Our Best Dives Ever: Janine's Ravine
IN THIS SERIES OF POSTS, EACH MEMBER OF THE CREW RECALLS SOME OF THEIR BEST DIVES THEY'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.
THIS PARTICULAR STORY COMES FROM THE WONDERFUL JANINE. ENJOY!
Flying Gurnard
One of my most memorable dives happened in the spring of 1987. I'd been diving since the previous October, but had never been on the reef we were diving that day. I was aboard the "Roman Holiday," and the captain, Jim Abernethy (famous now for his shark films and conservation) decided to take us to a reef further south than we'd normally go. I don't remember what the topside conditions were, but underwater was spectacular! I remember the water being clear and warm, but most of all, I remember that the colors were vibrant and the reef seemed absolutely "drenched" with life! The marine life and corals were much more dense than on other dive sites, and I remember being dazzled by seeing it all. When I returned to the boat, I couldn't stop talking about it, and also had to describe a fish that I'd seen during that dive that I'd never seen before. It turned out to be a flying gurnard, quite impressive and beautiful. After that day, I asked to go back to that spot every time I was on the boat (which was usually a couple times a week), and everyone began referring to it as "Janine's Favorite Spot," until Jim Abernethy gave it the name of "Janine's Ravine," which is still used by many boats and captains in the area today and can also be found in books of Palm Beach reefs. Janine's Ravine sits in about 50 feet of water on top of the 60ft reef located directly East of Mar-a-Lago (President Trump's place).