Mid-trip report--Maui

[DiveMaven]

We've been seeing a lot more whale breachings this year, it's been fabulous! We'll be diving with Ed on Sunday (and every day next week) as well....see you then.

Yesterday (Mele Kalikimaka everyone!) we went to Molokini and did Ene Nue and Reef's End. We saw 3 octopus, a couple of white tips, a huge Frog Fish, and had 2 Grey sharks follow us for most of the dive....almost out of viz, so a bit eerie. Of course we saw all the "regulars" on the reef as well and had 2 relaxing dives.

Today we're heading back to Lanai with Lahaina Divers, so we'll see what that brings with a huge swell coming in last night into today (Jaws is supposed to be 30+ feet!).

 

[RobynJ]

Glad you're having a great time with Ed's crew. Tell them Robyn says hi! Enjoy the rest of your trip. It's cold here in Vancouver.

 

[DiveMaven]

Lanai was pretty good yesterday. Our first dive was at Fish Rock and the algae (or whatever it is) is growing like bushes on a lot of the surfaces. It was very ugly and disappointing to see so much organic growth like that. Viz was down and there was quite a bit of surge, so it was an okay dive, with the best part at the end seeing a gorgeous Titan Scorpionfish. Second dive was at First Cathedral, and much better. We were treated to that tiny yellow frog fish again as well as the large school of Butterfly fish who used us as cover to get to the Sgt Major's eggs! Both dives were over 50 minutes and the crew did a great job of dividing the groups by experience, enabling us to be first off and last on the boat for both dives.

On the way back to Maui, we were treated to seeing TWO baby whales with their moms and escorts, as well as a whale who breached 4x in front of our boat (about 1/2 mile ahead). VERY cool!! We're definitely seeing more whales this year than in previous years, and they're far more active as well.

Today is a day off to move from Kaanapali to Kihei, but tomorrow we're back in the water for 5 more days of diving.

 

[dspphoto]

DiveMaven,

Here's one of you and Lars coming up from the wreck. The rays looked better to my eyes than they showed up on camera but anywhoo:

20091229_maui_0091 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

And the two of you shooting in the tires:

20091229_maui_0087 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[DiveMaven]

That first shot is incredible!! Wow, thanks for sharing!! It was great diving with you guys, its always a treat to dive with photographers who are courteous.

 

[robint]

Can't wait to read your full report and see all your pictures!!!!