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Tour De Laguna Part Deux 'Nudi and Sunflower Heaven'
Three Dives: 5/3 Montage/ 5/4 Deadman's Reef/ Shaw's Cove Surf: 2-3'/ 2-4'/ 1-2' Had a great weekend of diving in Laguna, despite the surf. Angelique came down from LA County to witness the beauty of Laguna. We decided to hit Montage Resort. Somewhat surgy initially, however it calmed down for us at the outer reef structure. We enjoyed going in and out of various swim throughs and poking our heads into a variety of caves. Sugre picked up in what I call 'The Gauntlet' area in which I saw Angelique fly by me. She gave me the 'ok' sign and we continued to explore. We basically saw the usual suspects including a barage of bugs, cabezon, scorpion fish, and the beautiful *Purple/ violet* Phragmatopoma californica 'Colonial Sand Tube Worms'. Exited without incident. After our dive, took Angelique on a tour of the resort to show just how expansive the dive site can be. We went down on the rocks and was greeted by the tide pool docent. Nice to see someone watching over the pools. One thing I didn't know that Montage had, was an 'Arch' like the one in Cabo...but much smaller scale. Wow! I've been there many times, but only to dive. LOL Also new to Laguna diving were my buddies Brenna and her husband Brian who drove down from Santa Cruz. Initially, we checked out Reef Point, but man o' man, talk about surf, swells, and surge. They were coming in from 'every' direction creating that 'washing machine effect!' Next stop: North Cresent. Surf was up, coming pretty fast, but after a long hard look decided it was doable. After getting in, it seemed as the swells and surface chop really picked up. Wish I had taken some Bonine! Fortunately, I was ok. We dropped down early due to the surface conditions. Viz greeted us. Whew! Made our way to Deadman's. Great dive indeed! Guess what I saw??? A large Sunflower Star!!! I was excited. Of course, Brenna and Mike were like 'so what, we see those all the time!' It funny for how you take mainelife for granted. For example, Brenna and Mike do not typically see Giribaldi, Bugs, Blacksmith or Gorgonians where they dive up in Monterey, Next Stop: Shaw's Cove aka Nudi Heaven Stopped at my favorite restaurant 'Madison Garden' for a quick bite to eat before venturing forth. Got geared up, walked into the low surf zone and made our way out to the drop down point just before the 'Arch'. Upon entering we quickly spotted Hopkin's Rose...a little further in, WOW! A Limacia cockerelli (Cockerell's Dorid) colony! I think I counted about 15 of them in one area alone. Just past the Arch, more Hopkin's Rose and Cockerell's Dorids were to be found...actually, throughout the whole inner reef structure. They were virtually everywhere! Also, Tylodina fungina's as well. Rather than making our way all the way through to the Cresent side of the reef, we decided to turn around and head back to Shaw's. On our way back, I dropped down under the rock to check out the passage way. A bit iffy due to surge. However, coming back into the Archway, I came across a clear blob on a rock. Turns out that it was a Berthella stellata 'Star Sidegill' pretty cool! Upon exiting the Arch, we made our way south along the reef coming to Turn-Around Rock in which I diverted us eastward to Shelly of Shaw's. One, for my friends to see Shelly, and two...to hunt for Nudi's. We weren't disappointed. Brenna has a keen eye. She found Hermissenda crassicornis that were itty bitty; I spotted some type of Dironidaw similar to Dirona albolineata, two that were hanging together, again, itty bitty. There was some type of nudi on the underneath side of Shelly, but I am not able to ID it. Will have to check with Brenna to clarify. Hedgehog Hydroids in abundance. On the way back in, Flabellina iodinea 'Spanish Shawl's' spotted the reef. Almost to the shallows, a tiny white creature caught my eye. Ahhh! Another nudi! White with black spots...turns out to be an Aegires abbopunctatus 'White Spotted Dorid' My first at seeing one of these! What a great way to end the day, seeing three new critters!!! Exited at 90min without incident. Due to questionable conditions, I'm glad that we were able to get into the water and have some great dives! Jan 5:44 PM - 5/5/2008 - comments {4} - post commentSan Jaun Rocks, Dana Point California
5:54 PM - 4/27/2008 - comments {0} - post commentOML Rock-N-Roll/ Vet's ParkSaturday 4/19/08
OML, Palos Verde
Met up with Angelique N. and Hayden Y. to do an early morning dive at OML. Upon arriving, Angelique and Hayden had already scoped out conditions and even spotted a whale off the Point!
