Every once in a while someone very special comes along who reminds us how wonderful our world is and how dreams really do come true when you desire and believe. Little 13-year-old Rachael from California is someone who came into my world and did just that.When she was 12, Rachael first met a Leafy Seadragon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A couple of months later they were gone and that day Rachael made a decision to learn to dive so she could see them for herself where they live here in Southern Australia. Rachael had already overcome quite a few obstacles in her life and she took on this new adventure with 100% conviction.
In January, Rachael certified as a Junior Open Water Diver. Last week, Jennifer and I took her for her long-awaited dive with the “Dragons”. It was a wonderful experience getting to meet Rachael and her mum Susie. The weather stayed calm and the visibility was not too bad at around 3-4m. In all Rachael saw between four and five Dragons on her epic dive – but nothing will ever top the look in Rachael’s eyes when that very first Leafy Seadragon came into view.
Until the next post, take care out there, keep diving ( if that’s what you do! ) and remember that dreams REALLY DO come true …Robert 🙂
Photo: Robert Rath C5060 1/90s at f/2.8 ISO100 Lens UWL100-28AD, Inon D2000 Strobe and Natural Light
Hi again Rob… I would like to use this photo when promoting diving in Victor Harbor, my I do so please? Rachael did promise to send me some that were taken. Look forward to meeting up with you and Jennifer sometime… Kerry
Hi Robert.
i just heard on the phone about the adventures you had with suzy and rachael.
suzy is a very special person that I met 24 years ago in Israel, and since then we are in touch like a family.
she told me about the afforts you and your girlfriend made to make rachael’s dream come true.
it wonderful to know that people like you exist in our crazy world.
bests wishes from the hollyland.
Roni
Hi Roni,
Thankyou very much for your lovely words.
We had a ball with Rachael and Susie here. It was something I felt very strongly about being involved with.
Rachael’s story is so inspiring and it is a privilege to be part of it.
We are now looking forward to a dive trip to California and hope to meet Susie and Rachael again and get to dive in her world over there.
Kind regards,
Robert and Jennifer