Utopia's motto is "you come as guests ........ and leave as friends", this week proved exactly that. We hosted a truly gracious group of doctors (podiatrists, hence "Dive Pods"). They come from all over the U.S. and gather once a year for their seminar training and diving. Most afternoons were spent in lecture, but mornings were devoted to finding the elusive whale sharks. The last day of diving, they were found, but descended before the docs could get in the water. So close and yet so far. The winds were unusually forceful during their stay, our dock was not accessible most days, so in came the jungle bus for transport to a calmer dock west of Utopia. The jungle bus became a staple of their trip and they insisted on being photographed with "her" on the last day. For those of you unfamiliar with our notorious bus, it's a well, "broken in", converted truck for guest transport. She's seen better days, but keeps on ticking and adds to the adventures of staying in a remote area.

One doc was missing from their dive group this year. Joe lost his battle to cancer in 2008 and was to be on this Utopia trip. They wanted to do something is his memory, so we picked some colorful flowers to use for his memorial. They chose our dock and the day before their departure they held a quiet service, each speaking a few words, then tossing a flower into the sea in memory. I didn't want to intrude, so sat back and took a couple of photos (above). I was touched, a really beautiful place and signficant tribute to a man I did not know, but was clearly loved and missed very much. I hope this group returns to Utopia, they truly are our new friends.