Captain’s Log May 21, 2011 Aqualung Day 1

After a great crossing heading towards Catalina, we arrived at Bird Rock shortly after sunrise.  Bird Rock is an exposed rock near Two Harbors on the Leeward side of the island that is surrounded by a large kelp forest that is full of life.  We set the boat up on two anchors,  and after a short site briefing, into the blue they went.  There was no current, wind, or surge just perfect diving conditions.  Even from the surface we could see schools of Mackerel coming to the surface to feed as large Pelicans patrolled the skies, waiting for an opportunity to swoop in!  As the divers started to trickle back they saw tons of big Lobsters heading back towards the reef after their midnight stroll as giant Kelp fish were trying their best to blend in to the kelp.  Bat rays were even gracefully flying  through the kelp!  What a perfect way to start the day.  After everyone was out we pulled up the anchors and headed off to our next site.

On our way around the West End of the island we made a quick stop at Indian rock since the water looked pretty  warm and clear.  Upon their return, our divers reported a school of White Sea bass making their way over the sand channels, with Halibut hiding the sand beneath them.  With conditions like this, everyone had a great dive.  During Chef Mark’s Deli Shop lunch we moved around Arrow Point  to see what the conditions looked like around the corner.

We could see the wind starting to pick up so we decided to do one last dive at Parson’s before we headed back to the Lee of the island.  Huge angel sharks were sleeping in 70 feet of water under the boat.  Sea cucumbers were covering the rock outcroppings under the kelp.  The water in the shallows was clear as can be.  Abalones were nestled under the large boulders.  There is so much life all over the island, it was amazing!  The current started to run wild towards the end of the dive turning up the water a bit so we moved on just in time.

For our last dive of the day we moved East to sea fan grotto.  Its deep wall bottoms out at 130 feet.   The wall was a little cloud but still covered in sea fans.  Large sheep crabs scurried around at the base of the wall.  Lobsters were hanging upside down in the caves.  Some divers decided to sit this one out and take the paddle boards out for a spin.  Others kayaked along the cliff side of the island enjoying the nice hot sun.  Over all everyone is having a great time and can’t wait for the great tri tip dinner coming out shortly.

Till tomorrow,

Captain Spencer