On a cruise many years ago, I decided to give snorkeling a try.
    I hacked and sputtered a few times until I finally figured out it was best if the other end of the snorkel was above the surface of the water before I inhaled.
    But I got the hang of it and soon found myself drifting into deeper water. I was in about 25 feet of water when I was startled by two large forms swimming slowly beneath me, hugging the ocean floor. My brief moment of absolute panic evaporated when I realized the forms were not sharks but humans — scuba diving humans.
    And I remember thinking to myself how much more fun and rewarding this whole experience would be if I could scuba dive instead of just float on the surface, looking down through a mask.
    Had I been able to read Jesse Davis’ article on scuba diving in this month’s Elkhart County Living back then, I would have known that getting certified to scuba dive is not as difficult or expensive as I might have thought.
    And you might be surprised to learn there are plenty of good diving sites in the United States, including some possibilities very close to home.
    It's finally time for life outdoors, and we have plenty for you in this issue:
    This month’s travel article is on Southern Indiana, particularly Lake Patoka, where you can rent cabins, floating cabins and houseboats.
    The Elkhart County Humane Society’s “Strut Your Mutt” fund-raising walk is coming up.
    We have advice for you as well, including a story on how to help your kids avoid homesickness while away at summer camp. Our new Living Green column by Ronda DeCaire of the Elkhart Environmental Center debuts this month, and local designer Nancy L. Goepfrich gives tips on how to create a beautiful bedroom space, with before and after photos by David Johnson.
    On the music scene, check out the profile of guitarist Steve Harris whose love of the blues is showcased with the popular local band Blues Inc.
    This issue also features three area community bands — the Lake Area Band, Elkhart Municipal Band and Michiana Concert Band.
    This month's The Scene looks at the gala fund-raiser for Ryan’s Place in Goshen, and our featured restaurant is The Wood Fire in Dowagiac, Mich.
    So, whether you want to be under the water in a wet suit, on top of the water in a floating cabin or on dry land participating in a fund-raiser for the Humane Society, the latest issue of Elkhart County Living should pique your interest.