A trip down memory lane

[Steerpike]

Sometimes I cringe at my old memories. Some remembrances are like regurgitation. They leave a foul taste in the mouth. But some are turquoise blue with tinges of gold. Like a trance remembered with a twist of pleasantness likely forgotten.
I was stationed on Diego Garcia in the space between 1977 and 1978. About 19 years stupid and very slight of build. It was the longest flight I would ever undertake (and boy, were my arms tired).
I was into my second year of Naval Service Still feeling the loneliness and pale independence of young adulthood. Like my shipmate, went to the Exchange and made some purchases. It was best to start up hobbies to keep yourself occupied. Some US Diver Flippers and snorkel caught my eye and like that, I decided to become a diver.
Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, is a coral atoll. It is a horseshoe-shaped, built-up coral reef along the rim of an undersea volcano. The water is populated with white shark, barracuda, Lionfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and other creatures we still have no name for.
All year long I spent the mornings in the lagoon. I was overwhelmed by its beauty and majesty. The first morning I strapped on my fins, clumsily edged into the water and dove in. The Sky blue water with florescent colored fish swimming oblivious to all humans was warm and clear. I was amazed and frightened by the wildness of the ocean. I floated in a turquoise sea my arms flapping like a bird. It was so dark below and blinding light above as the equatorial sun shone down upon the sea.
It is so easy to feel alone when you are diving. The ocean does not recognize the buddy system. But, floating there, I was surprised by a school of parrotfish. The size of small refrigerators, bright green with yellow stripes a red beak, and cold intense eyes. They swam right by me ignoring me like I was just a little boy on a bicycle. There were so many all swimming without touching me, all moving in unison.
When I think about my time on the island that is what I remember, how everything in nature is in unison all moving together like a machine. Such a nice memory.

[Beatlelvr]

1. Well I just had to google parrotfish

They are really beautiful! It must have been a wonderful experience.

[secondwind]

2. I enjoyed this.... Thank you

You have a way with words, this was beautifully written.

[Steerpike]

3. Thanks for the positive Feedback

Always nice to hear such kind words. And, yes, it was a very positive experiance.

[Phentex]

4. Lovely!

Your opening paragraph describes remembrances perfectly!

[niyad]

5. Oh my goodness. Thank you so very much for sharing those beautiful

memories with us.

May your day be filled with as much joy as you have given us.

[Steerpike]

6. Thanks Phentex and Niyad

I appreciate the positive feedback!

[Mr.Bill]

7. Now that was a great example

of what one of my English teachers called "painting a literary picture."

I mean I was right there next to you seeing the same thing you saw. Well done.

[Steerpike]

8. Mr. Bill

Yeah, I spent the last couple of decades writing commercials and PSAs. It's about time I did some real creative writing.