Thunder Dive...but not Thunder Struck Dive Report

Sunday, August 26th 2007

Diver's Cove, Laguna Beach

Buddies:  Kathi and Steve S.

Surf:  Ankle slappers

Swell:  Glassy with an occassional lull

Surge:  None that I can recall

Viz:  10-15' on outer reef

Temp:  68" declining rapidly at depth to a CHILLY 55" Suunto 

(what happened to our tropical temps from the other day?)

Max Depth:  44'

Bottom Time:  64'

Pulled myself out of bed in the wee hours to make it down to Laguna by 7am to meet up with Kathi and Steve.  Since we have been having Tropiocal Like conditions, decided not to wear my hooded vest and opted for 2mm gloves.  Got geared up and made our way down to the water.  On entering, Oooooooooh...the water seemed a tad colder than Thursday night.  We dropped down in the shallows to a whopping 68 degrees and declining as we took our 240' heading.  At depth, we hit a bone chilling 55 degrees!

Steve took Kathi and I for a nice stroll past the main reef in search of a possible outer reef in which we never did find.  I got us back to the main reef in which we had some fun exploring all of the fissures.  Mild to moderate surge kicked up in the shallower parts of the fissures, but for the most part, they were doable.  Steve spotted a couple of sheep crab doing the 'Tango' where I spotted another with turquoise markings; numerous Giant Bat Rays were out and about hidden in the sand and gliding freely as we crossed paths; also spotted a school of Sargo up above the reef, my first in seeing these fish schooling together.

Due to chilling temps, we headed back at 60' popping up in 4' of water...giving the lifeguard on duty the 'OK' sign.  Exited to the sound of rolling Thunder.  Looking back out to sea, we could see that a storm was brewing with electrifying bolts of lightning and louds claps of thunder overhead.  The clouds looked as if they were forming a 'reverse' funnel up to the heavens above.  Very odd indeed!  Lots of spectators watching, in addition to a multitude of 'student' divers that encompassed Diver's Cove this morning.

Even though it was bone chilling, we had a great dive once again!  Thanks Kathi and Steve!  Followed up my dive with a quick stop at the local Starbucks.

Jan

1:27 PM - 8/26/2007 - post comment