quarters for $258 for the weekend. All the rooms come with 2 queens and are non-smoking. Every guest gets a continental breakfast, as well as access to their pool. The hotel is just a couple blocks from the Tarpon Inn, so you can walk to the BBQ for Saturday.

There is a third location that we are staying at called the La Palma Villa, which is located next door to the Tarpon Inn. Their rooms are private and are $218 for the weekend. There is a common living area and kitchen, but every room has their own key for privacy.

Here is a list of rooms that are available, those that are taken have names by them. If you would like one of these rooms, please PM me with the room you would like, along with at least a 2nd and 3rd option in case the one you ask for is taken by someone else who got their PM in before you. I will try to update this frequently so that there is little discrepancy. We ask that you make payment via check, mailed to MARSH or given to a MARSH BOD at a club meeting or event. If you would rather pay via PayPal, then we will have to charge a small percentage to cover PayPal fees. Payment needs to be recieved by no later than mid-May, unless otherwise arranged, so we can release to others who would like to go.

#16 -->double full $190 (Rich and Dawn Cotter, MARSH) ***PAID***

#17 -->double twin $155 (Steve and Cheri Byrd, MAAST) ***PAID***

#18 -->single full $155 (Shiang, MARSH) ***PAID***

#19 -->single full $155 (Walter Taylor, MARSH) -->payment in the mail

#20 -->single full $155 (Walter Taylor, MARSH) -->payment in the mail

#21 -->Premium Queen $207 (Kim and Mark Lowe, MARSH) ***PAID***

#23 -->Premium Queen $207 (Steve and Cheri Byrd, MAAST) ***PAID***

#24 -->single full $155 (PygmyAngel, MARSH) -->payment in the mail

#25 -->Premium Queen $207 (Monica, MARSH) ***PAID***

#26 -->single queen $175 (Frederick and Melinda, MAAST) ***PAID***

#29 -->Upstairs Corner Suite $320(David Beck, MAAST) ***PAID***

#30 -->Larger Queen $190

#31 -->single full $155 (Brad Brookner, MARSH) ***PAID***

#32 -->single full $155 (Mark Pandenell, MARSH) ***PAID***

#33 -->single full $155 (John Richter, MARSH) ***PAID***

#34 -->single full $155 (jhand, MARSH) ***PAID***

#35 -->double twin $155 (Nick and Joann Fults, MARSH) ***PAID***

#36 -->Single Full $155 (Frank and Colleen Krockenberger, MARSH) ***PAID***

#37 -->single queen $175 (Mike and Sam Leang, MARSH) ***PAID***

#38 -->double twin $155 (Mark Bailey, MARSH) ***PAID***

#39 -->Premium Queen $207 (Shane and Tina Vanderburg, MARSH) ***PAID***

#40 -->single full $155 (GraviT, DFWMAS) -->payment in the mail

#42 -->Fisherman’s Room $275 ** (Mike Pawlowski, MAAST) ***PAID***

FDR --> $445 ***

** The Fisherman's Room sleeps at least 4. There are 3 twin beds in one room and a queen size bed in the other room.

***The FDR also can sleep more than 2 if desired, as there is a king size bed in the bedroom and a trundle, that can be 2 twin beds or one full bed.

Staying at the Villa La Palma (7 rooms available)

Angel*Fish (MARSH) ***PAID***

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John Gilbert (MAAST) ***PAID***

John Gilbert (MAAST) ***PAID***

Garrett & Mayme Blanton (MAAST) ***PAID***

Dale McQuirk (MAAST) ***PAID***

Dale McQuirk (MAAST) ***PAID***

Staying at the Captain's Quarter's (10 rooms available, all double queens)

KEG (MARSH)

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Please send all payments to:

Kim Lowe

c/o MARSH

4306 Spoonbill Drive

Seabrook, TX 77586

You can send payment made to MARSH in the form of check or cashier's check or money order.

Be sure to note with the payment, your name, club, web name and room number.

John,  

If you can make one, some or all of the fragging/propogation demos and could then show some of what you learned at the next meeting that would be great.  Reefcast had Isis on who said that the demos would be low capacity to keep most of the attendees listening to the speakers so maybe she can give you some advice on how to sign up?  I guess it could be like the ACL fest and you have to stake your claim early and camp out until they open the room.

