Long Point, CA
(aka The Old Marineland)

Solo Diving — really solo. No one was around Long Point.

I broke my zipper dressing myself.

Then, I discovered that I forgot my hood.

Thinking this was an omen, I thought about cancelling.

But, true to Ed’s spirit, “Just keep going on…” I went in.

Water was warm.

However, with cold water leaking down my back from my broken zipper and an unprotected head, I felt myself getting cold and started getting “edgy.”

Better safe than sorry, I made it a short trip.

I rode six foot waves coming in.

In with 3300 psi
Out with 2500 psi
Max Depth 25 feet
Waves: 6 feet
Coldest Water: 60 degrees???

There were fires in Orange County that made the air so thick that it was partially blocking the sun.

Ash covered my car when I came back.

Leo Carrillo State Beach, CA

Dove with Instructor Ed and Sergeant Miller

10:30 AM, 75 degree +, High Tide

We purposely waited until 10:30 for high tide.

Cell phone reception sucks at Leo Carrillo

Went into six foot waves with 2600 psi. Ed wanted us to sink to the bottom and swim, but it was too rough and I was using too much air. At 2300 psi I swam out on top of the waves.

Ed with his spear gun.

Ed and Sergeant Miller rest on the surface.

We went out to the far kelp bed because closer was pea soup visibility.

We went 45 feet down, visibility was 15 feet.

I took pictures with Sergeant Miller; Instructor Ed spear fished solo.

I forgot my gloves; it was cold on the thermocline.

I was afraid to touch anything.

Sergeant Miller underwater in crappy viz.

The waves were very tough getting back on shore.

Sergeant Miller was first, ten minutes later came me, six minutes later came Ed.

The lifeguard helped all of us in.

Ed caught two sheephead and another fish – I’m not sure what kind.

I exited the water with 300 psi.