Dive 62 - Indian Rock - Catalina Island, CA

We were a little sad when we heard they were staying at Indian Rock for dive 2, but hey, it happens.  Oh wow, we were so glad they stayed.  With our first dive experience we approached this dive totally different.  I left my camcorder on the boat, and we embraced the kelp.  We clawed our way through the thick kelp until we got to the rock and began exploring every tiny pocket we could find.

There were times we had to approach from over head because of the kelp but we found some great little creatures.

To add to the madness, as we got to the rock the surge kicked up.  At one point when looking at some shrimp, the surge pushed me into a crevice where I disturbed a Moray Eel.   I started to check him out and quickly realized he was ready to attack me, as he thought I was a threat.  I felt like explaining to him that I was a vegetarian, but I'm not sure if that would have helped.  I've heard enough stories of fingers lost to those strong jawed creatures.

LEARN: did you know that Eels have 2 sets of jaws.  When they bite down, basically another set of jaws comes out of their throat and bites down again.  CRAZY!

Shortly after that, we came to the highlight of the day.  2 Octopi hanging out together.  They were shy, but not totally reclusive.  One of them even sucked on Jenni's bare hand!

LEARN: When you're diving with an Octopus, if you want to touch it you must take off your gloves.  The texture of gloves can rub off some of their natural coating leaving the Octopi more prone to infection.

This was a magical dive!

·      Time In:                                   12:58

·      Bottom Time:                            00:35

·      Depth:                                      33ft

·      Buddy:                                     Jenni Wilson-Cooper

·      Visibility:                                  10-15 ft

·      Temperature:                            59º