resources because we only notice things that are different. Home does not seem different from day to day. If you live in the USA, I visited your home state and it is awe-inspiring. I saw exotic wildlife above
and below the water. Moose are mythical creatures to us Texans. Our prehistoric paddlefish seem bizarre to most of the country. Sea nettles are mesmerizing. I never dreamt I’d be able to dive a Mark V diving helmet. I also didn’t plan to lose/break a piece of equipment in every state. I am better educated and have been personally transformed by this experience. While I could get only a taste
Kentucky seemed to be home only to rural farms, so it was a surprise when the land opened up to a bright blue quarry
IDAHO KENTUCKY
for some places, they all left an impression. Some states have abundant diving opportunities that I will need to return to capture. Other states have limited experiences. I made great friends along the way and hope to make more as I share my story. By the end of the quest, I
experienced more kinds of diving than I could have imagined. I met new divers, learned new methods and was a safe diver. I also became a better underwater photographer. I set out to dive 50 states so that I could share the beauty of this country’s underwater resources. Along the way, I shared parts
ALASKA Gareth Dimery illuminates a
field of plumose anemones in Ressurrection Bay
The history of America amazes
me. Wrecks dot the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, the northeast and the North Carolina coast. I learned about our National Parks and cultural history in Glacier National Park. (For instance, tools used to construct the national park in the early 1900s fell through the ice in Lake McDonald!) I am glad that this journey gave me the opportunity to enjoy some of this fascinating history.
Reaching the finale At the beginning of this year, I went public with the full extent of my intention to dive 50 states. Close friends knew the extent of my journey and had supported me over the past five years. I spoke last year
Allen Worst from Divers West in Idaho guided the author to the Seeweewana, a passenger boat, in Lake Coeur D’Alene
at the World Domination Summit conference and held an exhibit in 2013. Due to the length of time my journey would take, however, I had not revealed my true goal. I worked hard to make compelling images and am finally sharing my story. America’s natural resources define the country. My last two states, Alaska and
Michigan, were epic. Too vast to understand in a week, Alaska is rich and wild. The Great Lakes of Michigan act like fresh water oceans. The many wrecks in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are testament to the power of water. I urge qualified divers to enrich their experiences by visiting these dive sites. Diving all 50 states is vast, yet attainable. We don’t value our local
of the story in permanent exhibits such as at the Lake Murray Wildlife Museum and in the kiosk I designed at Jacob’s Well Natural Area. My large-scale works show every visitor how these environments are beautiful and precious. I held an exhibit mid-journey and am planning a concluding exhibit for next year. Though I met my goal diving
50 states, the story continues. I continue to tell the story in speaking engagements. I show my photos and share my quest on The Underwater Designer Facebook page and website,
uwDesigner.com. At the end of my journey, I left my
job as senior designer to pursue photography and design for my own company. This helps me take time to complete my book for release next year. I dream to make a difference for our underwater world through my work. I plan to continue telling stories of our natural environment. I’ve earned more than 26
Jennifer Idol is an underwater photographer and designer.
uwDesigner.com
certifications and have been diving for 20 years. I am the first woman to dive 50 states. Celebrate local diving and find something new in your backyard.
www.divermag.com 25
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