If you’re visiting Cozumel, one of the best excursions you can take is a 3-stop snorkeling tour with Chac Choc Tours. At about $90 per person, this tour included reefs, starfish, food, drinks, and a stop inside the famous Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel.
This was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
📍 Meeting at Adventure Planet
The tour begins at Adventure Planet, where you check in and board the double-decker snorkel/dive boat. The crew was friendly and professional, and the boat had plenty of shade.
Exploring the colorful underwater world of Cozumel on my first scuba dive at Chankanaab Beach.
If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant marine life, Cozumel is the place to make it happen. Thanks to our travel agent, Kathy Chrappa Dream Vacations, we discovered an excursion that truly knocked it out of the park: scuba diving at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park for under $80! Whether it’s your very first dive or you’ve been exploring the depths for years, this experience is absolutely not to be missed.
I captured this entire dive using my GoPro underwater camera, and it was worth every penny for the footage.
First-Time Divers Welcome
Getting ready for the dive! Our instructor made sure everything fit perfectly before heading into the water.
I had never dived before, but our instructor was amazing—patient, supportive, and right there with me the whole time. From the moment we got our gear on to our descent into the turquoise waters, I felt safe and encouraged. My pictures and video show the excitement leading up to the dive and the calm, careful instruction that made everything seamless.
Underwater Wonders
We always bring our own snorkeling masksand goggleswhen we travel. Having gear we trust makes a huge difference in comfort and visibility.
Once underwater, it was like entering another world. We swam alongside schools of colorful fish, curious barracudas, starfish clinging to coral, and even spotted a few stingrays gliding gracefully across the sandy bottom. Every photo and video I captured showcases the incredible variety and beauty of Cozumel’s underwater life—it was like snorkeling through a living aquarium!
More Than Just Diving
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After the dive, we had the chance to relax and explore Chankanaab’s beach area. There was plenty to do: enjoy the sun, grab a bite, or watch the entertaining sea lion show.
Pro Tips for First-Time Divers
• Book Through a Trusted Travel Agent: Kathy Chrappa Dream Vacations made the whole process easy. Call (832) 703-2432 to learn more.
Crystal-clear blue water. Limestone walls. Sunlight pouring through the opening above. The kind of place that makes you forget everything else and just jump.
So I did.
And five days later, I was in the emergency room.
Moments before jumping 20 feet into a cenote in Cozumel, Mexico.
The Excursion That Looked Too Good to Pass Up
Before traveling to Cozumel, I booked an excursion that included a 20-foot jump into a cenote. The photos looked incredible — travelers suspended mid-air over glowing blue water, smiling like they were in a travel magazine.
I had never done a jump like that before, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There was no real warning. No talk about risks. Just climb up, step forward, and jump.
So I went for it.
I’m so glad I was wearing my GoPro during the cenote jump because it captured the entire moment-even though I had no idea at the time it would later send me to the ER. Watching it back now is unbelievable.
Before you jump, watch this: my real cenote experience and why I got sick.
The Jump
The second I hit the water, everything changed.
Instead of a smooth landing, I swallowed a large amount of water.
It went down my throat, into my nose — everywhere.
I came up coughing, but everyone around me was laughing, smiling, and swimming like nothing happened.
I brushed it off.
I wish I hadn’t. Click video below to see the jump.
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The Symptoms Didn’t Hit Right Away
At first, I felt mostly fine.
But over the next few days, things started to change.
It started with nausea.
Then fatigue.
Then I just felt… off.
Each day, it got worse.
I couldn’t understand how jumping into beautiful, clear water could make me feel this sick.
I‘m so glad I was wearing my GoPro during the cenote jump because it captured the entire moment-even though I had no idea at the time it would later send me to the ER. Watching it back now is unbelievable.
Five Days Later, I Ended Up in the ER
By day five, I was throwing up blood.
My husband rushed me to the hospital.
Tests showed I had picked up bacteria.
I was given medication and treatment, and thankfully, I’m now recovering.
But it was scary.
Because it all started with something that looked completely harmless.
This is when I knew something was seriously wrong-five days after swallowing cenote water, I ended up in the ER.
What Many Tourists Don’t Realize About Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes.
