Scuba Diving, Comino, Malta

Scuba diving mid-week with Oxygené Divers. We headed out on a pretty rough sea (from a storm during the night in another part of the Mediterranean) and past the northern coast of Malta to Comino, the small island between Malta and Gozo. First dive was at Lantern Point, with the highlight being a number of cave tunnels on 27-30 meters of depth. Second dive was next to Blue Lagoon, shallow waters, passing under an arch, saw octopus and lots of fishes I don't know the name of..

Mtb Ride to South-Western Malta

Did a 5 hour ride on Saturday from noon. Leaving Sliema and passing Naxxar and Mosta before heading into the green Qleigha Valley with a nice little trail.. From there I steered on bumpy back roads towards the Dingli Cliffs on the South-Western coast and then north to Barhrjja and Mgarr where I stopped for an espresso and sandwitch.. Was good to take a break as I was pretty worn out by all the steep climbs and the Camelback was empty too.. Probably around 25-26 degrees celcius under the sun.. After the brake I aimed homebound to Sliema in eastern direction, made a few wrong turns but got it right in the end..

Sunset Mtb Session, Fortizza, Oct-7, 2006

I often go to this place in Sliema on Malta at around sunset. During the days, it is filled with sunbathers blocking my riding, but once the shadows cover the cliffs, it becomes a great playground for me! It is a challenging landscape in the size of a few football fields, just 5 minutes ride from home or the office..

Freediving, Blue Grottos, Malta, Oct-1, 2006

Sunday afternoon freediving session at Blue Grottos on Malta. Felt great today, hitting 35 feet depth twice and swimming around comfortably on 20-25 feet during pretty long runs. Highlights included chasing shoals of feet-long fishes, intercepting a group of scubadivers at 25 feet, looking up on passing motorboats and just marvel at the great visibility and enjoying the refreshing sea.. 1st of October and 28C airtemp, excellent..

Kayaking, Blue Grottos, Malta, Sep-30, 2006

A magical afternoon paddle at Blue Grottos, on the south side of Malta. Clear waters with fantastic colours, the open sea was calm, deep cave rooms to explore and beautiful cliffs, a warm and sunny day in late September..

Microlight Trial Flight, Malta, Sep-30, 2006

Saturday morning trial flight with the Island Microlight Club. Went up in a "Fly Synthesis Storch CL", a mini-version of a regular 3-axis plane. We were up for around 30 minutes, wisking around the area close to the airport. Nice experience, great views of course..

Sea Bouldering, Ras il-Bajjada, Sep-24, 2006

Some afternoon sea-bouldering at Ras il-Bajjada (next to Blue Grotto). A lot of fun although form was crap after a cold, a back injury and a long pause since last climbing session. When you fall, you swim, but that's ok, still 26C in the sea..

Afternoon Mtb ride on Malta, Sep 23, 2006

Friday afternoon trip from Sliema to Mdina to Bugubba and back to Sliema via Ghallis Rocks and Ras il-Qrejten. First ride after upgrading with new front fork, hydrodiscs, thudbuster and some other things. Great fun both on asfalt roads and trial-play on bumpy rocks and dusty red paths. With temperatures now fallen to the 25-30 C range biking is less strenuous than earlier in the summer..

Kayak Surfing, Ghallis Rocks, Malta, Aug-2006

Great day at Ghallis Rocks, playing around with my Gumotex Safari on happy waves from Force 6 winds. Cought a few nice ones. This location is perfect when winds come from North West to North East. Popular site for wind surfers. Sea temp is now 28C, warm and nice.

Dinghy Sailing, Mellieha Bay, Malta, Aug-2006

Went out on Mellieha Bay with my GF for dinghy sailing in a Laser Pico. Looks very soft but further out we had Force 6 winds and flipped over once in the beginning before I was used to handling the Pico.. Been a few years since last time I was sailing.. Great fun, the tiny boat was surfing well in the gusts and we hang over the sides to the max to balance it...

Freediving, Fortizza Reef, Malta, August 2006

After work freediving, 5 minute walk from the office.. At the Fortiza cliffs, diving on the Fortiza Reef. After a 2-week flue I struggled to hit 35 feet, but I'll be back in better form soon I hope. The scubadiving computer was beeping like mad as it does not have a free-diving program and thought I was acting like a crazy guy..

Rock Climbing - Wied Babu, Late July, 2006

Part of a "Intermediate rock climbing course" with guide Richie and brother Jon - Improved our skills on leading routes for traditional and sports climbing. Should be quite useful, was great fun and very interesting.