4/1/2006 - Grunion Run

Last night was the first Grunion Run of the year. These strange little fish arrive by the thousands each year by riding the waves up to the high tide mark. The females wriggle their bodies tail first into the mud and lay eggs. The males surround the females and deposit their milt around her. She then "swims" up and out of the hole. The fish then flop back toward the water, where the next wave takes them back out. Until midnight, the season was open for taking them by hand. It's fun to watch kids with pails try to grab the slimy fish. Most get away. One of my friends from DiveVets, Shanon gave an off-color commentary during the mating frenzy. She was the star of the show.

Shanon, also known as Divin' Smurf.

Drysuit Greg, Divin' Smurf, Max Bottomtime and Sister Merry

Greg and Shanon demonstrating the Grunion mating dance