August 8, 2008 Night Dives - Twin Caves & Makaha Caverns

On Friday, August 8, 2008, I dove with Jennifer (divemaster) from Ocean Concepts and Dean Leach. We did two night dives, Twin Caves, a 95 foot deep dive on a deep coral reef and Makaha Caverns, a 50 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef with lava tubes and swim throughs.

Sunset from the boat.

The sunset as we were grearing up for the first dive was spectacular! I dove with Dean. We both had cameras as did most of the other divers. There were 6 divers and two "guides", so they paired up all the divers and the two guides each took a group.

Our group was the first in this time, and Dean and I were the first in the water. We got in just at dusk and headed down the mooring line to the bottom. As we were nearing the bottom, there was a 5 foot long Whitetip Reef Shark circling around right underneath us. It quickly hid back in one of the caves, though, so I did not get a photo. The current was pretty strong as we descended. We swam around the edge of the reef looking in the caves at fish, moray eels and other critters. It was very difficult to hold still long enough to get a photo of anything. I snapped several photos but none of them turned out.

2 Speckled Scorpionfish & Sculptured Slipper Lobster - see the eyes?

We came up to the top of the reef to see what was happening up there and immediately came upon a Sculptured Slipper Lobster. It was the only thing I managed to get a somewhat decent photo of. The current at the top was raging by this point. It took nearly full effort with the fins just to hold position. One gal, Susan, had a bad knee and needed Jenn's help pushing her just to get to the mooring line.

With all that effort, we burned through the remaining air really quickly and had to ascend. During my safety stop, while I was hanging on the line like a flag in the breeze, I turned my light off. There was plenty of light from the boat's lights. There was a lot of phosphorescence (little tiny creatures that glow whenever they are disturbed) in the water and any time one would hit me or the mooring line or someone else, they would glow, so it looked like fireflies all around us. Really cool.

After dinner, we got ready for the second dive. I giant strided in and dropped down to the bottom. There was essentially no current. This was just a big group thing with all of us discovering stuff and pointing it out to everyone so we could all see and get photos. We only moved about 100 feet during the entire dive.

Lots of octopus and scorpionfish of various varieties. Also, several crabs and Banded Coral Shrimp. We saw one Harlequin Shrimp, but it was hiding under a ledge and was difficult to photograph.

Hawaiian Starry Octopus

Banded Coral Shrimp

Day Octopus

Hawaiian Green Lionfish & Bloody Hermit Crab

Decoy Scorpionfish

Red Pencil Urchin

Ornate Octopus

Everyone was really excited about the dive afterwards and we spent the whole ride back talking about it. As we were pulling into the slip at the dock, someone had left a mooring line in the water and in the dark, the captain could not see it and it fouled the propeller. So when he switched it into reverse, to stop our forward movement, the engine died and we hit the rocks with the bow of the boat. We were going slow and the rocks are fairly smooth so there was no damage, but Jen had to suit back up and go clear the line from the prop. Pretty exciting end to the dive trip.

Night Diving

Last night I went on two night dives. I will post more later, but here is a preview:

Sunset from the boat as we were gearing up for the first dive.

2 Speckled Scorpionfish & Sculptured Slipper Lobster - see the eyes?

Hawaiian Starry Octopus

Banded Coral Shrimp

Day Octopus

Hawaiian Green Lionfish & Bloody Hermit Crab

Decoy Scorpionfish

Red Pencil Urchin

Ornate Octopus

Handing Out Flat Tires

Saturday afternoon I was trying to start Cydney's old Jeep and had to charge the dead battery before I could make the attempt (futile attempt, by the way). I put the jumper cables on the pickup and the jeep and left the pickup running while I was mowing the back lawn. So that the pickup didn't drive away on its own though, I locked the doors.

When I came back to finish the charging process and attempt to start the jeep, I used my other set of keys to unlock the pickup and then put them down on the back bumper of the Trailblazer. Have you ever done something and had a little voice whisper to you that it was not a good idea? Not something bad, just not good. Well I knew as I placed the keys there that I shouldn't, but. . .

Later that night, Rebecca ran an errand and took the Trailblazer. The next morning, I remembered setting the keys on the bumper and went looking for them. Of course they were gone! Lauri and I went to trace Rebecca's steps to see if we could find them, and sure enough, there they were in the middle of the State Street - 1600 North intersection.


