I made it to Monterey on time. In fact I was even a bit early, arriving around 7am. Quite amazing considering how much not a morning person I am. I guess with the right motivation... I went diving to McAbee beach in Monterey, a new dive site for me.

McAbee beach was the site in 1905 of the sinking of the Gypsy. For 25 years, the captain of the Gypsy made the run between San Francisco and Monterey, never taking a day off. Then, one day, the captain finally took a vacation and left his boat in the hands of a less experienced mariner. Unfortunately, the combination of foggy weather, the inexperienced captain and some lights for some roadwork near McAbee beach led to the Gypsy being run aground. The salvage laws of the time made the cargo of the ship the property of whoever could put their hands on it. Since the Gypsy transported mostly beer, there was quite a party on the beach that day.

No drinking on the beach for me today, though. Today was the lowest tide in 19 years. Visibility underwater varied between 5 and 15 feet. The kelp forest was thick and as impressive as ever. Four seals near the beach were curious but not interested in playign too much.

The equipment worked fine. The Volo Power fins are a pleasure: powerful and effortless swim. It took a while to get used to the BC with its integrated weigths. I think I still need a bit of time to really get used to it. The integrated octo/inflator worked fine, although it's not as comfortable as the primary regulator. The regular worked great: easy breathing and no jaw fatigue. The only thing that needs tweaking is the mask, which leaked and fogged a bit. Otherwise good field of vision, though.