I was planning on diving the 56 Mile Wreck this weekend but the weather forced me to modify my plans and head out on the Independence II to the Stolt Dagali. It has become very apparent that I am destined to dive this wreck a lot this year but, I am okay with that as it is a great wreck and i am growing fond of it!
The Independence II always ties into the highest part of the wreck that sits at about 60' and as I descended, I thought the visibility was quite good, 25-30' and most notably was that there was little or no particulate matter in the water column that makes for better photos. As I settled into my dive and turned on my camera, I saw that I had an SD disk error. I have had this happen before and carry extra SD disks so, I would have to wait until dive #2 for photos. I started heading down to the bottom at the break and immediately felt that freezing cold water, it was 47 degrees, brrrr. There was not an abundance of fish on the wreck, a few tautog that were quite small, I did not see a single flattie or lobster. I swam the entire length of the wreck and back and started to feel my hands getting numb. I decided to grab some mussels for my daughter who happened to be home for the weekend since she loves them. As I grabbed the mussels, my hands grew colder. I usually use the old fashioned lobster mitts but since it is the middle of summer I opted for my 74rmm gloves, such a huge difference! I'll go back to the lobster claw gloves next dive...The thermocline was right at the top of the wreck and felt great, a balmy 61 degrees.
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| Mussels growing on an abandoned piece of rope |
As I descended for dive #2 I saw that the visibility had changed, it was darker due to the sun being behind the clouds, and seemed more pea soupish. So much for getting some clear photos. I did take a few and then actually shot some video. My dive was fun and as always helps me to feel alive!
"Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live." - Henry David Throreau
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| Baby sea anemones sprouting |
By the way, the mussels were delicious, I have a great garlic, wine and shallot recipe that results in them melting in your mouth.
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