We are going to have something like boarding passes that you can get about 1 hour prior to the start of the workshop. I am trying to avoid people waiting in lines and missing the speakers. There are a few that I don't anticipate a high volume, it is just the propagation ones that will be in high demand. But remember there are going to be demos in the tradeshow hall as well.

Why don't we have an Austin Reef Club gathering on Saturday night?  I haven't met anyone yet and that would be a great place to meet!!

We could meet right after the final MACNA activity (don't remember what it is).

Lee

There is a bar right next to the ballroom called the Daily Grill. I am telling everyone to meet there.

If you are a member of MARSH or any club located in the great state of TX, you absolutely have to positively attend MACNA.  Go all three days.   Make it happen.  Figure out what you have to do, and commit to the event.

Look, I'm just a hobbyist like the rest of you.  And my first MACNA was the Ft Worth one, and the only reason I even found out about it was during a phone call or email with Jeff's Exotic Fish in California.   Jeff told me "It's in your own back yard!  How can you possibly miss this?!"   So that led me to a thread on RC that asked "Who's going to MACNA?"  I read some posts, but still didn't understand what was going to take place, plus it was going to cost me $150.   Well, $150 then was "a lot of Live Rock", so why waste it going to a trade show / conference?   Duane, a BOD of DFWMAS took me under his wing and answered all of my questions.  I also called the president of MASNA (Nancy Swart) to see just why she thought MACNA was so amazing.   Between the two of them, plus the thought Jeff had planted in my brain, I decided I'd go.  Still, I hated to have to pay the $150.   Duane told me that volunteers would get $50 off the price, but you had to be a DFWMAS member to volunteer.

So the first day of MACNA, I showed up knowing hardly a thing, paid to become a member of DFWMAS and paid the $100 entry fee, and asked what they needed me to do as a volunteer.   They told me they'd let me know, and to just go on in and listen to the speaker.    

When I entered the meeting room, there were tables and chairs, all facing forward similar to a classroom.  Every spot had a thin tablet of paper and a pen, for note taking.   The speakers used slides, video, or power point to get their information across.  A camera man trained the lens on the speaker, so his face would be projected on both large screens bracketing the stage.   The room was cool, relatively dark, and comfortable.  

And I just soaked up information, speaker after speaker.   A ton of it went right over my head, because I knew so little.  Yet, tidbits stuck with me.   Each speaker always ended with a 15 minute Q&A, and I must have raised my hand a thousand times that weekend.   They answered my questions, even when they were the most basic (and even stupid at that) of queries.   Often you'd see the rest of the audience nodding in agreement as if I'd just asked the same question they had in their mind.   I do remember one guy asking advanced questions, and it almost felt like he was arguing with the expert rather than accepting the information as it was presented.   It felt a little rude, honestly, but I learned more about the personalities of the presenters at the same time.

The gala dinner was included in my discounted entry fee.   I hung around in the hotel waiting for it to start, looking at the vendors booths and drooling over the clams that everyone was buying.   I had PC lighting, it it was killing me that my tank wouldn't be a suitable home for them.  

As the Gala was about to begin, the vice president of DFWMAS lead me to a table at the front of the room.  "You sit here," he said, and I gratefully accepted.  Then one of the speakers, Steve Tyree, sat down at the same table.  Next to him, Julian Sprung sat down.  And then two more speakers sat down.  Finally a guy with a beard walked up, and was going to take the last two spots for himself and his wife.  Sheepishly, I told him that there were two walky-talkies sitting in the dinner plates, so they must be reserved.   He said okay, and moved on.  The other speakers looked at me and ask "Do you know who you just told to move?"  Of course, I didn't have a clue.  "That was Walt Smith, the keynote speaker for tonight."  OMG!!!  Then they asked "And who are you, btw?"  "I'm nobody!  I don't even know how I ended up at the table with all the speakers. LOL"  We had a great meal; they were very nice and I listened to whatever they decided to chatter about, and then Walt did a nice presentation about aqua-cultured rock and corals in the Fiji islands.

On Sunday, I finally had to do my 'volunteer' job, and that was to help set up the raffle items in the room so that the winners could put their tickets in the appropriate bins.  I think it took me 10 or 20 minutes to complete my only assignment for the entire 3 days of attending.

Each night, I drove home rather than stay at the hotel.  The drive was about 45 minutes.  I ate at the hotel for lunch, as DFWMAS had arranged a $10 Box Lunch for attendees.  It was a nice buffet like set up where you could get a plate of food and a drink, and it was sufficient.

