Monterey Pics 11-14-09

[Larry C]

Two dives, first one was Outer Chase Reef off of Pacific Grove, second one was Shale Island, off of Del Monte Beach.

The Sea Nettles are still there

Cadlina Leuteomarginata

A Rock Crab and a bunch of Sea Stars make a meal of a young Mola that's been turned into a frisbee by Sea Lions.

My wife waved her light at this Fringehead for two minutes before it retreated into it's hole and I spotted the change of scenery. Those are Strawberry Anemones around it, and looking at it's fringe I thought it was just another one. The little Anemones are about half the size of a dime.

Here's a better view

And here's a different one who lives around the corner

These big ugly crabs are just not photogenic, no matter the background. Most of the time they blend so well you can't even tell that they're in the picture

 

[AndyT]

Nice pics Larry !

 

[parabolic]

Wonderful set Larry. Nice hair on that fringehead . There's something really sad about that mola/sea lion thing. Evolution needs to take care of that . Good to see you back in the water!

 

[kwest]

Thanks for sharing - great photos!

(((kevin)))

 

[Coll]

Great as always Larry! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who can't get those crab shots!

 

[Larry C]

Thanks Andy, Ken, Kevin & Coll.

 

[Maddog59]

What is the water Temp over there at the moment! did a couple of dives off Monterey about ten years ago and it was about 6-8 degrees C and the water was putrid dirty! No dry suit then! OUCH!

Great shots by the way!

 

[Larry C]

What is the water Temp over there at the moment! did a couple of dives off Monterey about ten years ago and it was about 6-8 degrees C and the water was putrid dirty! No dry suit then! OUCH!

Great shots by the way!

Thanks Maddog. Temps right now are a typical 52f (11c). Temps can vary from about 46f-55f, but usually are about 50-52f. Usually, the water warms up some in winter and is coolest in late spring and summer due to upwellings from the nearby Monterey Canyon. Depths reach almost 12,000 ft., and when the wind blows offshore in spring it comes to the surface bringing all kinds of cool stuff with it, like deep water Siphonophores. For anyone who dives a lot here, a dry suit is pretty standard.
The upwellings also bring lots of nutrients that make the water soupy and green. Best vis is midwinter between storms usually.