Sunday AM

4/27/08

 

San Jaun Rocks, Dana Point

 

Tide:  Low

Surf:  0-3'

Swell:  Minimal

Surge:  Minimal

Temp:  54' Suunto

Max Depth:  30'

Viz:  10-15'

BT:  65'

 

Buddies:  John and Hayden

 

We broke tradition today and dove a spot that we hadn't dove before.  Since we were camping at nearby San Clemente State Beach, we decided to explore unchattered territory.  San Clemente State Beach was out due to the kelp beds were too far off shore as was San Clemente's very own 'Seal Rock.'  We phoned the LDS in Dana Point to inquire about 'local diving.'  Unfortuanately, they weren't helpful at all stating 'We dive in Laguna!'  Scratching my head here, you would *think* that one working in a LDS would know the area.  Thankfully, I had my *Trustworthy* Franko map for Orange County.  At the verrrrrrrrry bottom of the map, there were a couple sites stated for Dana Point.   San Jaun Rocks and Hole in the Fence.  Based upon Franko's description and an email from Dr. Sam Miller, we hit San Jaun Rocks.

 

We found easy parking at the Marine Institute.  Got geared up and made our way down the sandy access road behind the institute.  Friendly concrete stairs greeted us, allowing easy access to the beach.

 

Access to the water is much like that of Wood's Cove/ Moss Point.  Very rocky.  We were able to find a sandy access point and made into the water without difficulty.  Perhaps during high tide, it may be more of an issue, due to the shallowness of the cove.  I walked out quite a distance before donning my fins.

 

Initially, our plan was to kick out to the 'main' rock but we decided to drop down early and explore the inner reef structures.  We weren't disappointed.  Imeediately, John spotted a HUGE Abalone.  One of the largest Abolones that I have seen from shore and almost if not equal to the Abalones that inhibit the backside of Sea Fan Grotto at Catalina.  Bugs were everywhere (but of course!), Spanish Shawl's, Siphon Clams dotted the reef as did Puprple Sea Urchins, tunicates were sprouting here and there, a very large Red Sea Hare that was almost mistaken to be a Giant Black Sea Hare, a skittish Round Ray, and a fiesty Sheep Crab with turquoise claws, not to mention a very shy Octopus.

 

I think the highlight of the dive was when a bug took off as we were passiving over it and attached itself to John just below the waist.  He didn't even realise the bug was taking a ride until he knocked it with his glove and it shot off like a cannon!  I had a good uncontrollable laugh through my reg.  John of course was puzzled as to why I was laughing.

 

Due to temps, we turned around and headed to shore.  John and Hayden exited without incident, as well as I..however, the surf doesn't like me for some reason so it took about three to four ducks under waves before I was finally able to walk out.

 

Thank you Dr. Sam Miller and Franko for sharing your diving knowledge!!!

 

Hopefully, I will be breaking more traditions on a more regular basis.

 

Jan