At the end of the day's events, others went out to the pool area where some snacks were provided as well as a cash bar.   I really didn't have money to blow, so I ate some cheese and crackers, and got to meet Martin Moe and his wonderful wife.  I never heard of Martin, which made his wife chuckle.  Btw, the next day he gave a very interesting presentation with a 7 tidal zone system that used a surge tank.  It was amazing.

I didn't win anything in the raffle on Sunday, but I did end up coming home with a clam and 3 SPS, which lived in my 29g for 2 years under those same Power Compacts.  I think I used some of my utilities money to buy the corals, but I couldn't resist and knew I'd earn more money to pay my bills anyway.

So, why this long post?  Because it would be a real shame that all of MARSH not attend their own conference.  You've got some great leadership that has spent a solid year working on getting this conference organized.  That is an enormous task, and you simply have no idea how tough it is, especially if the last MACNA left a bad taste with some vendors or speakers.   That type of backlash can really hurt the next year's conference.   If you feel any of your BOD members are getting a snippy, it could be because they are frustrated by the fact that all their hard work for YOU MEMBERS is being taken for granted.  This opportunity is rare.  There are people all over the nation whining, "if only it was closer to my home, I'd go in a heart beat!"

Going to MACNA is not about getting a free bag of salt or a tee-shirt.  It is about education.  And yes, you can buy books, read online articles and discussion threads, but having it presented to you in person either via demonstration or with a/v gear is not to be missed.

DFWMAS has a very large group coming down.  Do you know why?  Because I've spent time every meeting for the past 11 months telling them to go.  Why do I do that?  Because I know personally that MACNA isn't to be missed.   Your tank will benefit from what you learn.  Your members will benefit from the information you'll be able to share with them when they post a question on a topic you just absorbed.    You've got 21 experts coming to Houston next weekend, and your club is paying for their time, their flight, their room, their food, their parking, their dog boarding, etc...  If anything, you need to recoup that money and listen to the knowledge they have brought to share.  

MACNA is for hobbyists.   MACNA helps brand new hobbyists;  it helps more experienced hobbyists.  And it helps me.  A lot of people come to me for help on a regular basis.  I know when I attend next weekend, I'll come home with a few nuggets of gold that will help others as well as my own reeflings.  And my fellow club members.

If you have kids, bring them.  If you are concerned what it will cost to bring your kids, talk to your BOD.  I'm sure you can work out what is equitable and not break the bank.   If you're broke, break out your credit card, and pay it off over the next few months.  Your kids will enjoy the conference.   There is plenty to look at, to touch, to laugh at, and more.  They can bring along their favorite toy, blanket, crayons and coloring book, etc...  You can always take a break, walk your kids to a different area or visit some of the mall to break the monotony they may be experiencing.   Buy them a soda or a candy bar, get some sunlight, then come back in.  

MACNA is not boring, that is to be sure.  If you don't like a particular talk, the vendors area will keep your attention for sure.  New products, unique applications, new releases, and just the abundance of hobby-related goodies will keep your interest up.  Hobbyists are coming from all over to hang out and talk about reefkeeping and everything that entails.  You'll meet people you've probably been talking to on ReefCentral for years.  How cool is that, to finally put a smiling face to that name, and to shake their hand after all the help they've given you online?

So that's it.  You've read my post.  Now, make the decision to attend.  Call a friend, family member, ask for whatever help you need to allow you to go.  Tell your boss why it is so important that you attend. Trade a shift with a fellow worker, or perhaps ask if you can work the night shift so you can attend during the day time.   You'll miss some sleep, but I bet you'll recover and make up for it after MACNA has ended.  

Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.  Are you really going to wait for next year's MACNA, and fly to Pittsburg, PA and pay for hotel accomodations, taxi service, etc?   This is the cheapest MACNA MARSH will ever be able to attend.   Carpool to save gas, brown bag your lunch, don't buy a PPV movie this week so you have some coral money next weekend.  

I'll be there.  Will you?  Melev says "Go!"

The Friday Night Reception has SOLD OUT!!!!

Full Registration tickets with banquet only are now listed at $165 each.

On September 22 - 24, 2006 the Houston MARSH club is sponsoring this event. The MARSH Board has been working hard to bring MACNA 2006 to Houston. This will be your best (and cheapest) opportunity to attend all or part of MACNA. This is the first time the conference has been in Houston and it will not be here again for a long time, let alone in Texas.