We donned our gear, made our way down the long winding pathway that led us eventually to the cove. No access currently to the Point, which is normally where I like to enter and exit. The waves were coming in at their usual steep angle. It seems to me, there alot more boulders and rocks exposed then ever before. We surveyed the scene to see where we were going to make our entries. Angelique and Hayden opted for the west side in which they made it in without incident, whereas I made my way more towards the east side. Timing is everything. I waited. I was ready to go, when all of a sudden a swell came out of nowhere. In it's anticipation, I braced myself behind a boulder for protection. The only thing was, the swell turned out to be bigger than the boulder and came up over the top. Whoosh! Rock-N-Roll. Once I got my wits about me, I discovered my strobe was gone! I looked out, and saw it floating in front of Hayden. With a quick yell, Hayden was able to latch onto my strobe. It turns out the arm that attaches my strobe broke. Whew! Could have been worse. I pondered what to do next. Stash my camera, and make the dive? Having fear that someone might take it? Call the dive for myself and have Hayden and Angelique continue? Or call the dive all together due to possible increasing surf? We chose option #3. Hayden and Angelique exited without incident. Bravo for them! Upon our return up the long path, we were greeted by Al and Dennis and 'others' who were gearing up, but quickly changed their minds after our report. We all headed to Vet's Park.
Vet's Park, Redondo Beach
Surf: 1-2' on entry 2-4' on exit (between Pier and Bathrooms)
Swell: Min/ mod
Surge: Nada at Depth; Heavy in the shallows (15' and less)
Viz: 10' -20'+ at Depth
Temp: Bone Chillin' 50' at Depth
Max Depth: 80'
BT: 62'
Buddy: Angelique N.
Ok. Those that know me, know that I don't normally like to dive Redondo during the day. Since conditions were poor everywhere else, Vet's was our only option. I am proud to say, that this dive was the BEST day dive I have ever done at Redondo. Thanks in part to Angelique's keen eye we saw lots of critters. Upon drop down, Angelique spotted a Pipe fish and Hermissenda crasicornis. Not too far away, I spotted a Navanax. Probably a total of 6 different species of Nudi's were seen today, including a itty bitty nudi that Angelique spotted riding a tip of an algae plant (note to self: need to get specs for mask!); we also saw baby octo's, Cusk eel's, Sarcastic Fringeheads hiding in Kellet's Welk, Elbow crabs, Sand Crabs, Sea Pens, large Halibut, a legal bug, C-O Sole's, JV Horn Shark, Sanddab's, unusual tube/ worm anemone's (???). Something similar to this that we saw in the shallows was a large tube protruding from the sand about 12" high shaped like a candy cane. There was some type of aneomone or worm (similar to feather duster worm) at the end. As we swam by, it retreated inside the tube. Unfortunately, I have no photos, for I was taking my housing for a test swim after my Rock-N-Roll at OML. Needless to say, very fascinating.
As we neared the end of our dive, we came across a bed of Sand Dollars and more bottom dwellers. The surge on the bottom picked up quite considerably. We surfaced in about 6' of water in which the swells were rolling in. We decided to go back out and make our way south a bit. Again, timing is everything! Angelique and I were making our way in. Then boom, I dipped under a swell and got rolled again! I did the crawl. No dignity lost.
Thanks Angelique for the great dive and all your help; Thanks to Hayed for rescuing my strobe!
Jan
7:22 PM - 4/19/2008 - comments {0} - post commentShaw's Cove/ Wood's Cove 'Miller's Reef' x2Great weekend for diving.
