No, not that one... this is a family board!
I'm referring to finally making my first dives on the North American mainland since 1969, 37 years ago! I decided I was long overdue to break this drought and had wanted to dive the San Diego region for several years. #1 dive buddy Andrea and I drove down to La Jolla Shores to join the monthly Wrinkles' dive there. We were not disappointed (well, in some ways... read on).
First, the comraderie of so many ScubaBoard members was fantastic. My only "complaint" is that all the socializing during the surface intervals greatly reduces the time underwater. However, it is hard to resist!
We did two dives that day. The first to the north wall, which we found easily thanks to directions from Peter and Christian. Now I must admit that this "wall" was not what I had imagined after diving real walls in Belize and SE Asia. Heck, even the "wall" in the Casino Point dive park is more spectacular. Enough of the whining.
Second dive was the south wall. Terry (Divinman) and Jackie guided Andrea and I to the site. Andrea only had half a tank (out of her 4300 psi composite 80) for the dive so we stayed above 80 ft. Although this "wall" was similar to that of the north side, we enjoyed the dive.
The most spectacular thing is that I captured THIRTEEN "new" species on film in just two dives. That is an incredible yield (especially since I've been diving 45 years and filming for five). The highlight was undoubtedly the mating swimming crabs (Portunus xantusii). The much smaller female and much larger male (cradle robber) remained in "congress" throughout my filming.
Andrea and I are already interested in returning to the San Diego area to dive more sites at the Shores, as well as the Cove and other suggested sites.
The following day we tried to dive Shaw's in Laguna Beach. The five-six foot breakers on Main Beach should have been a warning. Shaw's had much smaller surf and we were able to enter uneventfully. However when we descended the vis was 1-3 ft. Now I remember why I never did another mainland dive after my experience in Laguna back in 1969!
Thanks to all who offered advice at LJS. Good to see so many folks there. Another great job by Christian and Ted. Next time Andrea and I will bring a contribution to the meal... I felt a bit guilty eating a burger and donut without having contributed. We had brought our own food, but didn't cook it until dinner time once we got back to her house.
I'm referring to finally making my first dives on the North American mainland since 1969, 37 years ago! I decided I was long overdue to break this drought and had wanted to dive the San Diego region for several years. #1 dive buddy Andrea and I drove down to La Jolla Shores to join the monthly Wrinkles' dive there. We were not disappointed (well, in some ways... read on).
First, the comraderie of so many ScubaBoard members was fantastic. My only "complaint" is that all the socializing during the surface intervals greatly reduces the time underwater. However, it is hard to resist!
We did two dives that day. The first to the north wall, which we found easily thanks to directions from Peter and Christian. Now I must admit that this "wall" was not what I had imagined after diving real walls in Belize and SE Asia. Heck, even the "wall" in the Casino Point dive park is more spectacular. Enough of the whining.
Second dive was the south wall. Terry (Divinman) and Jackie guided Andrea and I to the site. Andrea only had half a tank (out of her 4300 psi composite 80) for the dive so we stayed above 80 ft. Although this "wall" was similar to that of the north side, we enjoyed the dive.
The most spectacular thing is that I captured THIRTEEN "new" species on film in just two dives. That is an incredible yield (especially since I've been diving 45 years and filming for five). The highlight was undoubtedly the mating swimming crabs (Portunus xantusii). The much smaller female and much larger male (cradle robber) remained in "congress" throughout my filming.
Andrea and I are already interested in returning to the San Diego area to dive more sites at the Shores, as well as the Cove and other suggested sites.
The following day we tried to dive Shaw's in Laguna Beach. The five-six foot breakers on Main Beach should have been a warning. Shaw's had much smaller surf and we were able to enter uneventfully. However when we descended the vis was 1-3 ft. Now I remember why I never did another mainland dive after my experience in Laguna back in 1969!
Thanks to all who offered advice at LJS. Good to see so many folks there. Another great job by Christian and Ted. Next time Andrea and I will bring a contribution to the meal... I felt a bit guilty eating a burger and donut without having contributed. We had brought our own food, but didn't cook it until dinner time once we got back to her house.
