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After Action Reports
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The Great Pinnacle
August 26, 2009
Story by Sharon E
The ADT Team headed out for another deep dive. This warm Summer morning, we arrived in Monterey for breakfast at the Black Bear. After the am omelets, we met at Pt Lobos. Once thru the gate and parked, we assessed the conditions. The Cove was flat and thick with kelp growth. Loaded with 4 sets of twin cylinders, and 80 cf slings, we motored out of the cove. We tracked the terrain of the sea floor to find the “Great Pinnacle.” This was the spot to dive today. The surface was flat and the water pretty clear. You could see the sea nettles all thru the water. The top of the pinnacle was 80’ and then sloped down to 180’. Today’s plan was 170’ for 25 minutes, the first stop at 140’ with a gas switch to 50/50 at 70’. The total run time of 73 minutes.
Sharon and Chris slipped in their 95s and 80 cf slings and rolled off the boat. Soon Gary and Les followed suit. Headed down the anchor line, we dodged the jellies – mostly sea nettles but a few egg yolk and salp along the route down. Now near the bottom of 170’, Gary and Les moved north along the base of the pinnacle. They found lots of large grey elephant ear sponges. Some of these were 20” across, next many 4’ tall white plumose anemones. These would rival anything in BC. One side of the pinnacle was wallpapered in bright orange and brilliant cobalt blue sponges. It looked like an artist’s canvas. Simply beautiful. Meanwhile Sharon and Chris swam around the rocks near the anchor. They found several small crabs protecting their turf, with claws drawn. They found half crunched crab and sea urchins near “a could be” octo cave or lair. Never saw the octo. Closer looks revealed shrimp in the cracks and strawberry anemones carpeting the rocks! It was very beautiful. Before you knew it, it was 25 minutes at depth and time to start the ascent. Checking gear and each other, we ascended to 140’ and then 10’ per minute, a nice slow ascent due to the HE blend in the back gas. Just below Sharon and Chris, came Les and Gary. By 90’, the structure faded away in the green. Now at 70’, we all switched to 50/50. By 30’, we were in the jellies. Peering up, the water column was just filled! It looked like Jellyfish Lake in Palau but these were 5” – 10” across versus 2”! As we hung, we fended them off. They just drifted on the current and would snag on gear, anchor line, masks and anything in their path. Fortunately no stings today! Now back on the surface, the wind came up and the surface presented about 3’ waves, a bit challenging to de-kit. But thru patience and shared effort, everyone got out of their gear and safely back on the boat. That was one swinging dive! Motoring back to Pt Lobos, we prepared for the pack out and drive home. What a super day.

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