Knowing we were flying early tomorrow, any diving would need to be undertaken at dawns crack (not the name of the dive site btw). So 6am it was then…

Entering the water from the jetty, we dived the Kasi house reef, finning south along the wall before reaching the half way point, shallowing up and drifting north back to base. Mantis shrimp, lion fish, a couple of turtles, clown fish, scorpion fish, crabs, grouper and a frog fish. Beautiful hard and soft coral everywhere. A wonderful relaxing last dive at Kasi.

From there, a quick change and a tuk tuk ride into Moal Boal to explore. Well the ride into town was more eventful than planned. Two small motorcycle sidecar combinations were provided for 8 of us. The Phillipinos are clearly little people, so this arrangement was both cramped and underpowered. At the first incline we (in TT-2) had to get out and run along side or it wouldn’t have made it! Getting back on/in (Keith opting for sidesaddle, just like the Queen 👑) things got worse. The next bump in the road was accompanied with a crack, and the one after. The third saw my seat collapse completely, sending my backside plummeting to the footwell of the side car with my knees up round my ears. Sympathy was sparse, especially from Mrs B. who was unable to communicate for laughter.

On arival, Mrs. B leaping from TT-2 smacked her head on the roof, drawing blood and seeing stars. I was sympathetic. (Karma perhaps?). The Mall (Tesco with armed bouncers basically) held much promise however the diminutive nature of the locals was again made clear as all the clothing appeared to be in child sizes. Except the children’s clothing which was smaller still.

Fizzy pop and ice cream in McDonald’s enabled us to regroup.

Returning to the dive centre however, thing took a more serious turn. We found this…

We could only fear the worst…

Fortunately, our beloved mascot was quickly located with another note…

It seems some newly made American chums were pranksters. No harm, no foul, and our yellow buddy back in the fold.

Conscious of our early departure, things were quite quite for the rest of the day. Some pool time, some food, some beer and some sleep. Well, a little of the latter anyway.