Serenity Dive

Wednesday, August 29 2007

Shaw's Cove

Surf:  ankle slappers

Swell:  flat

Surge:  very little

Viz:  10-15'  (Clearer within the Arch)

Temp:  55" Suunto

Max Depth:  36'

Bottom Time:  45"

Picked up my reg from the LDS after being serviced and headed for the beach to do some cooling off for a nice long Serenity Dive.  Got all geared up and ready to go when I noticed my reg was still 'free flowing' quite rapidly.  Made several attempts to stop the free flow, but it just wasn't going to stop.  Since I was already in the water, I decided to make a quick, shallow dive.  My short dive was not disappointing.

The Arch appeared doable, even though it was low tide.  I entered into a Serenity Garden of schooling fish and calm waters.  It was so surreal.  I headed west through the Arch, exploring the walls which continue to be covered with Hopkins Rose as well as  T. Fungina's that were in abundance...one measuring at least 3" in length!  Had an enjoyable time exploring the swim through just past the Arch with noticeably large bugs, Black Croakers, and Blacksmith inhabiting the area.  I exited this area and continued towards South Cresent exploring parts of Shaw's that I normally don't see.  I came across a Moon Sponge that was enormous in size, it's length equaled my height!  I definitely need to explore this area more often.

Heading back through the Arch and heading south, I came across the crevice where two known eels are known to live.  However, I only spotted one eel today.  Being near Turn Around Rock, decided to check out the spot where Shelly of Shaw's once stood.  Ironically, all pieces of her are gone, as well as one piece of the platform in which she stood.  If whoever put her there in the first place, I wonder why they haven't removed the remaining three pieces of concrete???  Even the placque was gone.

On my way back in, I explored more of the inner walls of Shaw's, again, having Serenity.  Some day, I would justl ike to hang on a rock for a period of time and just watch the marine life around me and see how they interact.  As I was exploring the walls, I came across an octopus that appeared to be sleeping, for he didn't even flinch or acknowledge that I was even present.  Ahhh...as much as I wanted to stay in this surreal environment, it was time for me to head for shore, for my air was quickly depleting.  Ugh...  I was still able to manage a 45" dive.  Need I say that my Reg will be going back to the shop tomorrow.

Jan

8:59 PM - 8/29/2007 - post comment