Casino Point, January 15th

[HBDiveGirl]

My fingertips are palpating the karmic threads of potential diving futures in SoCal....and all essential forces are pointing towards Casino Point for Saturday, January 15th.
If the lotus unfolds in an accomodating fashion, I'll be stepping off the Express at Avalon that morning for a great day of Park diving.
Will I see anybody I know there? And the Magic 8 Ball spins........

 

[kelpmermaid]

I am planning on going over with my dive club for our annual "Polar Bear" dive, weather and health permitting.

Are you going over by yourself? If so (and you don't get any better offers , please join us.

 

[drbill]

Now really kelpmermaid- a "polar bear" dive here at Casino Point. Why bottom temps were 59 F a week ago on the Valiant (100'). Nice and toasty IMHO.

Haven't been in since that dive due to weather and video editing, but I've heard rumors that the big yellow ball that usually frequents soCal skies may be out in force then. Sure makes surface intervals more pleasant.

We have had relatively few divers this winter. I think the abundant early snow in the mountains has distracted some divers. I prefer my H2O in liquid form (and closer to room temperature) so I will undoubtedly be there along with a few others who want to dive the Valiant that weekend.

Best fishes,

Dr. Bill

PS- My signature tattered M&B wetsuit was retired for the winter so I'll be unrecognizable in a full wetsuit!

 

[kelpmermaid]

True, Dr. Bill, it's not all that cold, but it's really named after those Jan 1 ocean swim events. I think the one here in Venice is actually a Penguin swim. Anyway, the idea was to get out to test any new equipment received over the holidays. We'll look for you!

 

[HBDiveGirl]

I am planning on going over with my dive club for our annual "Polar Bear" dive, weather and health permitting.

Are you going over by yourself? If so (and you don't get any better offers

, please join us.

Hi Kelpmermaid! And thanks for the encouraging invitation...so far one dive buddy is committed to going and the rain this weekend may cause enough desperation to shake a few more loose for a day of fun. I will definitely look for you there. or on the Express. I haven't check the schedule yet but usually get on a boat around 7:30 or 8:00AM....Once at the Park, I've got this big blue & black theme going: one-piece JMJ suit, SeaQuestBalance BC, Mares fins - all in blue and black. I'm diving a squatty little high pressure 80cf tank. Oh, and the BC says "Claudette" on it.
Any hints? I'll look for you at the park. It will be fun to meet you as I've enjoyed many of your ScubaBoard posts!
Hope you find some kind of fun on this wet, rainy, 1ATM weekend..... ;-)
Claudette

 

[kelpmermaid]

I cheated and checked your profile, and we were born in the same year. Look for a short, blondish woman your age diving dry. I, too, have one of those little tanks, and the exterior has been galvanized.

Mary-Lou

P.S. I think we are on the 8:50 out of San Pedro.

 

[drbill]

Well, since the poor Dive Park has been largely untouched the past two weeks, maybe by this next weekend we will see the bat rays, horn sharks, swell sharks and others that were chased out this fall return. It's interesting to observe the difference between the sandy bottom habitats in the Dive Park and those in adjacent Avalon Bay and Descanso where divers generally aren't allowed.

Look forward to a good weekend of diving... in 7 days.

Dr. Bill

 

[HBDiveGirl]

I cheated and checked your profile, and we were born in the same year. Look for a short, blondish woman your age diving dry. I, too, have one of those little tanks, and the exterior has been galvanized.

Mary-Lou

P.S. I think we are on the 8:50 out of San Pedro.

Excellent work, Mary-Lou! The little tank is the easiest thing to look for...but the dry suit is a great hint, too! I don't know whether my friend wants to go from Long Beach or San Pedro...but if it's SP, I'll look for your group on the boat. Otherwise, I'll find you at the Park.
I'm so looking forward to diving the Park again....good diving and the bonus of so many interesting people to talk with while the tanks refill.
Happy dive-dreaming,
Claudette

 

[drbill]

Hey, if this rain keeps up, the ocean level may rise to the point where it will be a longer crossing so adjust your diving timetables accordingly.

At least NBC forecasts clearing starting Tuesday (but will it last thru the weekend?).

Dr. Bill

 

[HBDiveGirl]

Hey, if this rain keeps up, the ocean level may rise to the point where it will be a longer crossing so adjust your diving timetables accordingly.

At least NBC forecasts clearing starting Tuesday (but will it last thru the weekend?).

Dr. Bill

It's raining soooo hard in Hermosa Beach right now that I think I could gear up, breathe down a tank in the driveway, and log it as an 81 feet above sea level, altitude dive! If only I had a UW camera, I could try to match Divinman's garden safari shots from last night....
Hey, higher sea level means fewer stairs to the water at the Park, yes?? But less non-deco bottom time on the Valiant....always two sides to the clam shell.....
Claudette