Un Chin of Our Life in the DR: RIP Olympus Stylus 850 SW

Last weekend, we took a team adventure to 27 Charcos (or 27 Waterfalls). Essentially, 27 waterfalls have naturally formed in the limestone foundation of these spring-fed pools. We paired with two guides and climbed and swam our way up the falls and then jumped and slid down to get back to the bottom. The water is the perfect temperature to cool off in (especially when you are sweating bullets 99% of the time here) - and it's just good ole fashioned FUN!

Gals

Guys

As you can see, we sported some rockin' gear - especially Garrett and Ashley. Their life vests were made for babes. We informed the outfitter that Garrett, at 6'5", was much too large for the wee jacket - he either disagreed with our assessment or we were experiencing yet another language barrier. Typical. We're not complaining though - it was entertaining - and provided for a singing round (or two or three) of "Fat guy in a little coat..."

Garrett and Ashley

We were posing for pre-waterfall pictures, but what we were really excited about was getting some shots out on the water. Jumping shots, sliding shots, "fat guy in a little coat" shots. Charlie brought the drop-proof, waterproof camera he bought me for graduation to do this very thing. Imagine the following scene:

Staff: "We are so excited to get some photos at the waterfalls."

Me: "I know, not only is this camera waterproof, it's drop-proof!"

Can you guess what happened next? I dropped it. Yes, on purpose. For dramatic demonstration purposes. (I know there are many out there who have witnessed this demonstration of mine before...) Typical.

But it's drop-proof, so it shouldn't matter. FALSE.

You will notice that we have no pictures of the 27 waterfalls we actually climbed and jumped off of. Upon submersion into the water, the camera took ON water...at a rapid rate. How you ask? Faulty advertising by Olympus...and perhaps my slight mistreatment of the camera over the last year and a half. Although in true Charlie fashion, he assured me and the rest of the team that the camera had been having problems for quite some time and this was bound to happen...Typical, but we love him for the eternal optimism.

So, these last two photos are the final works of the Olympus Stylus 850 SW. RIP.