Shaw's Cove/ Miller's Reef (off of Woods Cove)/ Miller's Reef
Surf: ankle slappers/ 0-2'/ 0-2'
Tide: Low/ Low/ Low
Swell: 0/0/0
Surge: Moderate/ Minimal/ Minimal
Viz: Murky 10'/ Murky 10/ 15-20' on East side of Reef to Murky 10' on West end of Reef
Temps: 50' outer reef to 52 inner reef/ 54'/ 54'
Depths: 40'/ 52'/ 38'
BT: 61'/ 57'/ 61'
Shaw's Cove: Decided to make an early morning dive to play with my strobe that I haven't used in more than two years, maybe three. Reason: I find it quite cumbersome. Due to my unhappiness with 'shadows' in my pictures and not knowing why or what was causing them, I decided it was time to start using my strobe again to see if that would 'solve' my probelm. Whalah! It did. I did alot of manipulations with my strobe, and I think I have finally found a way that works for me. The downside is that it is still awkward to take beach diving!
Surge was up, but managed to get some good shots of nudi's in the Arch as well as at the statue of Shelly before it was time to get out of dodge. Lots of classes out today, but fortunately, I had most of the reef to myself before viz got stirred up.
Miller's Reef: Met up with SOCDC for their 10:00am dive. Decision was to dive Wood's. Ah! One of my favorite sites!!! Since I have dove Miller's Reef in the past (accidently) it was our goal to find the reef once again. We took advantage of Jeff's maps and low tide to make our estimations. One thing we forgot to do, was to take in account that it was low tide re depth. Rather than finding Miller's Reef between 45-50' of FSW, the backside was in 38' FSW. Dale Davis was my buddy in which we had a great time exploring this massive reef. Viz was limited with alot of particulate in the water, none the less, a great dive.
Miller's Reef, Sunday: John came down to make a dive with me today. In that he has never dove Miller's Reef, we decided to head back. We weren't disappointed in that viz was alot better today. We saw all kinds of fish, anemones, bugs, kelp, etc.
Jan
7:33 PM - 4/12/2008 - comments {0} - post commentCatalina Island (SCI Substitute)Ah...We ended up at Catalina Island in lieu of going to SCI due to high swells and winds. Did 2/3 dives due to COLD water!!! 50' at depth of 100+. Viz was 20' at best. Kelp, Nudi's, usual suspects. Nothing I don't see beach diving for free, except for the expansive kelp forests. Jan 8:21 PM - 4/6/2008 - comments {0} - post commentFisherman's to Diver's Cove/ Shaw's CoveJeff wanted me to post a quick report, so I will. LOL I'm supposed to be getting ready for the GE to SCI! Doh!
Met up with SOCDC Dive Coordinators Mike and Jeff. Jerry and Kian (sp?) also showed up. Due to high tide, decided to check out Woods Cove. WOW! Rockin' and Rollin'! Even I won't go in those conditions. We did however see two divers on the surface. We decied to go down to see if they needed help out, but looked like they dropped down to make a dive. Crazy is all I can say. Surge was NASTY!
We decided to head to North Laguna to Diver's/ Fisherman's Cove. Passing Main Beach, Yellow Flags were flying. We thought we had missed our opportunity to dive to day. Wrong! Diver's was pretty calm for the most part. Bumped into old friend Gary Ho, Mark and Erica Vermill and thier students.
Geared up, entered on Fisherman's and exited at Diver's Cove. Usual critters seen including Bugs, JV Bugs, F Sheephead, played with a Sheep Crab as well as a large Octopuss; spotted several California Sea Hares; one Giant Black Sea Hare; cleaner Shrimp; Blacksmith; Sand Bass; Kelp Bass; Seniorita's; Black Eyed Goby's to name a few.
Jeff and I did a second dive at Shaw's this afternoon, aka Nudi Beach.
Jeff was the photographer, I was the spotter. We spotted about 5-6 different Nudi's today. One I hadn't seen before, but one that someone took pics of lately on Shelly. Itty bitty black with stripes and a itty bitty branchial plume. Too cute! And of course, I didn't have my camera with me! Also saw a JV Bat Ray in which Jeff got some good video; 100's of Hopkins' Rose; Hedgehog Hydroids; T. Fungina's; Spanish Shawls in the midst of laying their eggs; lots of Octopi; Bugs; JV Greenlings; etc.
