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Mujeres, Hermanas, y Amigas(women, sisters and friends)Underwater Phantaseas All-Girls' Trip to Cozumel, 2007
The second annual Underwater Phantaseas All-Girls' trip trekked to the island of Cozumel April 11-15, a welcome spring respite from Colorado's extreme winter. The group of 28 was diverse-divers and nondivers with a wide spread of ages, backgrounds, and preferences-but they shared a love for the ocean and its allure. Most were from the Denver area, but individuals from Baltimore and Wisconsin also joined in the fun. Hotel Cozumel Resort and Aqua Safari dive shop played hosts.
A group of 16 divers joined instructors Michelle Day and Jill Miller aboard Aqua Safari II. They spent three days exploring Cozumel reefs such as Palancar, Santa Rosa, Yucab, and Chankanaab with divemasters Joaquin and Miguel. Huge schools of jacks, giant lobsters, crabs, and grouper welcomed the divers. Afternoon dives to Paradise became the order of the day so everyone could visit the seahorses and school of squid.
Six women followed instructor Kim Canatsey to the island. They cleared their open water dives off the pier at Hotel Cozumel, then celebrated the last day with two boat dives.
The Yucatan beckoned nondivers with excursions to Chichen Itza and Tulum. Surface intervals were spent snorkeling at the beautiful Chankanaab Park or perhaps beach combing on the spectacular west side of the island. (Have you seen the pair of huge pigs at Paradise Beach, by the way?) And no matter what time of day you looked, you were sure to find one or more of the group lounging poolside at Hotel Cozumel. 
And a trip to Mexico without shopping is like a Corona without a slice of lime. The gals headed to Sergio's silver shops time and time again sorting through the shelves and shelves of baubles for gifts-and maybe just a thing or two for themselves. The island shopkeepers always have fun little things to tempt tourists and bargaining brings the experience to life.
After shopping the Yucatan cuisine beckoned. Hotel Cozumel is an all-inclusive with three restaurants including an expansive breakfast buffet, fresh guacamole beachside and tasty poolside chicken tacos. But usually by night the group was ready to venture into town. Guido's shrimp pizza and shrimp fettuccine ranked high on the list. The last night fiesta began at El Moro (yummy everything, especially the seafood special and the pollo mole) and ended in the wee hours on the dance floor at Senior Frog's. 
In all, everyone took a little something different away from their Cozumel experience. Whether they were trying to find Nemo or searching for Dori, the long weekend was a success.
Stay tuned for news on dates and destination for the 2008 All-Girls' trip.
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