Independence Day From Bad Conditions

[MaxBottomtime]

We expected the same poor visibility we've had for more than a month, but were greeted by twenty-five feet vis at Golf Ball Reef today. It's amazing how much more enjoyable diving can be when you can see.
I found a second barrel last week and wanted to move it closer to the other one. When I tried to lift it I learned that it is metal and has sharp edges. I sliced my dry glove, leaving me with a cold hand for the remainder of the first dive.
After changing gloves, Kevin swam to the barrel with me at the beginning of the second dive. Working together we still couldn't budge it more than a few inches. I decided it looks fine just where it is.
There were a lot of octopus, sheepcrabs and nudibranchs out today. Merry found some kelp that was loaded with juvenile navanaxes while I checked out nudi eggs everywhere.

"What do you mean I'm not invited?"

 

[Kevrumbo]

Nice! On my way out to Catalina on Sat and San Clemente On Sun on Diveboat Magician (missed the Catalina Dive & Fireworks at the Queen Mary --those Fourth of July Charters sold out fast this year!).

Not expecting great viz either, but it will be nice to get away from the heat of the Mainland!

 

[Tabascocat]

Excellent pictures. I love nudibranch's and always wanted an aquarium full of them, just don't know how to go about that.....yet

 

[mathauck0814]

We expected the same poor visibility we've had for more than a month,

??!!!??? Brutal... we have had nothing but terrific visibility in your neck of the woods (and ours) this month. Two weekends ago we took Darrel's sabrecat out to the UB88 and could see the whole boat from 140 feet (with probably 50 feet laterally on the wreck). The weekend prior we had 50+ feet on the Hogan and before that more than 50 on the Yukon/El Ray. June was FANTASTIC in SoCal.

 

[FrankPro1]

Incredible captures as usual Phil! Really love the Octo Eye. What kind of eggs are those in shots 8 & 9?

My Independence day was spent working a search and rescue in the park. Oh how dry I am up here in ND. Your and Merry's shots are always a welcome "diffuser" from the days trials and tribulations. Keep'em Coming.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

They are some type of snail, but I can't seem to find it. The sacs I found look as if they are ready to burst. Unless the babies are planktonic it would be great to see them crawl on the rocks and see what they are.
Maybe some day you can get transferred to Sequoia National Park where you could drive down here in half a day.

 

[thez_yo]

Wow, nice! Love all the nudis. My usual site either doesn't have any, or I'm terrible at finding them.