Last night all four of us started our PADI^® Open Water Diver course, taught locally by The Divezone in Melksham (formerly Aqualeisure). We'll be learning in pools in Melksham, Bath, a disused quarry at Vobster, and hopefully the sea.

You may think that this is cold time of year to be diving in UK waters, but enthusiasts say, "What does it matter!?" The tuition is good here, and the timing is governed by Steph's extensive gap year timetable, leading up to some diving she will be doing in Mexico next year!

The course got off too a good and exciting start, although it does seem strange sitting on the bottom of a swimming pool, looking up at the surface, and breathing!