ANGLESEY UPON BRIDLINGTON

Tomorrow I was meant to be diving Bridlington but it fell through on Thursday, not enough divers for the boat to go out. A shame but thanks to Scott at Quest Charters (http://www.questdiving.co.uk) I am still diving and looking forward to it, so Anglesey here I come. Kit is packed and ready for a 7.30 departure and ropes at 10.30.

A bizarre coincidence leads to me meeting up on the jetty with Irene from Northern Union divers. It was Irene who, two weeks previously, nearly managed to provide me with a licence to dive Dukes Dock and finding them on Scott's boat turned into a pleasant surprise. A great bunch to dive with and hopefully I will get to dive with them again soon.

The view as we sail up the Menai Straits

We are heading East out of Menai just past Puffin Island when we hear the 'Dolphins' shout. What I enjoy about Scott is that he loves the sea and wants us to have a good experience. Without a seconds thought he turned the boat and circled around for a few times giving us the opportunity to see a small pod breaking the surface. Onward to the Mermaid and the dive.
The Mermaid could have been a disappointment because the visibility was reduced due to the plankton bloom. The annoying point was that the water would have been perfect had the plankton been absent. We headed down the line and then slowly made our way north at about 22 meters depth. Looking through the plankton the wreckage is covered in Plumose anemones around which Blennies, crabs and the odd Scorpion fish are dotted. Tucked underneath some of the bigger pieces are some small lobsters and large edible crabs.
We made our way slightly beyond the wreckage and turned back to try and find the boilers. It looms out of the dark and is covered in Plumose and Jewel anemones. Circling over it I am suddenly met by Irene waving manically and my first thought is to reach for my Octopus and then I realise she is waving me over, following down to the base of the boiler there is an enormous lobster, one of those that makes a dive.
Coming back to the surface several varieties of jellyfish keep us amused during our safety stop and we are soon back on board having a few snacks, a cup of tea and reviewing the dive.

Julian resting between dives

For the second dive we head back to Puffin Island and drop into three meters of water in the hope of seeing seals. Deciding that the visibility is too poor myself and Julian head deeper and then work our way along the rock reef exploring the festooned rocks, until we return to the surface after 40+ minutes.

Returning to Menai after a good days diving

A good days diving with great company.