Right Partner Right Time

First I love what we do and the community that has come to support this mission Brooks and I take personally.

As we put in another long drive through the deserts of Nevada and Utah, I find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come, both figuratively and literally. The miles we’ve covered, the repairs we’ve faced, and the challenges we’ve overcome—all to pursue what we love: diving. This is no leisurely road trip. It’s a trek that puts heavy wear and tear on our personal vehicle. We’ve already had to spend $13,000 on a new engine, and that’s just one of the many repairs we face year after year. The mountains of Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and the seemingly endless stretches of desert all take their toll.

But despite the hardships, every mile traveled and every repair made is a testament to our commitment—to the sport, to each other, and to the journey of diving.

Finding the right dive partner is not just about who you dive with; it’s about finding someone who is willing to endure the miles, the rough roads, and the constant challenges that come with pursuing something meaningful. Whether we’re certifying a new diver or advancing in specialties, the relationship built along the way is what makes the journey worthwhile. And those long drives through some of the harshest terrain are just a small part of the bigger picture.

Every trip, every dive, represents more than just a physical destination. It’s about pushing through the difficulties—whether it’s the exhaustion from hours on the road or the unexpected repairs that set us back. The work we do, particularly with veterans and their families, relies on this kind of resilience. We drive to these remote locations, not because it’s easy, but because it’s part of the commitment to giving others the same opportunity to heal, learn, and grow through diving.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been the constant strain on our vehicle. The engine replacement was just one big hit among many others—suspension issues, tire replacements, and the general wear of driving across mountains and deserts. Yet, with each challenge comes a deeper appreciation for the road we’re on. These struggles remind us of why we started and why we keep going. We’re not just diving for ourselves; we’re doing it for others who need that escape, that sense of freedom and peace underwater.

Driving through the mountains and deserts is grueling, but it also gives us time to reflect on the partnership that’s grown stronger with each trip. A dive buddy who shares this journey becomes more than just someone who dives with you. They share the miles, the breakdowns, and the triumphs. We’ve learned to support each other not just underwater but throughout the entire process—from planning the trip, dealing with repairs, and pushing through those moments of fatigue on the road.

As we prepare for another set of dives in Wendover, Utah, it’s clear that these trips aren’t just about certification dives or advancing skills. They’re about the bond that’s formed through the hardships. It’s about being there for each other when things get tough and continuing to move forward, no matter how many repairs we face or how many hours we spend driving across the open desert.

Thank you for following along on this journey. The road has been long and full of challenges, but each step brings us closer to what really matters: building stronger connections, both with each other and with the divers we work with.

Safe travels, and here’s to many more miles and dives ahead.