Dive #378 - Getting back in touch with my inner reef...

Date: September 24, 2008
Time: 6:20
Location: Shaw's Cove
Depth (feet): 41
Dive Time (minutes): 83
Surf (feet): 1-2
Surge (feet): 1-3
Water Temp (fahrenheit): 63
Visibility (feet): 15
Visibility Description: a little murky - but mostly clear
Notes and Highlights: Dove with Steve - first dive in nearly 2 full months...felt awesome to get back under. Easily negotiated, minor surf at just before high tide, and a quick swim out to the drop...some surface chop. Dropped into 20 feet of water and nearly that in visibility - by far the best conditions I've seen in months (even the months I was diving more). Got into the main crevice passageway and there was more surge than I expected with the dive reports and high tide...but it was better than it has been so we pushed forward. Octopi, a small moray eel, and several schools of fish were found in the cracks along the passageway. On the crescent side more schools of fish and pretty smooth conditions were enjoyed as we moved along the reef until we turned back into the interior of the reef...going through the "window" swim-through and dropping into the very inner passageway that is lined with smooth rocks. Coming back out through to the middle area, we slid under an overhang and through another tight side passageway that leads back out onto the Shaw's Cove side. I really enjoy the interior "tour" of the reef, and that it was possible on my welcome back dive just made it more enjoyable.

We spent another 50 minutes on the outside of the reef - Turn Around rock, Shelly, and then into the cut on the side of Turn Around...poking our heads in several of the smaller caves and a swim-through inside of the middle reef. Back through the cut to Turn Around, and then a leisurely swim back over the sand. In about 15 of water on the way back we found a very juvenile bat ray...about 8-9" wingspan...very reminiscent of this one if you'll forgive the shameless trip down memory lane. The bat ray was very calm, and was around for a few minutes...even apparently eating a couple of times. A small halibut, an even smaller sanddab, a co-located pair of rays rounded out the rest of the dive, and a good time was had by all.