Dives #374, 375, and 376 - with Video

Date: July 20, 2008
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Starlight/Indian Rock
Depth (feet): Max 51
Dive Time (minutes): lots
Surf (feet): 0
Surge (feet): 0-2
Water Temp (fahrenheit): 64-68
Visibility (feet): 15-30
Visibility Description: decent - could have been better
Notes and Highlights: Dove with Josh and Len on the Magician. First Catalina dive this year, and second for video (also brought the still camera). First two dives were at Starlight - enjoyable difference between the more open sandy areas and the healthy kelp over the rocky reef areas. On both dives we found one bat ray - video of one is below. Not a lot of animal life in general for all the dives - visibility wasn't stellar - a lot of particulate and general "murk"...but still a step up from beach diving recently. Water was generally warm, with some very distinct and bone-chilling thermoclines. Third dive was Indian Rock - again a lot of great kelp and the regulars - garibaldi, lobster, blacksmiths, etc - but none of the leopard sharks I've encountered in the past, and was hoping to get some footage of. Another nice, long and easy dive wrapped up an enjoyable day - smooth ride out and back...and a good time was had by all.