California N & S Mag @ Jade Cove?????

[Sam Miller III]

JADE COVE NORTH AND SOUTH MAG?

Jade cove is some what centrally located between northern and southern California between Gorda and Lucia in the Los Padres national forest on highway one. It would be an excellent location for a North-South meeting/camping/dive for the members of this board. Suggested time frame would be early fall after school reconvenes

The name Jade cove is derived from the jade that is found along the shore and underwater and indeed it can be found underwater with a certain amount of diving skill and a little luck.

Do to it's remoteness the only amenities available is camping. Plaskett Creek camp ground is located about a quarter mile north from Jade cove along Hw 1. The campgrounds is a concession of the Parks Management Company and charge $16.00 per night per site or if the group campground is reserved it will accommodate 60 campers for $60.00 a night at last report.

The nearest dive shops are north in Monterey or south in San Luis Obispo.

Sooo how about it?
~~~Any one interested?
~~~~Any one want to organize the event? (not me-- I travel to Baja often)

Or should the idea of a California MAG be forgotten?

 

[Rickster]

Hi Sam,

Great Idea! Lets see the kind of response you get in here, and I might be interested in coordinating this.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[sarita75]

I would be interested in this - not sure how to go ahead and begin the organization. There have been no posts on the NorCal side (where I am) but I will post something. Please keep me in the loop, if one forms.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Hi Sam,

Great Idea! Lets see the kind of response you get in here, and I might be interested in coordinating this.

Thanks,
Rick

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rick,

Hombre You were and still are number one on my list to make this a go!

I will do what ever I can based on my knowlege and experience to assist you and others to unite So and Nor Cal members.

I wrote a rather detailed article which was published in the now defunct "LA Underwater news" on Jade Cove in 1965, which was based on diving Jade cove from 1957 to 1965. Would be happy to share with you and if needed possibly reprinting on this forum--It's a long one!

sdm

 

[Ann Marie]

Sounds like a great idea. Depending on the date we choose; I would be willing to coordinate the Southern end.

Recently, someone mentioned Jade Cove to me and I thought it would be a fun roadtrip.

 

[Peter_C]

Sounds more remote than our dive sites. Does anyone have information on the dive sites like locations, names, etc., other than Jade Cove? Jade Cove does not sound like a site for most folks, as the entry sounds worse than hiking into the Cove at Fort Ross, and they classify it as an intermediate to advanced dive site with strong currents. Packing a scooter down the trail and doubles just does not sound like fun.

This is an excellent website!
Scuba Shore Diving Site Page for: Jade Cove of California Mid, USA West

Location: Off Highway 1, 60 miles south of the Monterey Peninsula, about 2 miles north of Gorda. Look for a sign along the side of the road, “Jade Cove.” A dirt shoulder on the opposite side of the road provides parking.
Access and entry: You must climb a wooden stairway over a barbed wire fence and walk a well defined pathway across an open meadow leading to cliffs overlooking the cove. A trail switchbacks down the steep cliffs. You’ll need your hands to climb down the last few feet of the cliff. Finish by crossing over a slippery, algae-covered boulder field to the sheltered beach of the cove.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.
Depth: 30 feet.
Visibility: 0 to 20 or 30 feet, depending on season and conditions, which can vary from day to day.
Photography: Take something inexpensive. Something you don’t mind breaking.
Hunting: Too far to come just to hunt.
Facilities: None.
Conditions: Best in April, but that’s no guarantee. Diving here is strictly hit or miss.

 

[Sam Miller III]

PETER C..
Yes it is remote and yes there is a long walk and a climb down to the beach. Not for wimps!
But the rewards of finding JADE is ever present.

It is as I envision a MAG where all can meet and put a face to the name, dive if so desired have a pot luck dinner and just have a nice week-end.

Have a better spot in mind?

sdm

 

[Peter_C]

No idea on where else to go, other than Monterey. Jade Cove would be a great dive on a singles tank, but I doubt if most people can handle the hike in and out in a drysuit. From what I have read regarding Jade Cove it leans more towards the advanced side for diving. That will also cut a majority of people out. It does sound like a great dive site and something I would like to try.

We dive in Monterey which is a ways North but could dive Monterey on a Saturday then head South and camp there, diving on Sunday. Returning home in the afternoon. Thanks for the idea I think we might just have to do it!

With comments like these, "Unless you have four feet, you'll be using your hands to help yourself up and down this portion of the trail." You can see in the pictures it is a brutal hike even without tanks for most.

 

[Teamcasa]

I would think a M&G dive would be fun at Monterey Bay or even Point Lobos. Much easier entry, great diving and better still, closer to the hotels. My lovely bride has stated clearly that camping is an activity she only wants to revisit in our family photo albums.

 

[Rickster]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote a rather detailed article which was published in the now defunct "LA Underwater news" on Jade Cove in 1965, which was based on diving Jade cove from 1957 to 1965. Would be happy to share with you and if needed possibly reprinting on this forum--It's a long one!

sdm

Sam, That would be great! I always enjoy reading your articles.

I am researching campsites, so, anyone with any suggestions and/or possiblilities, post here. Anyone in the north wanting to gather people, and anyone in the south wanting to do the same, PM me. We could make this a yearly event! Wouldn't that be cool?

Rick