Mermaid
I assumed the map was a sort of "high level" here's the bridge, here's a trench, here's a wreck sort of map like you'd find at a quarry. Something more of a "orientation reference" than a map to read while diving.
Could I follow a top-side map underwater, would really depend on how much time I had to look at the map before going down, I guess. If I can memorize a few key pieces of information such as rough shape of land mass and bridge location, then yes, it would be incredibly helpful for me, even if I didn't have it under water.
I missed the map, too, but I think you probably have a different kind of map in mind - the kind that the aforementioned Force E dive shop (where it looks like I'll be dropping off the *also* aforementioned diopter, unless I hear otherwise, prior to my departure for points north come Saturday morn) has a nice pile of the type map you have in mind at their check-out counter, and is happy to hand out to divers.
One of the fellows on hand there this afternoon was my *second* contact of the day with persons aboard the "Deep Obsessions'" afternoon dive. Who knew how much they can see below the surface in the shallows of the bridge area. . .
At the end of my afternoon dive yesterday, I decided to just let the current float me back to my exit point, much as I have done in the past after completing the dive in the "wall" or "swim-through" area at the channel under the bridge.
This time, rather than doing a little "northward" kicking so as to keep the possibility of sighting something interesting near the pilings on the way back, I decided to just allow the current to drag me back east with a more "southerly" slope. Turns out that it was almost *totally* southerly, with almost *no* easterly component - no, I wasn't monitoring my compass at the time. This caused me to run into a most unique spot that, while sorely tempted, I won't describe.
Anyway, I was far enough from my exit point (relative to my primary air supply) that I elected to *not* photographically document my surprising find. (It was *not* the upside-down wreck which I *thought* the current might run me by - which I have still not run across). I *was*, however, motivated to see if I might find a way to sneak my way over there again, today.
Whilst I did manage to, again, find the spot and start "documenting it" - in spite of all the boat motors that I kept hearing nearby - I was interrupted by my *first* contact with a member of the aforementioned dive boat.
I can't say that I was all that disappointed that it wasn't with my old friend and boat captain, Shaun, but rather with a most beautiful mermaid, who beckoned me to the not-too-distant surface.
I hereby thank her for saving me from my waywardness and for *not* being a particularly well-dressed cop.
I promise to never, ever go there, again.
The attached photo, I hereby cite, was *not* my most unusual sighting at this site.
I'm still pondering whether it was more likely that it was the mommy or the daddy who was a triggerfish. . . (gave up on trying to interject the subjunctive here)
Try as I might, I was unable to loan Jim the use of my camera rig today.
Kevin
