3/7/2006 - Marineland Topside

My favorite local beach divesite, Marineland, has an abundance of life below the surface. Topside, it offers lots of fun as well. It will soon be all gone, as the bulldozers are coming to clear the old lot to make way for very expensive timeshares. In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the fun moments I have had there recently.

This map shows where the Main Reef, mini wall, East Reef, Buchanan's Reef and cobble beach are in relationship to the parking lot.

Each weekend there are divers, hikers, dog-walkers, kayakers, whale watchers, fishermen and wedding parties here. Ted and I are acting as the welcoming committee. Merry receives a Max Bottomtime autographed fin. Some of the fake coral that will soon become part of the Redondo Canyon Artificial Reef Monument.

On Sundays, DiveVets.com members hold an informal "Sunday Service" here. Reverand Al and his flock spend the day diving, drinking and sharing stories of past diving and drinking. Whatever I had in my hands seemed to hold the attention of the flock.

Since I don't drink, I must be telling dive stories.

Some days the crowds are limited to just a few friends, such as Elaine anticipating all the nudis below.

Other days, especially during mid-week I can have the place all to myself. It's the peace and serenity I enjoy, especially when the only sounds I hear are the crackle of shrimp and my own bubbles. I love to spend an hour or so with my aquatic friends, but I really look forward to the weekends when I get to share it with my two legged friends.