conch wall dive report, SAT 9/29/12, pics,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[reefman]

timg and i joined bob and his wife lisa on their vessel for a double dip on conch wall. it's been awhile for me, forgot how great this deep reef tract is! both dives on the middle deep buoy(just south of the aquarius reef base): sunshine, 1FT seas. 1st; blue water, light reverse current, viz 60-80FT, water temp 84F @ 50-105FT. 2nd; zero current, blue water, viz 60-70FT, 84F@ 50-98FT. as lush/vibrant a deep reef environment as iv'e observed in the keys; gorgonians, soft/hard corals etc, dense even below 60FT. turtles, eagle rays, eels, abundant tropicals. 1st three photos @ 75-95FT. heres a sample of today from timg,,,,,,,,,,,


reefman
key largo

 

[JesperS]

 

[deeper thoughts]

The reef slope reminds me a little of the Caymans

 

[Rescue Diver68]

I don't remember seeing so many hamlets on Conch Wall. Photo#4? Is that a Hamlet too? New color for me!

Nice pics- as usual.....:cool2:

 

[sportxlh]

One of my favorite dives: did it twice earlier in the month. thanks for sharing the pictures!

 

[reefman]

I don't remember seeing so many hamlets on Conch Wall. Photo#4? Is that a Hamlet too? New color for me!

Nice pics- as usual.....:cool2:

photo # 4 is a tan hamlet, not very common on our dives and usually observed by us beyond 50FT. hamlets were numerous on the dropoff @ conch yesterday especially around the abundant deep sea fans(65-100FT),,,,,,,,,


reefman
key largo

 

[timg]

I don't remember seeing so many hamlets on Conch Wall. Photo#4? Is that a Hamlet too? New color for me!

Nice pics- as usual.....:cool2:

Thanks RD68. Yes tan hamlet, unusual around here. First time I have seen one. Reefman found it.

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One of my favorite dives: did it twice earlier in the month. thanks for sharing the pictures!

Thanks sportxlh. I had not been there in a while, it's a great spot!

 

[MG11]

Excellent pictures!! That was my favorite spot even though I didn't go that deep.

Mike

 

[CajunDiva]

You guys are just making me green with envy :alien:

Don't you need a friendly volunteer to help haul all that camera gear of yours ??? I may talk a little too much, but I AM friendly

'Diva

 

[deeper thoughts]

Excellent pictures!! That was my favorite spot even though I didn't go that deep.

Mike

Just got the coordinates to Crocker valley. In about 40-45 feet to start. Looks good for this week maybe. Havent done this in about 10 years