Jan
7:28 PM - 4/5/2008 - comments {0} - post commentTour De LagunaVenues: Seal Rock/ Mountain Street aka Cress/ Little Corona
Surf: Low at all three spots
Swell: calm/ calm/ minimal
Surge: Heavy on North Side of Seal Rock, otherwise calm
moderate to heavy in some spots at Mountain
moderate
Viz: 10-15'/ 8-12' hazy/ 5-10' hazy
Temp: 52'/ 54'/ 54'
Depth: 43'/ 31'/ 23'
BT: 75"/ 67"/ 51"
Buddies: Chris R./ Chris R., Rhonda F., Rick/ Leaonard
Wow, it's great to be BACK in the water after such a long dry spell (due to illness). Loaded my car up with all three tanks. Plan was to do two dives, but it was such a beautiful day out, decided to make a day of it. I wasn't disappointed!
Seal Rock rocked! We had 10+ Sea Lions in the water with us zooming about, showing off, and striking a pose as I did photography. At one point, I looked up and saw more at the surface above us. Attempted to dive the North side of Seal Rock, but the surge was too much for us. We basially did the Deadman's Tour (East/ West Reef). Saw the usual critters including a large Moray.
Mountain Street looked awesome topside. However viz quickly decreased when we dropped down. Highlights of the dive included seeing several Spanish Shawls and their eggs, a Horn Shark, and lots of bugs (woulnd't you know, now that the season is over?).
Little Corona. By the time we hit this dive site, it had gone into low tide again. We kicked out to the outer bouy before dropping down. Due to the fact that I had never dove the East side of the reef before, that was our dive plan. Did I mention kelp??? Not one, but TWO healthy kelp forests are growing in Little Corona!!! The canopy is pretty thick. Thankfully I had my dive light with me. Highlights of the dive included: Sea Pansy's, Rock Crab, Purple Globe Crab, schooling fish (unknown), and communes of Hermit Crabs (It must be Spring Fever!).
Thank you to my Dive Buddies Chris R, Rhonda F, Rick, and Leaonard for making my day one of the best!
Happy Easter Everyone!
Jan
8:09 PM - 3/21/2008 - comments {0} - post commentDeadman's Reef2/02/08 Deadman's Reef, North Laguna Beach
Surf: 1-2' with an occassional 3-4'
Swell: moderate to heavy
Surge: moderate to heavy in the shallows
Viz: 10-15' at best...murky in parts
Temp: 55-58'
Max Depth: 52'
BT: 60'
Upon looking at Wetsand and seeing that tides were going out, we knew that our only option at diving was North Laguna. Due to the very low tide reading, we decided that Deadman's would be our best option for depth and viz.
On arrival at North Cresent Bay loop, we ran into Jeff R. and Mike S. from SOCDC who had just completed their dive and gave a brief dive synopsis.
John and I were able to pull into the 'prime' spot on the loop and we quickly donned our gear. As we were getting ready, we could hear the surf increasing in its size. We made our way down the stairs, sized up the surf, and made our entry without incident. Kicked out to our drop down point and easily found 'Deadhenge' that took us right to the reef. Viz throughout the dive was about 10-15', murky in parts, even a bit of red tide at depth in the shallow region near the southern wall. Very odd, for it was quite cold.
The usual suspects were noted with an increased amount of Zebra Goby's, Blue Banded Goby's, and Black Eyed Gobys. I managed to find 4 Two-Spotted Octopi; dozens of cleaner shrimp scattered throughout the reef but no Moray's; Bugs; Giribaldi; Blacksmith; Seniorita's; giant male Sheephead; JV Sheephead; Kelpfish; Spanish Shawls; and a single Thornback Ray in the sand coming back towards shore.
Coming back in was a challenge, for as we got shallower, the surge kicked up quite noticeably. We cruised over the inner reef, exploring what we could attempting to conserve our air. *both John and I had short fills on our tanks -900PSI. After what appeared to be a long struggle, we finally surfaced in 4' of water. Surf had picked up quite a bit as well during our dive. We managed to get our fins off and walk out without incident.
Dive Safe!
Jan
8:19 PM - 2/2/2008 - comments {0} - post commentCleo Street Barge...the Adventure Continues with JohnGotta love this site for what it's worth! Definitely an adventure!!!
Saturday, mid morning.
John and I sized up conditions. Looked pretty good, high tide and what not. But wow! So much sand has disappeared from the beach. What huge rocks and boulders that were exposed.
