Cabo Pulmo, Mexico has become a Mecca for underwater adventure and exploration. People come from all over the world to scuba dive or snorkel in this aquatic wonderland. Like many places around the world, it went unchecked and unprotected for many years and became over fished. This caused great concern within the local community, who lobbied the government to protect the region. A local dive shop called Cabo Pulmo Water Sports was one of the early advocates that helped save this area from humanities destructive behavior. It is where I was introduced to scuba diving and should you choose to visit this paradise, I highly recommended you check out this newest G.A.S. Station discovery. On June 15, 1995, President Zedillo Ponce de Leon declared the 7,111 hectares and waters surrounding Cabo Pulmo, a National Marine Park making it the popular dive destination it has become and protecting it for future generations to enjoy. I grew up snorkeling in the fresh water lakes of Minnesota and occasionally in bodies of salt water throughout our travels but have had a phobia with swimming in big open waters. However, with the help of my Dive Master Fabeo, I overcame my fear and experienced one of the most profound life altering experiences. He said I was very lucky to have seen so many different underwater creatures during my first dive. We swam with giant Bull Sharks, a Sea Turtle, a Seal Lion, a Moray Eel and thousands of fish of different colors and sizes, in schools or alone among the reef seeking protection. Thank you Fabeo, not only did you ensure my air tanks remained operational, but you helped fill my G.A.S. Tank. When we returned to the dive shop one of the guides by the name of Danny told me he was camping on the same beach as us and that he and some friends were going to have a camp fire later that evening and if we would like to join them. That’s the moment I was inspired to build and gift him a Peace Seed. As we all sat around the soft warm glow of the campfire, Danny prepared delicious grilled treats for all his friends over red-hot coals while sipping his beer. I asked everyone if they would like to hear a story or three from me. But before starting, I asked everyone in the group to share three things about themselves. Who they liked to be called, where they call home and what do they really, really, really like. Between eight of us, we represented several different countries, England, Spain, Canada, Mexico and the United States. The cosmic thread that brought us together that evening was the trusting and following our adventurous spirits while being fueled up by Nature. My favorite answer came from Irene. She said she loves to be underwater. So, I began my story telling, sharing some of the crazy events I’ve experienced over the more recent years, and at the same time building a chair. Irene was right there helping me build the chair. She seemed to be intrigued, curious or was it fascination? Throughout the evening we took turns sitting in Danny’s Chair, sharing stories while a short distance away the hypnotic and rhythmic sound of the waves crashed onto the beach. Another magical memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. My wish is that some day in the future I’ll meet Irene again, she’ll offer me a chair she built, we’ll sit around a campfire together reminiscing and I’ll listen to her underwater stories.
Nature's G.A.S. Station 