Went for a quick dip at Back Beach in Rockport yesterday. The beach was quiet with no other divers there (about 12:30). Nice day, a bit overcast to begin with but the sun cam e out later on for a really lovely Winter dive. Entered on the left side of the bay down the concrete ramp into a high tide. Visibility was good (about 15 ft) and the ocean was flat and calm. Got up close and personal with a rather torpid Sea Raven on the swim out, realizing as I got close that the reason he did not react to my approach was that he was missing his right eye. When I swam around the other side he looked rather surprised to see me 
Passed a large moon snail that was quite active (for a moon snail!) given the temperature (40 degrees). On the swim back in (over the rocks on the left hand side of the bay) I was joined by a playful and curious Harbor Seal who swam with me for a good 10 minutes circling me and then darting in close for a quick look with his inquisitive face and large, dark eyes. This is a first for me. I have swum with seals before but in all the years diving Back Beach I have never seen them here.
Passed another large red Sea Raven on the way back in and exited the water after a 58 minute dive. Nice dive and the sun broke through as I was getting dressed watching the seal pop his head up from time to time in the bay! Life is good.
Passed a large moon snail that was quite active (for a moon snail!) given the temperature (40 degrees). On the swim back in (over the rocks on the left hand side of the bay) I was joined by a playful and curious Harbor Seal who swam with me for a good 10 minutes circling me and then darting in close for a quick look with his inquisitive face and large, dark eyes. This is a first for me. I have swum with seals before but in all the years diving Back Beach I have never seen them here.
Passed another large red Sea Raven on the way back in and exited the water after a 58 minute dive. Nice dive and the sun broke through as I was getting dressed watching the seal pop his head up from time to time in the bay! Life is good.