We got geared up and made our way down the steps. Walked a few feet into the water when John exclaimed, 'Shoot! I dropped my fin!' With that, I saw his fin being taken out by the back-draft of the surf. John made a leap for it, and missed. Then another wave came in creating more froth at the surface where we lost site of it. Ugh!
I proceeded to get my fins on, and surfaced scuba looking in the shallows (3' or less) pulling myself over the rocks and eel grass. No such luck. John looked to the east. Again, no such luck. We exited, took off our scuba equipment, then we snorkeled, in search of his elusive fin. We looked for an hour before giving up. John exited before me, as I was having fun looking at all the critters in the shallows. Then I looked up, and there was John standing with a fin in his hand. I asked him if he found his fin, and he said yes! I asked where it was, and he said it was laying on the rock at shore. Evidently someone else found it, and placed it near our gear. Wow!!! Lucky Day!
Now the tide was going out, but John still wanted to make the dive. I said maybe we should move to a different site, due to the tide. But he wanted to dive the barge. So we did. Getting out was an ordeal, in that we had to gingerly walk over all the rocks and eel grass. We made it out without incident. Found the barge with lots of life and a multitude of fish swimming about. I noticed that the bull kelp is coming back pretty strong. Good to see. Saw the largest Spanish Shawl's I have ever seen, at least 3-4" long, laying eggs. On our way back in, we enjoyed exploring the different reef structures and overhands that Cleo has to offer. I think this site is now one of my 'new' favorites!
Coming back in wasn't as easy (if going out was easy, yeah right...). We surfaced right where we had entered. The only thing was, surf was picking up. In front of the beach, there is a trough that runs parallel. Well, a wave took me right for it. Ugh! I was going to have to do a rock exit. The next wave pushed me forward and landed me like a beached whale right on top of some rocks with eel grass. What a sight! I was litterally stuck ontop of the rocks. I was able to pull myself forward a bit, but that was about it. I maganged to move to my left a little bit crawling to where there was some water to submerge. With that, I was able to flip over and sit up to get my fins off. After catching my breath and getting my strength back, I was able to stand up, and walk back over the rocks and pools of water to the beach.
Meanwhile, the waves were not kind to John. He got hit back to back and took his strength and endurance as well. He decided to go for deeper waters and exit further to the east where it wasn't so rocky. He made it out without incident.
Overall, it was a great dive...but lesson learned, definitely dive here when it's HIGH TIDE!!!
Jan
8:36 PM - 1/19/2008 - comments {0} - post commentDive Reports: Wood's Cove/ Cleo Street Barge, South Laguna CaliforniaSunday, November 25 2008 5:46 PM - 11/25/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDive Report: REEF POINT, Corona Del Mar CaliforniaMet up with South Coast Divers at the Mall. Due to the large amountsof divers present, we split up into smaller groups. Due to it being 'High Tide' and no surf, the group split up to dive Montage, Woods, Shaw's, and Reef Point. Steve Schirmer and I buzzed down the 73 to Newport Coast just in time to buzz insidie the gates before being manned by the Park Ranger. Although, the 73 managed to take $4 from us! We weren't disappointed by choosing to dive Reef Point today. In fact, it was on of my better dives to date. Read On. Reef Point, Crystal Cove State Park Surf: Nada Swell: Very Little Surge: NONE Viz: 30-40'; consistantly 20'+ (much better than Shaw's or Woods yesterday). Temp: 59' Suunto and chilly at times Max Depth: 27' BT: 99 Minutos Easy Entry. Kicked out to main reef. Dropped down and started enjoying our swim through 'Aquarium' like water. Viz was Outstanding!!! Lots of fish out over the reef: Sheephead, Giant Kelpfish, Senorita's, Garibaldi's, JV Garibaldi's, Opal