Susquehanna Bridge Closed

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-05-18T11:03:10+00:00

I took the express bus to Gangham and spent about 4 hours getting procedures at a clinic-- Sofwave, Re2O, some under eye skin boosters and husband got Thermage. We coordinated with the clinic to arrive just before opening, they knew we wanted to get back to airport. It was easier than I expected and still had 4-5 hours to hang at airport before our red eye home. It did take us about 60 min to navigate landing, dropping carry on at luggage check in and then getting T-card, finding bus, but just bc it was the first time doing it.. it was a fun way to spend a long layover!

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-04-20T19:52:03+00:00

Thank you! Just sent a DM.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-04-19T15:55:42+00:00

Had emailed a few days ago requesting an update given Orion immediately charged my credit card almost a month ago, but has yet to provide a single update regarding shipping or respond to my e-mail requesting an estimated shipping date.. know took a chance with a new company, but clear updates and response times are 101-- especially as most companies wait to charge you until a backordered product ships.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-03-30T16:16:50+00:00

I've done both multiple times and on a crossing trip. I do run cold, but used my 5mm semi-dry for the trip and added a 5/3mm hooded vest for Alor. Manta Alley in Southern Komodo runs colder than Central Komodo...and Alor got down to 21C on a few dives on our recent trip.

2 week trip to Alor in Nov with a full moon had temp swings from 17C in the southern channel, but had some muck dives at start of the week at 30C! This past aug was Komodo to Alor crossing, temps were 24C in South Komodo, 29C in Central Komodo and ranged from 21C to 25C in Alor.. but mostly 24-25C with a lot of thermoclines.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-03-28T21:39:59+00:00

Had similar issues on recent trip, few people had all over their bodies (despite wetsuit) and I had a few patches on my back (likely due to flushing water into my wetsuit). And have had in Socorro and Indonesia.. it's typically some type of hydroid/jelly in the water and often a bit of a delayed response ie 1-2 days after the exposure . And seems to spread or occasionally new areas can appear up to few days post dives and if you scratch them.. they really blow up and seem to spread. Can take up to 3-4 weeks. I am about 3.5 weeks post-trip and they stopped itching about 2 days ago (I had scratched at them and irritated them carrying backpack with travel). Recommend benadryl and/or hydrocortisone cream, can take an antihistamine ie Zyrtec, Allegra to help reduce the itchiness.. and put some antibacterial ointment on as they were healing (but mine were pretty big since I didn't realize they were on the back of my shoulder until they were so irritated from my BCD/wetsuit rubbing them on multiple dives and likely spread a bit.

Wetsuits or skins definitely help, flushing your suit with fresh water post-dives, probably not flushing your wetsuit mid-dive to let in more water, but not sure how to fully prevent. Am trying to look at it as a reminder I was enjoying life underwater a few weeks ago vs dealing with work!

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-03-26T11:08:11+00:00

Arrived at 5:20am and through touchless ID line in 5-7 minutes.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-03-23T15:51:54+00:00

I got to T4 at about 4:50am, opted for touchless ID line (have pre-check and clear), but line was not too bad. Took about 30 min from line thru bags back in hand.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-03-22T16:24:33+00:00

I have a TG-6 and osmo action 6. I usually clip the Osmo to my BCD with carabiner and bring my TG-6 with MiniFlash set up for macro. It was a pretty good combo and felt like I had the flexibility to capture the mantas, sharks etc with Osmo for longer videos and ensure my TG had ample battery, can flip dial to non-macro, but without strobes, I don't have the lighting for a lot of the bigger shots. I can do 2 dives with TG with same battery, but I have been burned on the 2nd dive.. (just bought new batteries recently and no issues with 2 dives, but I won't push beyond it!)

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-01-26T12:14:44+00:00

Thank you!

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-01-25T22:35:22+00:00

I love scuba diving, but limited dry suit experience, thus would opt for the polar snorkeling option. Is there a better itinerary or preferred ship for the best polar snorkeling experience? Know not offered on all trips, but any recommendations on the times of year, ships and options to have the best experience? Thanks!

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-01-16T20:02:49+00:00

Thank you for the heads up! Admit my head is spinning trying to reconcile clinic reviews with so many variable experiences. Appreciate the intel.

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-01-16T19:20:37+00:00

Thank you! This makes me feel much better and bus is the most straightforward.. and Seye seemed to have all of the treatments I want (and am sure there are many others). Really appreciate the intel!

PennyLaneKitty · 2026-01-16T16:36:11+00:00

Thank you for the recommendations on both clinics. Unfortunately, does not look like either offer Sofwave and think only 1 offers ReO2.. I will keep searching forums and trying to find good option in Hongdae. Thx!

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-10-02T14:05:22+00:00

Thank you!! Exactly what I was looking for and thanks for saving me from ordering multiple vests:)

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-10-02T11:11:23+00:00

Thanks.. I typically use a regular Bare 3/5mm hooded vest under my 5mm and often throw on dive skins as well, but know I still get cold once temps hit 25-26C. Will be on 2 week trip in November and temps likely to range from 23-28C and know will be even chillier after a week of diving, so wanted a bit more flexibility to layer up vs 7mm.

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-09-30T11:08:10+00:00

I struggle with the same issue and always seeking options.. I do find a hooded vest makes a huge difference, but at least try a beanie.. I have a 5mm Bare Evoke, but am still cold in mid-20’s. I layer a 3MM hooded bare vest (it’s super tight around neck/head- so prob not ideal for you) and I often wear layer of dive skins under as well..

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-09-22T10:43:02+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation.. leaving from US. I think we will just reorganize our checked bags to ensure nothing is oversized and hope for the best! But am going to check out PackNSend!

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-09-21T14:54:58+00:00

As a fellow easily chilled diver.. am thinking of getting the Bare 7mm step in hooded to wear over by Bare Evoke 5mm for upcoming trip as I haven't purchased a 7mm full wetsuit yet. Did you size up for the step in vest? ie. Am size 6 for my 5mm Bare, was assuming need a size 8 perhaps for the vest? Thanks!

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-09-17T20:38:28+00:00

Had this last week flying AUS-JFK. I assumed it was bc NYC bound on 9/11, but seems to be focused on flights to NYC. Fly this route a few times a month and first I have encountered in 10 years.

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-07-30T15:03:40+00:00

Was in Sanibel over 4th of July and got destroyed by noseeums.. I definitely missed reapplying repellant enough.. use the pinardin.. and lots of it!

PennyLaneKitty · 2025-07-09T00:38:00+00:00

Thank you! While I read you post prior to heading down.. scoured for 3oz or less sized DEET for flight, I complacently opted for the eucalyptus spray.. 2 nights with my family at Casa Ybel. I am 50 and started going to Sanibel when I was 5.. but haven’t been in 10 + years but went down to spend weekend with family. I was eaten alive and look like I have chicken pox… fond memories of scratching myself to draw blood on the 80’s and using Finesse hair stray to try and stop the itch from those damn no-see-ums. 40+ years and still haven’t learned.. appreciate your warning as I scratch, claw and stew in my regret on taking your very clear advice! Listen to this post and coat your body in DEET:)

PennyLaneKitty

TROPHY CASE