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The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:46 am
by Dusty2
For years now I have preached that we should listen to the little voices in our heads and now it's time I take my own advice. It's one of the hardest decisions I have made but I have decided that it's time to hang up my fins. I feel that it is the right thing to do. It is better that I do this now than to foolishly wait till I become another unfortunate diving statistic and cause undo pain to others. I have made tons of friends through this sport and will miss it dearly but a wise man knows when it is time and only fools press on when there is little hope of a better outcome. I have had a good run considering my late start in this sport and have thousand of photos to remember it by and many friends and good times to remember. All good things must end and this is the smart thing to do and the right time to do it. The tears are flowing but it is time! :rawlings:

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:50 am
by Linedog
I'm sad to see you go, but admire and respect your decision.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:58 am
by Jeremy
You're the best Dusty

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:24 am
by enchantmentdivi
:( I can't imagine how hard it is to have to make that decision. But, good for you that you are wise and strong enough to do so with such grace.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:40 am
by Dusty2
Before someone asks, I will still be making and supporting my lights same as always.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:50 am
by Jeff Pack
wow, you are like a fixture here... Sorry to see you leaving diving, but glad to see you were wise enough to know when to fold'em..

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:55 am
by CaptnJack
Sorry to see you hang up the fins man, hopefully warm clear snorkeling is still in your future :)

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:16 am
by LCF
Wow! I will miss your reports and photographs. Thank you so much for introducing us to the Pt. Hudson jetty. Best wishes for whatever you turn your energies to next.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:33 pm
by Penopolypants
I am so sorry to hear that! I can't even imagine how hard it must be to have to make that decision. Your photos and reports will be missed. Hopefully snorkeling and surface photography are still in the realm of possibility for you?

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:44 pm
by Bric Martin
Sad to hear, but an opportunity for you to find a new love. A new journey awaits!

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 1:11 pm
by Jan K
Sorry to hear it, Dusty, your photos and help with critter ID were always very valuable and appreciated.
I hope you will hang around and help us even if your suit will now stay dry on both sides.
Good luck, buddy !

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 1:22 pm
by Joshua Smith
Sorry to hear this, Dusty. But I respect your honesty very much. And I hope you continue to hang around the board.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 2:56 pm
by Scubie Doo
Rich, sorry to hear this. I have thoroughly enjoyed "same ocean diving" with you, your help with critter IDs, your awesome photo library, and your lights :) please don't be a stranger.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:20 pm
by spatman
You will be missed, Rich. Sorry the time has come to switch gears, but I hope the next ride is as enjoyable as this one had been.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:00 pm
by fnerg
Well crap. I'm sorry to hear this.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:26 pm
by deep diver
You know the old saying where fools rush in where wise men fear to tread... Its a wise man who knows when to hang up his fins. Sorry to see you go. Enjoyed diving with you.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:38 pm
by Dusty2
Thanks guys and gals.
I have no plans to vanish into the mists. I have to many friends here and have always felt a part of this community and people aren't always so lucky so I will be here doing what I have always done and helping out wherever I can. You never know things could change if I get my old butt out and get in better condition. For now no for sale signs yet on the gear but at the moment I am not the safe dive buddy I should be and I don't feel that it would be responsible to put others at risk. Rescue training is great but actually having to use it sucks so I won't be the one to test your abilities for now anyway! I'm quite sure you will see me around the dive sites from time to time. :partyman:

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:01 pm
by H20doctor
Well, sad to read this today dusty .. Hope you find a new start in life with a new adventure

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:21 pm
by Norris
Glad to know ya and much respect for your proactivity. Best wishes on new adventures.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:03 pm
by oldsalt
Rich: You're a better man than I am. My wife made the decision for me, or I would still be thrashing around out there. I ache to go back into the water. I am on the boat now, and the visibility looks wonderful. Every place I go on the boat to reminds me of a dive. Keep posting here and I hope we can meet for breakfast at Sea Jays. It has been great diving with you and following your exploits on this board and on your website. Hang in there old-timer.
-Curt :rawlings:

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:00 pm
by dwashbur
Gonna miss you in the water, brother. Good thing I live right around the corner! I'm glad you're gonna hang around this group; your critter knowledge is priceless.

Re: The time has come

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 11:19 pm
by Magoi
Rich - Sorry to hear it is time. I want to thank you for introducing me and Margaret to Pt Hudson. Have enjoyed the few dives we were able to do with you. Best wishes for the future.

Larry

Re: The time has come

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:49 pm
by eliseaboo
Aw Rich! I'm sorry we won't get to dive Hudson again, but I'm glad that you seem to have come to terms with things. We all appreciate the contributions you've made to the community over there, from maps to photos to local knowledge. Thanks for diving with me out there, hooking me up with Don (seriously, thanks for that one the most!) and sharing all your information!!

Re: The time has come

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 7:10 pm
by PeninsulaDiver
Rich, although we never dove as buddy's, but have official dove together (signaled OK to each other underwater), I will miss your reports. I will never, ever, ever forget Point Hundson and the Mola Mola which is permanently embedded in my brain. And, I will not forget when we talked on the surface and I asked, "Did you see that?" and you promptly replied, "Yea, and I got a photo."
image.jpg
image.jpg (27.92 KiB) Viewed 4394 times
My video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n0q8XbsEG8I

Take care my friend and I hope to see you on my walks through Fort Worden. (ugh, I hate spellcheck.)

PS: I miss Mola. :)

-Mark

Re: The time has come

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:24 pm
by ArcticDiver
It is a time that must come, sooner or later, to all. From your post it appears you are at peace after a difficult decision. Take care and good fortune.