We don't have to worry about someone finding them and doing anything bad with them, but some folks probably are fixing their tires now!!!

July 12, 2008 Dives - Mahi & Makaha Caverns

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, I dove with Jennifer (divemaster) from Ocean Concepts. We did two dives, the Mahi, a 95 foot deep dive on a ship that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and Makaha Caverns, a 50 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef with lava tubes and swim throughs.

Lauri went along on the boat just for the ride and to get some photos of me. It was great to have her there. The Captain had a really tough time maneuvering the boat at the mooring lines and we ended up on the line amidships. I dove with Jennifer, the divemaster for our group. There were two of us with cameras. There were 14 divers and two "guides", so they paired up all the divers and the two guides each took a group.

Our group was the first in this time, and I was the first in the water. Headed down the mooring line to the wreck. We swam around the wreck near the bottom and then started up over the deck. Since I was in the lead with Jennifer, I got some really good photo opportunities. I got a couple of good shots of a Yellowmargined Moray Eel, three different Leaf Scorpionfish (one was a surprise in another photo), soft Snowflake Coral, and the flag on the mast as I ascended.

I was much more conscious of my air usage and breathing and went through the tank of air at a much slower pace again. There were only four divers left when I had to leave and ascend.

Headed back up the line at the end of the dive and did a safety stop. As soon as I grabbed the mooring line, I was "attacked" by a school of Milletseed Butterflyfish. They pecked my hands, my arms, and my legs. It was pretty funny. I got a couple of photos of them.

After lunch, we got ready for the second dive. I giant strided in and dropped down to the bottom. When the group was all assembled, Jenn led the group on a "tour" of the caverns. Right where we assembled was a Yellowmargined Moray Eel in a little depression. Swam past a Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star in the first little lava tube. Went through several swim throughs and little slot valleys. Took lots of photos. Saw several Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, but no sharks.

Right near the end of the tour, Jenn spotted a Hawaiian Lionfish under a piece of coral. I got several really good photos after everyone took a peek at it. We all split up into buddy groups. Jenn and I and Jessica found a little hole, and Jenn spotted something inside. It turned out to be a Day Octopus and three tiny juvenile Hawaiian Lionfish. I got a pretty good photo that includes the Octopus and two of the Lionfish.

On both dives today, I did a better job of air-management. Ascended without a safety stop again since I was still just a little underweighted even with 17 pounds, but was better. I think 18 pounds may be the ticket until I lose some weight. This was the first time diving with my new regulator it works great! Now I just need a BCD.

June 14, 2008 Dives - Mahi & Makaha Caverns

On Saturday, June 14, 2008, I dove with John (divemaster) from Ocean Concepts, and Dale Cephers. We did two dives, the Mahi, a 95 foot deep dive on a ship that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and Makaha Caverns, a 50 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef with lava tubes and swim throughs.

Dove with Dale Cephers in John's group. I was the only one in our group with a camera. There were 14 divers and two "guides", so they paired up all the divers and the two guides each took a group. Our group was the second in once again, and Dale and I were the last of our group to giant stride in. Headed down the mooring line to the wreck. We just kind-of followed the group around the wreck near the bottom. As I got down, there was a sea snake ducking under some wreckage near the wreck, but I could not get a look at it. After swimming around the wreck at depth, we swam on up to the deck level at about 70-75 feet and hung out there.

I took a few photos of various fish and urchins and things and then we noticed four spotted eagle rays flying in formation off the port side. I got a couple of good shots of them as well.

I was much more conscious of my air usage and breathing and went through the tank of air at a much slower pace. In fact I was one of the last to have to leave and ascend.

Headed back up the line at the end of the dive and did a safety stop.

For the second dive, Dale and I giant strided in and dropped down to the bottom. John led the group on a "tour" of the caverns. Went through several swim throughs and little slot valleys. Took lots of photos. Saw two Whitetip Reef Sharks, but only managed one photo. It was resting in the first cavern and we all spread out at the entrance while John shown a light on it. It got agitated and began swimming in a figure eight pattern coming closer and closer until it bolted over our heads and swam away.

After the tour, we all split up into buddy groups. Dale and I swam out along a little wall and got more photos.

Got photos of some Threadfin Butterflyfish, lots of Humuhumu-nukunuku-apua'a, a Rough-Spined Urchin, and a Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star.

