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Post by Robert Berry on May 10, 2010 9:18:32 GMT -5
Santa Cruz - It is probably now open; on the pier, by the boardwalk, there is a platform that was completed last weekend. I was informed divers can enter the water and dive the pier from the platform .... got my interest up (especially with all the sea lions and seals that hang out around the pier and all the photography it provides).
Monterey - Both days we dove the Breakwater.
Thursday vis was about 7 - 10 ft. All Andrew saw was starfish. Being certified at Lake Tahoe, this was Andrews first ocean dive.
Friday vis was 10 - 15 ft. Water temps were 55 degrees F. (I could have dove it in a shorty; but, I wore a 4/3 single piece wetsuit). Lots of sea lions and harbor seals in the area; they are birthing this time of the year. I saw one sea otter.
We snorkeled over past the gate (to conserve air for the dive), along the rocks, and dropped down, and waited. In about a minute about seven sea lions came and put on a spectacular underwater show for Andrew (and Dave and myself)! The show went on for about 15 minutes. Andrew also got to check out a sunstar (multi legged starfish), lots of hermit crabs, a large brown fish, a flounder that was almost a foot long, lots of baby flounders, a small crab, and whats left of the kelp forest after winter storms.
Sat - Andrew had fun at Great America in Santa Clara; though, it was nothing compaired to the diving the previous day.
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Post by Robert Berry on May 16, 2010 21:50:42 GMT -5
View of the ocean from were we go in to dive at the Breakwater at Monterey. Andrew Berry Andrew Berry Andrew Berry Andrew Berry Checking out a large Flounder (which is hard to see because of the color of the sand and cheap film I'm using (Fiji)). Sea Lions putting on a show for Andrew. Sea Lions putting on a show for Andrew. Star Fish Star Fish Starlette keeping an eye on the dive gear. Starlette Berry keeping an eye on the dive gear.
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Post by Robert Berry on May 17, 2010 21:34:16 GMT -5
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Post by Robert Berry on May 18, 2010 5:37:39 GMT -5
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Post by duckbill on May 19, 2010 23:30:56 GMT -5
Looks good, Robert. You guys must have had a swell time! Andrew's first time diving the ocean. Wow! He'll never forget it! Congratulations, Andrew!
I free dived at Santa Cruz once. The vis was terrible! As in non-existent. Santa Cruz has too much direct exposure, and the surf keeps the sand pretty much mixed into the water. Maybe an entry point from the rocks further up the coast would be better. Maybe out toward the end of the pier might be a little better, but I doubt it. Anyhow, sorry the vis at Monterey wasn't better for you. I guess things haven't settled out from recent rain runoff yet. You still got to see alot of the usual neat stuff though, so well worth the trip, especially for Andrew and his proud Dad!
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