Good idea Johnny. With that here is the first part of my trip report:
SoCal MOF’ia Trip, September 8-18, 2006
Arrived a bit late to the hotel on Friday evening. My roommate, Johnny, had left off to go diving with HeadHunter (Christian). Anyway, upon his return we introduced ourselves for the first time in person. It was nice to find he was the guy I thought him to be. Very cool, nice, and normal, hehehhe, sigh of relief. We chatted for a bit then turned in for the night. I guess Christian had completely wore him out*wink*
Saturday was diving in LaJolla and meeting all the SoCal divers, especially Riguerin (long time friend on the board). The entire event was better than I ever thought it would be. SoCal divers are King, in my book. They treated Johnny and I like we were one of their own that had been gone for a little while. It was like a homecoming, if you will.
First thing Johnny and I had a great breakfast with HeadHunter/Christian, HBDiveGirl/Claudette, Mo2Vation/Ken, and CodeMonkey/Wade, while our tanks were being filled. Then we headed back to the beach for our dives. First dive was to Vallecito’s Point; actually both dives were there. I was in a 5/3-w/hood and 3mm gloves. Temperature was 51, yikes. Second dive I did with the hood not tucked in as it was trying to strangle me. We were lucky enough to have great viz and see the following: Thornback Rays, Bat Rays (awesome), Scorpion Fish, White Plumed Sea Anemone, Strawberry Anemones, Spanish Shawl (nudibranch), C-O Sole, funky Sheepshead, loads of Sea Hares, juvenile Giant Sea Bass, Leopard Sharks, and a Decorator Crab (DiverBrasil I need your pic, pretty please
).
About the Decorator Crab, I seen a pile of what I thought was junk and decided to have a look to see if something was hiding underneath. As I went to look under the junk the junk grew legs, stood up, and walked away. Blew me away. Riquerin and DiveKim shared with me all about the crab and the junk basically being his house. Neat stuff. I can’t not mention the Bat Ray! That was the absolute best, for me. I had thought I would be lucky if I saw one but I ended up seeing three. I was even able to hover above one as he ate. As he expelled bits and pieces the fish were right above him to take up the scraps. Very cool to watch.
To end the day Christian suggested a restaurant and with that this crew was off. Dinner was definitely in order by this late hour. Ted, Laurel, Christian, Johnny, and myself enjoyed a great meal. Laurel liked mine so much she wore part of it! That is my story and I am sticking to it, hehehehe. (Someone somewhere has a pic to prove it.)
Riguerin, ScubaLaurel, Ted, HeadHunter, Mo2Vation, HBDiveGirl, DivinMan/Terry, DiveKim (fish id girl like me), DiverBrasil, CodeMonkey, and loads of others made the day fantastic.
*A very special thanks to Riguerin/Rick for setting up so many days of fun. If it weren’t for Rick keeping me on track during the planning phase and setting up so many things none of the experiences in SoCal would have been as good. Loads of hugs to him.
