Blue Heron Bridge Trolls III

[MrChen]

I'm looking at getting some afternoon diving myself maybe as early as tomorrow night for some macro photo work. The mornings are preferred, so I can have quality family time, but the high tides are really inconvenient Friday through Sunday, with them landing just a bit before sunrise and the park being officially closed. Part of me thinks about gambling the mornings, but l would hate to get a ticket or worse find my truck being towed on exiting the water.

My understanding is that the beach is closed sunset to sunrise, not the parking lot. The only towing I've seen/heard of is if you park in the boat trailer parking.

 

[MrChen]

I'm typically up and out of there right around sunrise.

Joking aside, I've arrived at the park 1.5 hrs before sunrise before. I've never started a dive that early but have been parked and prepping to dive. I've never had an issue with any of the "locals" nor the authorities. But you do want to watch your stuff and your back.

One time I got in an hour before sunrise, and it was one of those most memorable dives I've ever had at the bridge. I always get to watch the ocean go to sleep, but never wake up. The shift from darkness to shimmering beams of light through the water column was like watching an amazing sunset. The transition of no life to full of life, just put a smile on my face.

Other than waking up way too early, I almost want to do it again, and just lay on my back and watch the sun come up.

 

[Pipehorse]

Here is a link to Phil Foster Park Phil Foster Park

Some salient points:

Area to be fenced off and turbidity barrier


HOURS

• beach and playground: Sunrise-Sunset
• boat ramps: 24-hour Boat Trailer Parking Permit Required ($10 daily permit available onsite)
  • 24-hour ramp access and parking available, boat trailer and tow vehicle parking permitted (24-hour period maximum). Boaters requiring more extended stay periods must utilize alternate parking location.
• fishing pier: Sunrise - 10:00 pm

VAGRANCY
Phil Foster Park is open for public use from sunrise to sunset with the exception of the boat ramps that are open to the public 24-Hours a day. After hours, the only patrons permitted in the park are those launching or retrieving their vessel from the boat ramps. All others in the park after hours will be considered trespassing and subject to enforcement action.

So there is a contradiction, supposedly only launching and retrieving boats is allowed between sunset and sunrise, but yet the fishing pier is open until 10:00 pm. My observation/question on night dives was/is why do I need a permit to scuba dive when all these non-divers non-boater are here after sunset? My feeling is the sheriffs allow some slack because of the fishing pier rule, even people are not fishing.

If you were allowed to be in there overnight the place would be filled with RV's every night.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

So there is a contradiction, supposedly only launching and retrieving boats is allowed between sunset and sunrise, but yet the fishing pier is open until 10:00 pm. My observation/question on night dives was/is why do I need a permit to scuba dive when all these non-divers non-boater are here after sunset? My feeling is the sheriffs allow some slack because of the fishing pier rule, even people are not fishing.

If you were allowed to be in there overnight the place would be filled with RV's every night.

I too have found that the sheriffs/police allow some discretion as long as you aren't causing any problems, appear to be there for a reason (even if that reason is just relaxation and enjoying the outdoors), and aren't there overnight. It's not like there is law enforcement posted at the park constantly, especially early in the morning. They would prefer to be doing other things. As long as you are not being a nuisance, I've had little issues at the bridge including an hour or two before sunrise and after sunset.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Being spring break and the last day before construction prep commences, my guess is that early Sunday morning may be a bit nuts.

Agree 100%

 

[tarponchik]

My understanding is, the rules are not enforced in the early mornings, so we did before the sunrise diving couple times when high tides were too early. We followed the rules, however: blinkers on the tanks and the dive flag, etc.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

My understanding is, the rules are not enforced in the early mornings, so we did before the sunrise diving couple times when high tides were too early. We followed the rules, however: blinkers on the tanks and the dive flag, etc.

All the cops are getting their donuts in the morning. No offence to law enforcement intended!

Early mornings at the bridge tend to be nice and quiet except for a few early morning divers (when the high tide is right), swimmers, and kayaker/boarders. When I have seen the sheriffs/police, they are just doing a drive through check for clear nefarious individuals/activity.

 

[MrChen]

Here's a video of Jeff Nelson detailing the walk across the street.

 

[tarponchik]

Here's a video of Jeff Nelson detailing the walk across the street.

Thanks. Could be easier to park near 7/11 and walk with the gear on from there. I am also curious, who owns the lot right next to the bridge on the SE? I's been empty for like forever.

 

[Jcp2]

I sense a business opportunity with a dive valet with a beach wagon for tanks that will watch your stuff while you are diving.