They are not chlorinated pools.
They contain natural water — and sometimes bacteria and parasites.
Even when they look clean, they can still make you sick if you inhale or swallow the water.
Most people are fine.
But not everyone.
And I wasn’t.
According to travel health experts, natural bodies of water can contain bacteria that may cause illness if swallowed. Click here to learn more from the CDC.
Flames burn through rugged terrain during the Yarnell Hill Fire near Yarnell, Arizona in 2013.
I flew in Arizona for more than 12 years and attended Northern Arizona University, so news of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crash in Flagstaff hits especially close to home.
Northern Arizona airspace is familiar, challenging, and unforgiving at night — a place many of us in aviation know well.
According to DPS, the helicopter was assisting law enforcement during an active incident in Flagstaff when it went down late on February 4th, 2026.
Both crew members on board were killed. DPS confirmed the loss during a press conference and stated the helicopter was providing aerial support at the time.
The Bell 407, N56AZ, crashed west of the active shooter scene after entering a rapid climb with groundspeeds dropping to 4 knots.
Witnesses captured video of the helicopter in an apparent out-of-control spin. Weather at Flagstaff was clear with light winds, indicating conditions were likely not a factor.
Video shows aerial views of the crash aftermath and is from ABC15 Arizona — gives a sense of what happened on scene.
This remains an active investigation, and authorities have not released details on what caused the helicopter to go down. As someone who has flown these skies, I know how much experience, training, and professionalism these crews bring to every mission.
Flagstaff isn’t just a dot on a map — it’s a tight-knit aviation and mountain community. My thoughts are with the families, coworkers, and first responders affected by this tragic loss.
CSI and police investigate along a Houston bayou after a body discovered near the 610 bridge
Rising Number of Bodies Found in Houston Bayous. Are the Cases Connected?
Homicide investigators respond after a body was found in a Houston bayou, adding to rising public concern. HPD and CSI are on scene investigating , but authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
Where the Body Was Found
This is the latest in a series of Houston bayou body recoveries over the last several years according to HPD. The man was pulled from the Buffalo Bayou near 8300 High Level Rd, Monday morning near the Port of Houston.
The case adds to growing concern over the number of bodies recovered from Houston-area waterways in recent years. According to Harris County forensic records, nearly 200 bodies have been found in local bayous since 2017. In the past two years alone, recoveries reached some of the highest totals on record, with 35 bodies found in 2024 and 34 in 2025.
Officials say cases vary widely — including drownings, accidents, suicides, homicides, and undetermined deaths — and investigations are handled individually. Authorities have not said whether this latest homicide is connected to any other cases.
Watching someone you love have eye surgery is not for the faint of heart — but today, my husband officially took the leap and had LASIK. After years of glasses and contacts, he decided it was time to wake up and see clearly without reaching for lenses first thing in the morning. From the nerves before the procedure to what the surgery actually looked like and how he felt afterward, here’s what the LASIK experience was really like from our side.
Watching part of the procedure up close was surreal. I decided to share a portion of the LASIK surgery so you can see what the process actually looks like in real time — something most people are curious about but rarely get to witness. The video below shows a brief moment during the procedure as the laser works to reshape the cornea, which is how vision is corrected. It’s quick, highly precise, and over before you know it, but seeing it happen brings a whole new appreciation for the technology behind modern vision correction.
Viewer note: This is a real medical procedure, so if you’re sensitive to eye-related content, you may want to skip the video.
In 2019, Klaas and Dorothy Tadema, a retired math teacher and former nurse in Dickinson, Texas, faced a $100,000 HOA lien over their flower beds. I reported on their case, which quickly gained national attention and ultimately forced the HOA to drop the lien.
Since then, we learned that Dorothy “Dotty” Tadema, the homeowner at the heart of this story, passed away on June 13, 2021, at age 77. She is remembered by her family and community for her faith, kindness, and service. Her obituary can be viewed here: Crowder Funeral Home obituary.
This update honors her memory and adds new context to a story that resonated with readers nationwide.
