Dimpy and I reworked the trails a little bit, to make them more streamlined and easier to follow at intersections. Next, we mapped all the artificial structures, using compass bearings and a reel measured in 10 foot increments (I'll convert to meters later). I just completed the whole drawing, and it looks pretty good! The folks at the resort would like it to be computerized as well, but I'm not entirely sure how or which program to use. Eventually I'd like to expand the map to the surrounding natural reef structures as well, or at least the major ones. Its a pretty cool site, actually. My next project, aside from the continuous transplanting and invasive sponge scrubbing, is to survey the area at night.
Since I've been staying here most of my dives on the house reef have been by myself. I made a stage kit that I have rigged on one of their extra Aluminum 80 tanks, so when I dive alone I always have a redundant air supply. Double air, double mask, double light, double everything (only one camera though) I've gotten pretty used to diving it and the camera during the day, but night is proving to be a horse of a different color. For one, its frickin dark. You never really realize how much ambient light other dive lights make until there not there anymore. :) Then there's the matter of the model light (that's the spot light photographers use to focus on a subject in low light conditions, for all you non-photo geeks) Since i don't have one, my primary dive light doubles as the model light, which I have to juggle while holding the camera. The real fun begins if I need to change the strobe or camera settings, while maintaining the spot light, while holding the camera. It'd be nice if i had a third arm. Or maybe a dive buddy..
So even though my first solo night dive was a little spooky, it was incredibly rewarding. Not one minute into the dive do I find two Fingered Dragonets mating. (holy cow!) They're similar to mandarin fish, in that when they mate the male and female hug cheek to cheek, swim up a couple of feet into the water column and release the sperm and eggs. Unfortunately by the time I could get my camera up and running they zipped back down into the sand. I caught a quick pic of the male as he tore off into the night.
As soon as I turned around I saw a banded sea snake! He just sat there while I took some pictures. Granted, I decided not to venture too close:)
As I was finishing the dive, I spotted this little guy. He was moving like a bullet and was changing colors just as quickly. I think its a long armed octopus. Adequate name for such a nimble fellow!
Madison'
ReplyDeleteyour pictures are fabulous... but diving alone is that a smart thing to do? thats sea snake gives me the whillies. glad you are having such a good time