1/21/2006 - New Dive Buddy! Whoo Hoo!

After watching the large surf last weekend it was good to finally get to show Marineland from underwater to Blowin Bubbles(Hilary). The surf was up a little, but manageable. Vis was not great, but we just wanted to get in a dive, no matter what. I found two octopus right away, including the largest one I've seen in a long time. Hilary, being the Marinleland Rookie, had beginner's luck. She found two Hopkin's Rose nudibranchs next to each other. I don't find them on every dive there, so they are always a treat.This particular pair was quite small. Hilary is a great spotter.

We cut the dive short due to a small weighting issue and Hilary got to experience her first surface swim from the point and rough surf exit wearing a tall, heavy steel 120 that decided the surf is a pefect place to come loose from her BC. It was interesting, but nobody had to call 911. There were some people on the rocks who took our fins for us and asked several times if we were OK. Before the dive, we watched two other divers crawl out on the rocks in the same spot. I told Hilary that is not the way to exit here. An hour later we were rolling around there as well. It was still fun. We got to see a large Sheepcrab, two octopus a few other nudis and gain a little more experience. I had a great time diving with her. Tomorrow, I get to show her what I really love to dive...wrecks! That should be better. No waves, rocks or hills to climb.