What is MACNA 2006? http://nicksreef.com/MACNA.htm

Register and more information: www.MACNAXVIII.com

MACNA is THE LARGEST marine aquarium conference in North America geared STRICTLY to marine aquarium hobbyists!!! We expect to have over 500 attendees, 24 speakers and 100 Vendors.

World Renound Speakers: Listen and learn about a portion of your hobby that you need to know more about. Ask questions and get answers.

See Schedule of Events: http://www.macnaxviii.com/schedule.php

Vendors: Selling their products, some giving free samples, your chance to see and touch products you have only read about. Corals, Fish. So don?t go to the LFS this weekend go to MACNA. And find something different and cool.

Imagine a fish store that is over 20,000 SF!! Oh yes, it will be heaven.

See List of Vendors: http://www.macnaxviii.com/vendors/

Other Hobbyists: We have attendees from all over the world. You can brag about your tank and listen to others do the same. Get new ideas and ask questions from people who are interested in the same thing you are.

Workshops: LEARN and perhaps make your hobby more interesting or change something to make your tank better.

Raffle: Over 100 items to win, BIG and small. A trip for two to Jamaica! 5 fish tanks! Jellyquarium! and LOTS more!

Costs: With a MARSH/MAASTmembership all 3 days are only $125.00. Is that a lot when you see what you can get? We also have one day passes as well has vendor hall only passes, which can be purchased at the door or online. Tradeshow passes are only available at the door.

See here for full listing of prices: http://www.macnaxviii.com/registration/

Regards,

Kim Lowe

Vice President, MARSH

We are happy to announce that the dive trip to the Flower Gardens is scheduled and ready to accept reservation for a spot on the boat. The dive trip is scheduled for following MACNA. The boat will begin loading at 8pm in Freeport, Sunday, Sept 24th. Our charter is with Gulf Giving out of Freeport, TX, you can see more info about them at their website www.gulf-diving.com. The boat we are scheduled to go out on is the Fling. There will be approximately 25 divers plus 3 divemasters.

The cost of the trip will be $450 for the entire weekend, of which food will be provided, as well as your 80" tanks. You are required to bring your own dive equipment. If you are an out-of-towner and don't want to lug around your equipment, you can rent equipment at any local dive shop here in Houston, or you can contact Aquatic Excursions (979-233-8800), which is across the street from Gulf-Diving. Weight belts can be provided by Gulf Diving for those flying in with their equipment, otherwise they ask if you local to bring your own weight belts since there are a limited amount. If you would like to dive with nitrox, there is a $75 charge for the three days in addition to the $450, which is a total of $525 for the weekend. Payments can me made via paypal thru our MACNA site at this link.. http://www.macnaxviii.com/registration/dive_trip.php . If you would prefer to mail your deposit or full payment, please contact me when you payment is sent so I can reserve your spot until the check is received. Final payment MUST be received by September 8th. If you would like to bring a bottle of wine on the trip, you can, but it must stay in the galley. Beers and sodas will be sold for those who would like one after they are done diving for the day, they are strict about your first (alcoholic) drink is your last dive of the day.

The trip will be a total of 11 dives starting Monday. There will be 5 dives Monday, 4 dives Tuesday and the remaining 2 dives on Wednesday morning. Also, from what I understand, there should be a night dive in there as well. We will return to the dock around 5-6pm that Wednesday for those that need to schedule overnight stay and flights.

We are also in need of a few dive masters, so if you would like to be a part of this trip, please contact me. You must be certified and insured at the time of the trip.

If you have any questions about the trip, please feel free to contact me or Sharon at Gulf Diving.

Kim

I have a question about what tickets to buy. Is the Trade Show the thing with all the vendors?

If you buy a day or weekend pass, you can get into the tradeshow hall at no extra charge, otherwise they can be purchased at the door for $15.

The tradeshow hall will have all kinds of vendors there showing off new products, giving away samples or livestock (yes there will be corals given away by some vendors until supplies run out), and even discounts from some.

The workshops will have free corals to give away so they aren't something to miss either.

Hey,

Do you just pay at the door or do you have to order tickets?

texx

Definitely!

We just can't guarantee spots available for the Friday Night event.

For those who need more convincing to come to MACNA... here is a link with tons of info... Please read!!!!

http://www.nicksreef.com/MACNA.htm

What is MACNA? and Why should I attend?

