Phil and I have had pretty fair success squeaking in a dive the day before a storm. So on Sat., we rounded up Kevin Lee and headed two miles offshore for a drift dive.

Phil's favored method is to hang off a lift bag, which allows the diver to drift at the same rate as the gelatinous animals. We let out as much or as little line according to the depth of the subjects, then get neutral so there's no tugging on the line. It's very peaceful and almost magical as the animals pulse beside the diver and/or move vertically in the water column.

Kevin and I jumped into the current line in flat seas and no wind, so the boat didn't move very far from us. We stayed within sight of each other throughout most of the dive.

Jellies were surprisingly sparce, and the water was filled with long strings of yellow, slimy schmutz. However, vis was 30'+ below the debris. Debris clung to the critters and made photography challenging.

Kevin approaching the boat. A beautiful day!

• Re: Drifting before the storm. Chuck Tribolet 20:54:45 03/27/12 (1)
  • Scientific blue water diving Merry 21:18:49 03/27/12 (0)