As the Mars Phoenix Lander was successfully touching down on Mars, I was completing the PADI Open Water Diver certification course . During the week prior to the dives, I had to study the PADI Open Water Manual, watch the videos with the class, and take quizzes plus a final exam. Then, the class spent Saturday and Sunday doing 5 closed water and 4 open water dives. Diving was a lot of fun. I got to see a white-tipped reef shark, swim with a large sea turtle, watch a sea horse, as well as the usual reef wildlife (fish, urchins, starfish, etc.). I logged nearly 2 hours during my 4 open water dives, and the deepest I went was 27 ft (8.2 m). I was originally worried about equalizing the pressure in my ears, but it wasn't hard at all. The thing that surprised me the most was how heavy the scuba equipment is out of the water. In fact, just gearing up and walking between the staging area and beach really wore me out. I feel like I've been on a strenuous backpacking trip.