When I signed up about 6 months ago on your forum, I was interested in learning as much as I can on scuba diving.

The forum has given me so much, but I have so little to give back. Then it came to me as I was talking about this with a colleague a work. He said that I was courageous to take on such a goal as becoming an archaeologist at my age, never mind underwater. But I new he just didn't understand. After talking with you about an archaeological forum heading a few weeks ago I gave this further thought and come up with this idea. An idea that will be, in my opinion, encouraging for people my age to know that like me they to can enjoy scuba diving and even UW archaeology. What a wonderful way to start retirement. Maybe they can be inspired buy my experiences that I will share on your forum.

If it's OK with you I will make posts from time to time in the form of follow-ups.

For example, I would create a new username that would be more appropriate then Komodo, and each post title would be identified with a number.

For example...

Why I took up scuba at 50 years of age (P1)
How I made up my mind (P2)
How I prepared (P3)
My first course was great; let me tell you about it (P4)

I will also answer the best I can any questions some may have.

I would continue in the same vain with my postings each time I complete a different step in my training or have some information that I think would be interesting for others in my situation.

Since it will take 3 to 4 years to complete, I think I will be able to make a positive contribution to you site.

As for the rest of my forum posting, questions and answers I will continue to use Komodo.

I don't see why you can't keep posting as Komodo. Maybe your 'episodes' (thought that was a good word at your age ) could be serialised as articles for general viewing rather than just forum posts.

This site is a 'content management system' that allows articles in many shapes and forms, speak to tafferboy about the options. I'm sure he'll like whatever input you have.

And how old are you? I was on a liveaboard a week ago with a guy that kept saying 'at my age' and 'when you get to my age', I asked him how old he was and he was only 3 years older than me! But I suppose that maturity thing hasn't caught me up yet

My question was intended for tafferboy; I guess I should have made that clear in my post.

I suppose that I can use Komodo, it's my professional handle. I use it because it's spelt the same both in French and in English.

I am turning 50 this year. I know that's no senior citizen yet but It's been on my mind lately. My wife says it will pass. However many of my colleagues are older and they seem to think that life ends at 60. I'm determined to start a new life at 60. Diving and archaeology seems to be something I can do.

I did realise that your message was for tafferboy but he hasn't been recently on so I responded.

50! That's still young, I hope so as I'm only 3 years younger than you. If you worry about getting older you will feel older, if you say "I'm to old to do that" then you probably are. Don't worry about getting older and try anything, you're never too old. I still like going to night clubs, my kids & their friends think I'm so cool they're happy to be seen clubbing with me. It's all about state of mind.

If you are known as Komodo I'd keep it unless you wanted it in your real name.

Thank you for the kind words.