Eye, Sand Bass, Brown Rockfish, Black Eyed Goby's, Painted Greenlings, Surf Perch to name a few. Other creatures included Bugs...big bugs, little bugs, and those in-between; a nice sized Horn Shark; Green Anemones; Moon Sponge, a single T. Fungina, and litterally 100's of Spanish Shawl's decorated the reef. And if our dive couldn't be any better...on our way back to shore, not one, not two, BUT THREE Giant Bat Rays swam by us including a nice sized Halibut!!! Awesome! Steve was able to get us past the 'Boa' forest in which we popped up right in front of the steps. Nice Navigation Steve! Our Exit was as Easy as our Entry. Thank you Steve for a great and memorable dive! Jan http://www.webshots.com/user/Artistic_Treasures 5:44 PM - 11/24/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDive Reports: 11/23 Woods Cove South Laguna Beach followed by Shaw's Cove, North Laguna BeachFriday, November 23rd 2007 Hmmm...I initially went to the Laguna Hills Mall to hopefully meet up 5:40 PM - 11/23/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDive Report: North Cresent Bay Pinnacles and ShallowsHappy Pre-Thanksgiving!!! The tradition is holding true...AWESOME VIZ!!! North Cresent Shallows and Pinnacles Surf: Nada Swell: Nada Surge: Nada to minimal in the 'Wee Shallows' Temp: 61' Suunto Max Depth: 31' Bottom Time: 75" Viz: 40' easily decreasing and holding steady at 15' near Seal Rock Census is low, so got off work early. Decided to make a dive before picking up DS from school. I wasn't disappointed! Dropping down into 8' FSW, I spotted 4 Octopi immediately, two that were out over the rocks, Bugs, Spanish Shawls, Moray Eels, and the usual suspects. The highlight of my dive was diving through a school of California Baracuda's!!! Awesome!!! I had to check myself to make sure that I was diving in Laguna and not Catalina or SBI.  The chill factor set in and turned around to head back. In about 15' FSW, I bumped into another diver that sadly pointed out to me that a Bull Sea Lion was decesased. He hadn[t been in the water too long. I noticed some thin scrapings on his backside, but appeared to be more superfiscial. Not sure what the cause of death could have been. Get out there and dive while the diving's good! Jan 5:34 PM - 11/21/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDive Report: Montage Resort, South Laguna Beach CaliforniaMontage Resort, South Laguna Beach California Sunday, Nov. 18 2007 Surf: 0-1' 5:27 PM - 11/18/2007 - comments {0} - post commentCleo Street Barge, South Laguna Beach CaliforniaCleao Street Barge, South Laguna 5:22 PM - 11/17/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDive Report: Montage Resort/ Goff Island South Laguna Beach, CAMontage/ Goff Island Sunday, 11/11/07
Surf: Nada Swell: Moderate Surge: Moderate to heavy in the shallows Viz: 6-8' at beest Temp: 59' Suunto Max Depth: 35' Bottom Time: 80 minutes
Purpose: Bug Hunting
John and I went out this morning and decided to hit up Montage to do some Bug Hunting. Bumped into Jeff R. in the parking structure suiting up as well.
John and I trudged to the far steps with the initial plan of entering at Treasure Island and circuling around Goff Island back to the main beach. Surf was up on the Treasure Island side, so walked into peaceful waters on the Goff Island side.
Viz was pretty poor with heavy surge in the shallows and at depth near Goff Island. Luckily, I was able to land my first bug of the season though as I wedged myself into a narrow crevice and was able to trap a bug right into my grip. John was also able to nab a bug as well. Unlike people that like to get thier *limits*, I like to keep it to one or two.
Even though viz was down, we had a great dive. Saw all the usual suspects including a large Moray surrounded by 100's, I mean...litterally 100's of Cleaner Shrimp. If only I had my camera! Another cool sight was spotting a *Mosshead Warbonnet*!!! My first in Laguna waters. We also had a harbor seal alongside us at the end of the dive.
We exited in calm waters and were greeted by several tourists, one in which they wanted to take my photo!