These are the questions I hope to answer by this quick reference webpage.

MACNA - The Marine Aquarium Conference of NORTH AMERICA

MACNA is THE LARGEST marine aquarium conference in North America geared STRICTLY to marine aquarium hobbyist!!!

Why YOU should attend:

70 and counting venders all tougher in one trade show with their products setup just for YOU.

The chance to meet the people who make your hobby products and a chance to ask them any questions you may have FACE TO FACE.

400+ of YOUR fellow hobbyist all in one hotel on one weekend.

23 different speakers (idols) giving talks on what matters in this great hobby.

8 professionals giving demonstration workshops for YOU.

$20,000 dollars AND GROWING in raffle items.

It wont cost you any more than 2 or 3 corals and the gas to get them.

FREE FRAGS.

CHEEP FRAGS.

RARE CORALS/FISH.

NEW UNRELEASED products to preview.

Here are some other links..

www.MACNAXVIII.com

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-10/...ature/index.php

http://www.melevsreef.com/why_macna.html

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/macna17/vendors.html

These all have pics to enjoy...

MACNA is Coming! MACNA is Coming!

The Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA) is the premier marine conference focused on the hobbyist and the industry that serves it. The final planning for MACNA XVIII is well underway and we have an incredible weekend planned for September 22 - 24, 2006 in Houston, Texas.

As always, the core hobbyist comes first. We have phenomenal speakers that will inspire attendees of all levels of knowledge. There will also be workshops by leading professionals.

There are over 100 booths where vendors will be displaying and selling the lastest in hobby equipment as well as livestock.

As always there will be an incredible raffle that will include many items donated by our vendors and sponsors. Just a few of this years raffle items include a show stopping 74" silver and gold Jelliquarium (donated by Midwater Systems) and 2 trips for two to Jamaica (donated by PCL Travel).

The MACNA XVIII website has all the details you need including the conference schedule, listing of speakers, raffle prizes, sponsors, vendors, as well as a forum for requesting additional information. In addition, the website has all the information you need to register and secure hotel reservations.

While there is plenty of room for those wanting to come to the conference we are quickly running out of space at the Friday night reception and Saturday night banquet. Please make your plans to attend now.

www.macnaxviii.com

Thank you from your MACNA XVIII Planning Committee and the 2006 host club the Marine Aquarium and Reef Society of Houston.

We are happy to annouce that the dive trip to the Flower Gardens is scheduled and ready to accept reservation for a spot on the boat. The dive trip is scheduled for following MACNA. The boat will begin loading at 8pm in Freeport, Sunday, Sept 24th. Our charter is with Gulf Giving out of Freeport, TX, you can see more info about them at their website www.gulf-diving.com. The boat we are scheduled to go out on is the Fling. There will be approximately 25 divers plus 3 divemasters.

The cost of the trip will be $450 for the entire trip, of which food will be provided, as well as your 80" tanks. You are required to bring your own dive equipment. If you are an out-of-towner and don't want to lug around your equipment, you can rent equipment at any local dive shop here in Houston, or you can contact Aquatic Excursions (979-233-8800), which is across the street from Gulf-Diving. Weight belts can be provided by Gulf Diving for those flying in with their equipment, otherwise they ask if you local to bring your own weight belts since there are a limited amount. If you would like to dive with nitrox, there is a $75 charge for the three days in addition to the $450, which is a total of $525 for the weekend. Payments can me made via paypal thru our MACNA site at this link.. http://www.macnaxviii.com/registration/dive_trip.php . If you would prefer to mail your deposit or full payment, please contact me when you payment is sent so I can reserve your spot until the check is recieved. Final payment MUST be recieved by August 1st, unless something is worked out in advance. If you would like to bring a bottle of wine on the trip, you can, but it must stay in the galley. Beers and sodas will be sold for those who would like one after they are done diving for the day, they are strict about your first (alcoholic) drink is your last dive of the day.

The trip will be a total of 11 dives starting Monday. There will be 5 dives Monday, 4 dives Tuesday and the remaining 2 dives on Wednesday morning. Also, from what I understand, there should be a night dive in there as well. We will return to the dock around 5-6pm that Wednesday for those that need to schedule overnight stay and flights.

We are also in need of a few dive masters, so if you would like to be a part of this trip, please contact me. You must be certified and insured at the time of the trip.

If you have any questions about the trip, please feel free to contact me or Sharon at Gulf Diving.

Kim