TRIP REPORT 5-11-09

Today is Mothers day. I used to try to run a one tank lobster dive every Mother’s day, but with no takers, I turned it into a regular trip for one of my groups. The dock is a bustle of activity as every one loads, and makes ready to sail. I stop down at the boat to see them off. Tex gives me a hot cup of John Jack coffee, dam is it good. Preparations made, I watch the boat pull out of the slip, with Captain Rich at the helm. I feel a little sad to see it sail with out me.

The intended destination for the day is the Lillian, 24 miles off shore in 160 Ft. Of water. This is a great wreck that usually has awesome vis. It is like diving in a fish market. You have it all from scallops, to lobster, to fish. I never leave the Lillian empty handed.

The wind was out of the West, causing the waves to increase as the boat headed offshore, so after a short while, they deferred to the Pinta, which is much closer to shore. Once on the Pinta the hook was quickly set, despite the 5 Ft. Waves. The Pinta in a nearly intact wreck in 90 Ft. Of water. It is a nice dive. Below, I have included both a photo of it sailing, and a drawing of it on the bottom, both courtesy of Dan Berg from Aqua Explorers.

Once in the water the divers were greeted by 48 degree water and 15 Ft. Of dark vis. Being mostly intact, it is easy to navigate, even when the vis is not optimal. I have experienced over 60 Ft. Of vis here several times. The pinta has several large cargo holds filled with lumber. Last year one group brought some up ( see photo) it is a very dense kind of wood. The wreck is home to many fish, quite a few good eating Black Fish have come up off this wreck. Mussels abound on this wreck also.

After a good dive, the explorers returned to the surface, where they met 7 Ft. Waves. It was time to go. One of the mates jumped in & set the boat free. Captain Rich lost no time in heading home.

One safely inside the inlet, the seas calmed. Men make plans, god laughs, that’s just the way it goes when you are diving wreck valley !!