Dale was a little low on air again so we ended the dive even though I had plenty of air left. On both dives today, I did a better job of air-management. Ascended without a safety stop again since I was still just a little underweighted even with 16 pounds and hauled out.

May 17, 2008 Dives - Mahi & Makaha Caverns

On Saturday, May 17, 2008, I dove with Shawn McElravy (divemaster) from Ocean Concepts, and Ryan Cox. We did two dives, the Mahi, a 95 foot deep dive on a ship that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and Makaha Caverns, a 50 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef with lava tubes and swim throughs.

Dove with Ryan in Shawn's group. We were the only two with cameras. There were 12 divers and two "guides", so they paired up all the divers and the two guides each took a group. Our group was the second in and Ryan and I were the first of our group to giant stride in. Headed down the mooring line to the wreck. Ryan, Shawn and I hung out until everyone else showed up. Took some photos, and tried not to burn through too much air.

Made one lap around the wreck taking photos. Got a nice photo of a Scrawled or Broomtail Filefish and some photos of a juvenile Leaf Scorpionfish. Also got a photo of Wire Coral and an Imperial Slug.

Headed back up the line at the end of the dive. I was a little low on air again so Shawn sent me up with another diver who was also low.

For the second dive, Ryan and I giant strided in and dropped down to the bottom. Shawn led the group on a "tour" of the caverns. Went through several swim throughs and little slot valleys. Took lots of photos. Lots of turtles - got some really good photos, especially of one small turtle that was being cleaned be a swarm of Ringtail Surgeonfish.

Got a good photo of a Triton's Trumpet, a Tiger Flatworm, and a Fourspot Butterflyfish.

I discovered the how to use the macro function on this dive and it really helps!!

I was a little low on air again so Shawn sent me up with another diver who was also low. Ascended without a safety stop and hauled out.

I like this operator better than all the others I have dived with in Hawaii so far. They are just much more professional in their approach. They conducted a good safety briefing and a good dive briefing. The have an air station suspended at safety stop depth for low air situations. They provided lunch. Even though they are a few dollars more, they are worth every penny.

Playing Hooky in Hawaii

Actually it was Spring Break, so in April 2008, Lauri and Rebecca spent a week with me in Honolulu. Reb has been wanting to go over ever since I started working there, and she finally got her wish.

While I worked, they played and saw the sites and shopped and just got to know the Honolulu area a little better. Perhaps they will post on their sites about the things they did when I was not around, such as their visit to Pearl Harbor.

Instead of diving this trip, we went to the PCC and up to the Punchbowl and to Laie and just enjoyed being together.

March 22, 2008 Dives - The Corsair & Koko Craters

On Saturday, March 22, 2008, I dove with Erin (divemaster) from Aqua Zone, Kevin and Steve. We did two dives, the Corsair, a 107 foot deep dive on a WWII fighter that crashed in 1946 when the pilot ran out of fuel while waiting for an airstrip to open up. The Pilot survived and made it to shore. The second dive was Koko Craters, a 35 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef.

Backrolled into the water and immediately headed down the anchor line about 10'. Kevin was the first in and as soon as he went vertical, his weightbelt went right to the bottom, so Erin had to fix him up with a new one. Steve and I hung out at 10' until he was ready.

Descended along the line until we were at the bottom. Kevin was a little slow coming down.

Made one lap around the plane taking photos. Would like to have gotten a better photo of the Hawaiian Garden Eels, but didn't think about zoom. A little narced I suppose.

I discovered the flash and color!!!!

Got a nice photo inside the cockpit of a Greenhead Moray Eel and some good photos inside the fuselage of Bigscale Soldierfish. I was a little surprised by the color that showed up on the flash photos inside dark places, since you cannot see it at all with the naked eye.

Headed back up the line at the end of the dive. I was a little low on air at the safety stop, so shared air with Erin. Forgot how to set a safety stop bookmark in the computer, but looked it up later. Need to see what I can do to get better air consumption. Less movement, better conditioning, I suppose would help. This is my second most favorite dive site.

This was my first dive with my new dive computer. I felt much more comfortable than the past two dives with Andre'. I knew how deep I was and how much time I had.

On the second dive, backrolled in and dropped down to the bottom. Peered under ledges and looked for turtles and other critters. Lots of turtles. Most had large growths on their heads caused by agricultural runoff.