Jan 4:21 PM - 11/11/2007 - comments {0} - post commentSanta Barbara Island, California Channel IslandsGreetings everyone! I am back from my trip to Cabo, however, that report is delayed. Keeping Montezuma at bay, I managed to DM a trip this weekend to SBI with Reefseeekers Dive Company (http://www.Reefseekers.com). Smooth conditions going out and coming back. If only the underneath was as calm. We managed to do three dives: Hidden Reef, Webster's Point, and SE Kelp. 113'/ 28'/ 52 degrees// 48'/ 33'/ 55 degrees// 42'/ 21'/ 61 degrees We were greeted with moderate surge and currents underneath at all three sites. My favortie site of the day was Hidden Reef. I was able to find a deep channel that was protected by two walls that protected me from the surge above. Traveling down this channel it lead me to an even larger wall and flooring that I fondly called 'Sunstar Gardens' for there were Sunstars everywhere! G*I*A*N*T Sunstars! So big, I had a difficult time getting them into my viewfinder for that perfect shot. Intermingled in the Sunstars, I spotted a white blob on the reef. To my suprise, it was a California Sidegill. My first at seeing one of these. The reef was also scattered with beautiful Purple Hydro-Coral, several varieties of anemones, several varieties of rockfish, and the usual suspects. Coming back to the boat, I was delighted to be greeted by what seemed like 100's of Salp's floating by. I have typically seen the more geometric 'box' type Salps in the past, but a new varitiety was present that appeared litterally in 'rings' that looked like oversize French Cruiller donuts! Overall, everyone had a great day. Some divers were fortunate to catch some bugs, big ones at that (too bad, they should have gone overboard IMO). Jan 8:37 PM - 11/3/2007 - comments {0} - post commentCabo San Lucas/ Cabo Pulmo, Baja MexicoJohn and I jetted down to Baja to dive Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo. We opted for four days of diving, three locally and one to Cabo Pulmo for a total of 8 dives 10/24-10/27/07
Sights visited (in order):
Pelican Rock 60' 43" 82 degrees Suunto Land's End 74' 46" 82 degrees Suunto El Bajo de los Marco, Cabo Pulmo drift dive 55' 34" 81 degrees Suunto El Cantil Coral Reef, Cabo Pulmo 53' 65" 81 degrees Suunto Blow Hole 79' 50" 81 degrees Suunto Playa Santa Maria 50' 57" 82 degrees Suunto Middle Reef 147' 45" 82 degrees Suunto Lands End 65' 50" 81 degrees Suunto
Shallowest dive: 50' Deepest dive (and the COOLEST): 147' Average Temp at depth: 82 degrees
It's been 5 years since I have visited Cabo San Lucas. Boy, have things changed. I wish I could say for the better. It is soooooooo touristy now. Resorts/ time shares are EVERYWHERE. Not to mention the cruise ship terminal that wasn't there 5 years ago that now clutters the harbor. What once was picturesque views of the fabulous rock formations/ dive sites is now obstructed by HUGE cruise ships in which I counted 4 on numerous days. Fortunately, we were NOT staying in town, but at the picturesque and serene Westin Regina, about 20 to 25 minutes from town. If you want quiet and beauty, it's a great place. However, not very accessible for elderly people. My 82 YO mother and her friend joined us, however they had a difficult time getting around the resort; dealing with steps; and getting in and out of the carts.
Onto the diving...I would say the diving was average. Not great, not bad. Just average. The upside was water temps. I dove in my bathing suit since the water was so toasty. I had high expectations for Cabo Pulmo for I have heard alot about this site. I was sorely disappointed with the exception of seeing a Devil Ray, numerous fish, and live coral on the first dive that lasted a mere 35'. Even with that dive, we spent what seemed like an eternity over a long strip of sand. The second dive was pretty boring with the exception of seeing a very large Moray and a Crown of Thorns.
My two favorite dives on the trip was to Land's End where we encountered litterally 1000's of Yellowfin Surgeon fish inter-mixed with large groupers that surrounded us. What a awesome/ surreal feeling!!! My second favorite dive was called 'Middle Wall' where we went down to 147'. Viz was so clear, that I felt we could keep going...then reality struck...this so-called wall drops to 3000 FEET! Incredible viz, incredible rock foramtions, incredible marine life; incredible deep 'abyss' like crevices with thunderous sounds bellowing up at us as we crossed over........AWESOME!!!
Don't get me wrong, we did see lots of marine life. Those that know me well, know that my favorite marine creature is the eel. I spotted 5 different species of Morays: Green; white spotted; yellow spotted; Zebra; and one that I call a Molten colored Moray that looked like camouflage; oh, and I did see a green Moray with a brown face(?). I was pleased by the abundance of eels. I saw 3 to 4 different species of nudibranchs; two sea horses; spotted Toby's; Longspine Porcupinefish; Triggerfish; Spotted Puffers; Butterflyfish; Bluefish Snapper; Garden Eels; and Moorish Idols to name a few.
