Captain’s Log May 28, 2011 Dive Animals Day 1

Another storm is coming down the coast.  As we left the dock we knew it was going to be a bumpy ride, but to our surprise we were able to sneak  under the coming front and enjoyed a pretty nice ride considering NOAA’s nasty forecast.  We made it to beautiful San Clemente Island just as the sun came up.  The wind was everywhere so we went straight for the garage, a well protected spot that is teaming with life.  Bat rays were everywhere under the boat flying around the kelp like they were weightless.   A few divers went into the shallows and found the abalone hiding under the rocks.  It’s so nice to see them making such a big come back after so many years of depletion.   Schools of kelp bass were watching the divers from behind the kelp stalks.  This dive site has really come to life over the past few years.  It’s amazing.  During lunch we pulled up the anchor and headed off to find another spot for the afternoon.

Block reef was our next stop.  The reef is named for the block shaped rock outcropping out in the middle of 70 feet of sand.  The wind is howling yet that couldn’t stop these active divers from exploring the reef.  The first few divers returned and informed me that the reef actually did look like a block under the kelp forest.  Maybe that’s where it got the name.  Schools of barracuda were patrolling the outskirts of the kelp.    Lobsters were jammed packed in the cracks and crevasses.  I saw a few pictures of giant kelp fish doing their best to camouflage into the kelp.  Everyone enjoyed the dive but now the wind is really getting bad.  As we look around there are only white caps around so back to the safety of the garage for our last dive.

Even though we are back at the same dive site we were in the morning the boat is set up differently so the terrain will change as well as the sea life.    Only half the divers decided to make the last dive of the day.  The wind and swell has a tendency to drain ones energy and with taco night fast approaching who can blame them.  The water is still a warm 60 degrees and visibility is at least 35 feet.  Large Halibut were sleeping under the boat next to the ocean white fish.  The black smith were heading down towards the rocks to sleep.  What a great relaxing way to end the day.  Everyone I talked to had a great day and before dinner their cameras told stories of the day.

Till tomorrow,

Captain Spencer