There is no better way to start your Independence Day than with two nice dives with good friends.
Here are the vitals:
Pictures at
http://dive.scubadiving.com/members/photogalleries.php?s=5734
Dive One:
Somewhere NEAR the pipeline of the point at Point Loma
Temp on the surface 68
Temp at Depth 51
Max Depth 77 ft
Average Depth 60ft
Visibility up top was 8-10, down deep 25-30ft
Dive time 45 minutes
Dive Two:
Ruby E Wreck
Temp on the surface was a warm 68
Temp at depth a brisk 54
Max Depth 74 ft
Average Depth 65ft
Visibility on Top was 8-10
Visibility on the wreck was 15-20
Dive Time 49 minutes
Jim, Linda, Dinesh and I met up at Dana Landing at 830ish and loaded the boat in the water and the gear in the boat and we were off to see what we could see in the sea. Jim brought along the coordinates to the PIPELINE but once in the area we were unsure if they were correct so we found some kelp and bottom structure with depth gauge and over the side we went. Jim and Dinesh were in team one and Linda and I were in team two. As we dropped down through the murky greenness that is SOCAL Summer ocean color we were captivated by the sunlight streaming through the kelp forest. For those who havent made the trip to dive California Kelp, you really need to do this dive. On a good sun shine day it is truly breathtaking. Down we went as the water got colder and colder and clearer and clearer. As we halted our decent just off the bottom we discovered a mostly bedrock and sandy bottom with scattered boulders rising up and kelp growing skyward from their holdfasts. Giving a quick buddy check and received the OK we headed off to explore. Instantly I was in heaven as everywhere I looked there were nudibranchs of all kinds. On this dive I spotted Hudsons Dorids, Hermissenda Crassicornis, Spanish Shawls, Polycera Tricolor, Doriopsilla albopunctata, Anisodoris Nobilis, and many many Diaulula Sandiegensis in both white and yellow color patterns. I snapped pictures till my finger began to cramp as we moved along the rock piles. I had paused to take some photos of a 3 foot ling cod when I notice Linda waving at me frantically and pointing to the bottom of a coral mound. Moving in close I spotted the object of her excitement. It was a two spotted octopus hiding in a hole that was somewhat too small for it. Even with its legendary collapsible body, he could only squeeze in about half of his body. I took couple pics and then we moved on so as not to upset him to the point of inking himself.
As we moved along our course I noticed that my hands were REALLY feeling cold and my face was prickly. I looked over at Linda and even through the turbid water she looked a little blue and frozen. It was time to head back to the boat for some much needed sunshine warmth. We made a nice slow accent, the water temp at our safety stop was a toasty 67 and we paused to enjoy the schools of fish and one baseball sized Noris Top-snail covered with barnacles munching some kelp.
Soon we were back on the boat and out of the wet neoprene to warm up. Snacks and water were shared and stories of the dive exchanged as we motored to the next sight.
Our next dive was on the Ruby E and having off gassed on the trip over we had a solid 1 hour surface interval. Thawed out and back in the water we went. I was first down the line and at about 30 ft I was surrounded by a large school of striped kelp bass. There were easily 50-75 fish swirling around me but with each exhalation my bubbles spooked them farther off until they vanished in the gloom and I continued down the line to the bow. I drifted down like a skydiver, arms and legs out, face down as the wreck appeared out of the gloom. I smiled at the 20ft of visibility and no surge at all. Adding a burst of air to the bc I stopped just over the bow and surveyed the sight. This is one of my favorite sights to dive and on a good day is truly awesome. The abundance of life and diversity of creatures always makes for an adventure. Jim, Linda and Dinesh joined me and we started our tour. I spotted a beautiful Tritonia Festiva on a red Gorgonian and took a few digital memories to show the folks back home. The secret to finding things great and small is moving slowly and LOOK. Many people watch for things but don't LOOK for things. On this dive I found a Catalina Nudibranch that was so small I couldn't get a picture of it. End to end it was perhaps 3mm long. Too cool. Fish also love this wreck and many perch and greenling call it home, along with bass and ling cod, barracuda are sometimes seen here as well. None this trip but I am always looking. Around and around, up and over, down and under we went till the bottom time was nearing its end and we moved back up the line for our safety stop. Pausing with Dinesh at 35 ft we spotted a purple jellyfish that seem to be everywhere this year. I don't recall a dive in the last 10 that I havent seen at least one. This individual moved along next too us and the temptation was too great for me, unclipping the camera I followed it to snap a few photos of these strange and beautiful creatures.
Having off gassed well, we all clambered back on board and headed back to the dock. Upon arrival it was quite evident that it was 4th of July in San Diego. The bay was covered with silent sailboats and wailing Waverunners. The lifeguards and Coast Guard were out in force to protect and serve and I am sure rescue and save. I am sure they had a very busy day. I have to say, "Thanks Guys"
After lugging the gear back to the truck, we patted backs and shook hands and promised to dive together again real SOON!!
Terry S.
But everyone else was raving about the visibility, too, so I don't think it was just our masks!
