A few changes to talk about. First, we made it past Catalina for 2 days in a row!! Outstanding. Both trips were to San Clemente. The first trip we ended up near mid island, for some great diving, with great vis. Ended up at LCI point after playing some "chicken" with the Navy. Vis was great at both locations and all had a great time. Sunday we went east. First dive off of East End Reef. Vis was outstanding, with several huge black sea bass seen. We then went into Pyramid Cove, vis went down a bit, but still a good dive. We ended up at Twin Cave Reef, vis was great, sea bass seen, and all had a great time. So nice to get away from Island "Run a Muck"(Catalina).
Now some not so good news.
Dave Melson has been my second Captain and Friend since Roy and I bought the GE in 96.
Many divers have asked me how I started in this business.
I used to work for Kraft Foods. I worked for them for 16 years. I was a troubleshooter for them and in the last few years I traveled around the US to the various plants to help with problems that they had. Then after 16 years Kraft gave me and 650 other employees a career change. They shut the plant down. One morning I was going to Arizona for job interview when me Mom told me that Roy had called and left a message. I listened to the message and called Roy. He told me that the "Charisma" was for sale. I told him that I could not afford that boat. He said, "I will go in partners". I said let me think about it. After about 2 minutes I told Roy to start the negotiations, and 2 months later (after countless hours of negotiation) he and I owned the "Charisma".
I have been operating boats for the last 30 years. But until now never needed a license. So Roy told me about Dave Melson. And thought he would make a great second Captain. All we had to do was find him. As luck would have it we did, and he agreed to work for us. The first time Dave and I met I am sure that he thought very little of me. We met on my private boat, and he complained about going a boat that moved when you stepped aboard. I did have some clout though, as I worked with his son John on the "Rio Rita". John was the last deck hand that Roy Kaiser had before he sold the "Rio Rita".
Dave continued to work for me until the very end. He never missed a day, and would help if I needed him in a pinch. Dave and I spent many hours in the wheelhouse talking of problems of the day, the trip, or the minute. And of course the good times and where to take the customers next, and how to get there and when, at the best comfort to you. Believe it or not, we spent a lot of time doing this, listening to the forecasts, and trying to out think the weather and swells so you can have the best time with us.
Dave also helped out when things would get bad on the deck. When the shit hit the fan, Dave was there.
Dave was also fighting a degenerative muscle disease that was terminal. Some days were good, some were not. A lot of the time he stayed away from all of you, not because he did not like you, but because he was in so much pain that it was better. Some days though, he felt great and on those days he joined us in the galley and would tease both the crew and passengers.
The last few trips with Dave were very painful. I could see how he loosing the war with his disease, and I will tell you quite frankly, it has taken a toll on me.
The last time I saw Dave, I shook his hand and thanked him for all his help. He shook me hand back, with the strength that he had and said good by. I knew that would be the last time I saw him.
DAVE MELSON left us on Mother's Day, May 12th, in the year of our Lord, 2002. Dave was 67 years old.

I will miss Dave

I could not finish this without a few tears.

Captain Tim