When we weren't diving, we spent our free time exploring Cabo Wabo, the Gigglin Marlin, El Squid Roe (My favorite), as well as The Office (also one of my favorites but $$$$). I had wonderful conversations with some of the local townsfolk in my broken Spanish in which I purchased two footbags that an elderly grandmother had crochet for $2.50 each; we visted the Costco that was fairly new as well as the Mega grocery/ Target type store that has the BEST pan dulce!
A friend of mine owns a bar *Buzzard's Bay Sports Cantina* in a little coastal town called 'Los Barillos' in which we took a trip to visit. On our way there, we were greeted by numerous animals alongside and IN the road that included Long Horned Steer; Burros; Mules; and Horses. Mind you...no fences. Wild animals here. Ok during the daytime, dangerous and deadly by night. Many shrines have been errected alongside the road where people have died. We made it to my friends bar. What a great place. Small and quaint. Great food and drinks, not to mention the company of my friend.
Overall, a nice trip. However, I perfer the more serene and not so touristy type of places. Unfortunately, Cabo has lost the charm that I once knew it had.
Now...to plan the next trip. Comments on the Virgin Islands anyone???
Jan 8:27 PM - 10/24/2007 - comments {0} - post commentDiver's Cove, Laguna Beach CaliforniaSurf: Nada...ankle slappers Swell: Nada...flat as flapjacks Surge: Moderate over the middle reef, otherwise Deadcalm Viz: 10-15' over inner and outer reef; 10'- over middle reef with lots of particulate Temp: Toasty 61' Suunto (Heck of alot warmer than the Yukon last week!) Max Depth: 35' BT: 48"
Buddy: Rhonda F.
Due to conditions the past few days, decided to do Diver's Cove today. Initial plan was to dive Fisherman's, but surf and scullery had viz pretty stirred up.
While waiting for my buddy Rhonda to arrive, had the enjoyment of watching Ruth performing her rescue skills. Poor Sharon, she may have lived, but she was walking pretty tipsy after the whole ordeal, getting washed up by the ankle slappers and such. Greeted Ruth and Larry atop of the stairs in which I assisted the 'rescuer' to her car. Chatted for a bit until my buddy arrived.
Rhonda and I got geared up and entered the ankle slappers without incident. Dropped down early and took a South/ East Heading or thereabouts (240) and made our way to the outer reef.
Critters seen: 3 'Baby' Bugs; one Big Bug 'Molt'; an elusive Octopuss; several Chestnut Cowries, Bat Stars, Brittle Stars, Ochre Stars; Anenomes; JV and adult Girabaldi's; Blacksmith; Senorita's; Surf Perch; Sand Bass; Goby's, ect.
Highlights: Exploring all the fissures and Mermaid's Grotto.
Kudo's to my buddy, this was her 9th dive (3rd with me) and she did really well on her air!
Jan 7:28 PM - 10/7/2007 - comments {0} - post commentSeptember 29th and 30th: Wreck Alley, San Diego CaliforniaDid two dives on the Yukon on Saturday, one on Sunday, and one dive on (101' 40" 52'; 101' 35" 52'; 97' 32" 54'; 88' 37" 54') 7:23 PM - 9/30/2007 - comments {0} - post comment
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Description My blog is about ...what else? DIVING and UW Photography! I dive on a regular basis off the coast of Southern California beaches and near by islands. I also like to camp and dive, traveling to Baja and Central and Northern California. On occassion, I also like to travel abroad to explore other regions. This is what my Blog is about...sharing my Passion (Obsession) for Diving! Home User Profile Archives Friends My Photo Journal My favorite Beach Diving group My favorite local dive club My favorite Beach Diving group in the Valley ie Malibu My favorite Diving News List Recent Entries - Tour De Laguna Part Deux 'Nudi and Sunflower Heaven' - San Jaun Rocks, Dana Point California - OML Rock-N-Roll/ Vet's Park - Shaw's Cove/ Wood's Cove 'Miller's Reef' x2 - Catalina Island (SCI Substitute) |