Elderly Couple HOA Lien Over Flower Beds Sparks National Outrage
Following widespread media coverage and public pressure, the HOA released the lien, allowing the couple to sell their home and move forward with their lives. But months later, tragedy struck when Dorothy passed away after ongoing health complications.
This is the full story — and the update few people know.
National Attention Forces the HOA to Back Down
Update: Despite dozens of landscapers offering to help elderly couple following a $100,000 lawsuit filed by Land Tejas over flower beds, the property developer refuses to back down.
After weathering many storms over their 52 years of marriage including losing a home during Hurricane Harvey, Klaas & Dorothy Tadema never imagined flower beds could force them to potentially lose everything again including their health. Click on link below to view full story.
This story is long overdue. I am speaking publicly because I was a key witness in the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing. My decision to come forward helped expose misconduct that ultimately ended his career as a prosecutor.
How I Discovered the Misconduct
Journalist Tammy Rose
Covering the Jodi Arias Sentencing Retrial
I was covering the Jodi Arias case when I noticed troubling behavior by then‑prosecutor Juan Martinez. It crossed ethical lines.
One of the most disturbing revelations was the leak of Juror 17’s identity to the public. The information did not come from the court; it came from within the prosecution itself, passed via a media intermediary.
When a juror’s identity becomes public, it puts them at serious risk. In this case, that juror later received threats to their safety.
That moment marked a turning point for me. What began as reporting became a matter of public responsibility. I realized I needed to document and report what I had uncovered.
I provided investigators with records and testimony about how the leak happened, knowing it could affect my career and reputation. Still, I chose to act ethically and tell the truth.
The investigation confirmed that protected information had been improperly shared and that this conduct was part of a broader pattern of ethical violations.
My Role in the Disciplinary Hearing
I gave testimony and submitted evidence detailing the leaks and unethical conduct. My goal was never to attack individuals unnecessarily, but to ensure accountability and integrity in the justice system.
I acted independently and ethically, aware that speaking out could impact my professional life. But truth and public safety were my priority.
Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing
What Happened After the Investigation
After reviewing the evidence, the investigation confirmed a pattern of ethical violations, including:
• Improper communications with media members
• Leaks of protected juror information
• Conduct prejudicial to justice
As a result, Juan Martinez was terminated and later disbarred. His ability to practice law was permanently revoked.
Why This Story Still Matters
Prosecutors hold immense power. When that power is abused, the entire justice system is at risk. I came forward because journalists are not above the law — and neither are prosecutors.
This story reminds us that accountability matters.
A prescribed burn following a grass fire at Addicks Reservoir sent heavy smoke across west Houston Sunday, prompting air quality concerns.
Meanwhile, Houston firefighters are asking the public to not call 911. Crews are already on scene and actively managing the situation.
Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir
What began as a fast-moving grass fire near Addicks Reservoir is now a controlled prescribed burn to reduce future fire risk in the area.
This type of prescribed burn helps eliminate years of built-up vegetation and dry brush that can fuel dangerous wildfires in the future.
According to the Houston Fire Department, the burn was conducted under controlled conditions to reduce future wildfire risk.
Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir
From the air, the scale of the operation becomes clear. Fire lines, engines, and burn patterns are visible across a wide area surrounding Addicks Reservoir. Meanwhile on the ground, heavy smoke drifts across nearby roadways.
Authorities say there is no immediate threat to nearby homes or businesses, and no evacuations have been ordered.
Vietnam War helicopter pilot Kim Page flew some of the most dangerous combat missions of the war. He survived multiple helicopter crashes while saving countless lives. As a senior warrant officer, Kim Page faced enemy fire, mechanical failures, and impossible odds in active war zones across Southeast Asia. His story is one of courage, resilience, and service under fire.
🎥 Watch: The Extraordinary Life of Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Kim Page
This documentary was written, filmed, produced, and edited by me, Tammy Rose. As a longtime helicopter reporter, I have covered countless aviation stories — but Kim Page’s journey stands among the most extraordinary I have ever documented. Watch below to experience his remarkable true story of courage, survival, and service.
Watch More Stories from Life on Film
If Kim Page’s story inspired you, explore more incredible journeys captured on film. From extraordinary aviation adventures to life-changing personal stories, check out other Life on Film stories here.
