Egmont Dive....Edith TobeIt's 5:15 in the morning. We've just had a millennia of rain, but this morning there is a gentle mist over the valley. By 6:00 we're all loaded up and on our way (or so I imagine each driver is assuming of the other) as our two convoys of six people are heading out to explore Francis Peninsula and Egmont. We hit the highway, and it's sunshine and clear skies all the way!
It's a good idea to aim for the 7:20 Langdale Ferry. That way, if you miss
up Our dive group consisted of Don D., Steve D., Barb and Mike, Gary W. and Edith T. The first dive was at Francis Peninsula. My kind of dive. Park at the top of the road, easy trek down to the shore, and nice straight forward access into the water. AND THEN A BEAUTIFUL WALL DIVE. WOW! Steve and I saw no less than 4 octopus, some more inquisitive than others, but all a fairly good size. Don and Barb saw moonsnails cruising along the bottom and Gary and Mike saw some interesting sculpins. This is definitely a place I will be returning to. Tons to see, easy to navigate, beautiful surroundings; everything to make you feel great to be alive. Yup, it's a tough life. Our next dive was at Egmont. Having never been to Egmont before, Steve suggested that I take the ground tour - it's a good thing I didn't blink. We headed down to the marina and grabbed lunch while Don checked the tide tables and went over the strategy. I won't go over the details but to say the currents are quite interesting in this section. A most excellent reef dive, huge fronds of kelp and a rich variety of fish and marine life abounding every which way you can look. At one point Steve pointed up and I was amazed to find that we were swimming beneath a carpet of minnows (herring?). At another point I was lagging somewhat behind Steve and catching up to him when I was curious to notice that his diving light was beginning a rather nice ascent to the surface. Well, a quick rescue later I was able to shine the light onto Steve to get his attention. I think it got returned later (this time the light securely strapped to his wrist), and we carried on. Two most excellent dives and an absolutely exquisite day to boot. Who could ask for more. Happy diving. Edith.
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