Got a good photo of Hawaiian Squirrelfish. Erin found a Leaf Scorpionfish and showed us all. A little later, she also showed us a Devil Scorpionfish.

Looked at a Cushion Star, actually saw two of them.

As we were headed back to the mooring line, came across a Humuhumu-nukunuku-apua'a, but was not able to get a photo.

Ascended without a safety stop and hauled out.

February 23, 2008 Dives - San Pedro/Y0-257 & Kewalo Basin Pipe

On Saturday, February 23, 2008, I dove again with Andre' from Reef Trekkers. We did two dives, the San Pedro/YO-257, a 90 foot deep dive on two ships that were intentionally sunk as artificial reefs, and the Kewalo Basin Pipe, a 60 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef and an old outflow pipe off of Ward Center.

I got in, immediately submerged and grabbed the anchor line and waited for Andre. He submerged as soon as he hit the water, so I just followed him.

Dropped down to nearly the bottom alongside the San Pedro (90') following a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle and then swam back up to the deck level. We did a swim through of the cargo hold and then up to the deck and swam around for a little bit and then followed Andre over the side and we swam over to the YO-257.

Swam through the oiling equipment on the deck. All throughout, there was a pretty strong current running that made staying clear challenging. Also, there was lots of crud in the water. It almost looked like a snow storm. Took a bunch of photos, but they all were not too good.

There was a White Spotted Eagle Ray just off the side of the YO as we were about to start back. I managed to get a photo as we swam back over to the San Pedro. We swam over the top of the wreck to the mooring line and began our ascent. Just before getting to the mooring line, we passed over another White Spotted Eagle Ray and I got a photo of it as well.

Did a three minute safety stop and then went up and boarded the boat.

Even though I had cleaned the o-ring on my watch after the last dives in January, it flooded again on this dive, but was still functioning. My depth gauge never went below 70 feet and stuck on 60 feet coming back up. I talked to Andre about it and his response was, "You are with me and I will keep you safe." I decided then that either I would get my own gear or not dive with Andre' again. I like him a lot, but it is not worth risking so much.

For the second dive we dropped down to the pipe at between 40 and 45 feet. Andre and I swam slowly out to the end of the pipe and then back in a large circle around the reef. Saw and took photos of various reef fish and one little moray eel.

The circle brought us back to the mooring line where we slowly ascended and did a three minute safety stop. Finished the ascent and boarded the boat.

Even though my watch is flooded, it worked until the end of the dive and died just as I was getting out of the water. It is now toast.

January 26, 2008 Dives - Sea Tiger & Horseshoe Reef

On Saturday, January 26, 2008, I dove with Andre' from Reef Trekkers. We did two dives, the Sea Tiger, a 115 foot deep dive on a ship that was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef, and Horseshoe Reef, a 45 foot deep dive on a shallow coral reef.

Dropped down to handrail level on the deck (100') and immediately spotted a fairly large (8') Whitetip Reef Shark laying on the bottom so we went over the side and investigated it from about 115'. I did not take my camera on the first dive since it was my first dive below 60 feet. I wish I had. Andre took a couple of photos.

Swam back up over the rail toward the stern of the ship and immediately came upon two White Spotted Eagle Rays. They were motionless in the water just hovering over the stern of the ship, their tails straight out behind and their wingtips curled upward slightly. Andre took a couple of photos and then we did a swim-through of the cargo hold. There was a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle in the hold.

As we came up out of the hold, we swan back over the starboard rail. The two eagle rays were still there but a much larger ray had swum over the wreck and was swimming away over the stern. Everyone called it a hawaii ray, but as near as I can tell it must have been a Manta Ray.

Andre took a couple of photos and then we swam over to the mooring line and ascended. Did a three minute safety stop and then went up and boarded the boat.

My watch was leaking after this dive, but was still functioning.

The photos Andre' took did not turn out well, so he gave me a photo of a shark and one of some eagle rays, but they are not the ones from this dive.

I took the camera on the second dive.

Entered the water and dropped down to the reef at between 40 and 45 feet. Andre and I swam in a large circle around the reef. Saw and took photos of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and various reef fish, including a Humuhumu Lei.

The circle brought us back to the mooring line where we slowly ascended and boarded the boat.

My watch was still functioning, even though it had moisture inside. Back at the hotel, I took it apart and dried it out for a couple of days and it worked OK. The o-ring needed to be cleaned and lubed, so I did that in the hope it would be OK.