Good diving day (and cuttlefish closeup!)
Saturday was a beautiful day, and what better way to spend it than in the water? With barely a cloud in the sky, 33C temperatures outside and the water being almost bath-like at 30C, I headed to the ocean.
I was already on a bit of a high after having my car returned on Friday with a couple of new parts fitted (new rear brake pads, uprated fuel pump, fuel regulator & meter, and a boost controller). Plus there was the added bonus of having a good old friend back on the island for 2 weeks. She was the one who travelled to the Kansai region with me last year, and who, along with Brian, was my regular dive buddy for a good 8 to 10 months before she returned home to the States. But she realised how much Okinawa held a place in her heart (as most do after they leave), and has saved up the money for a trip back. Her intention here is to become Rescue Diver, EFR, and Divemaster certified, and hopefully I can do that for her in the short time she has here.
The previous 2 days at work had been pretty long and tiring, as I was involved in the English summer camp for 1st year students. This camp is only in its 2nd year and has a lot of teething problems still, despite going more smoothly than it did last year. As one of the main teachers involved in organizing and supervising the camp, it was mentally and physically draining. One of the main problems with the camp is that it’s compulsory for all 1st year students in the international course of our school. The fact of the matter is that around 50% of the students simply don’t want to be there. They’ve had a long first term at high school and just want to relax and enjoy their summer holidays like all of their friends in other classes and schools. But hopefully I will become more actively involved in the planning and scheduling of the camp next year so I can help to make it more successful for the students.
But, back to the plot, and my Saturday dives. I headed up to the north part of the Sunabe seawall, and a dive site called Junkyard. This site is almost always quiet and I can never understand why. While the fish life is never teeming over here, the soft coral is stunning. Seeing meadows of soft coral as far as the eye can see, in every colour under the sun, is something very special to witness. The only problem with this site is that, with a lack of natural landmarks, it can be a little tough to navigate at times. But navigate it we did, and despite staying at a relatively shallow depth (our maximum depth was 12m), we saw a fair amount of marine life. There were plenty of nudibranchs, both large and small, a couple of eels, a few pufferfish, all of which you can see in this entry.
But the highlight had to be a smallish cuttlefish which allowed me to get within 30cm of it for a super-macro photo. I used a technique that I’d read about in Dive Training magazine to help me edge towards it. To make the cuttlefish calmer and not so scared, I rubbed my hair. Apparently, they are attracted to medium length blonde hair, especially if it’s moving around freely in the water. So I started off a few feet away, rubbing my hair and then inching towards it, taking a shot at each stage incase it got spooked and flew away. In the end, I was so close to it that it was completely filling my camera lens. I must have taken around 20 photos of this cuttlefish but I was determined to not let this opportunity go to waste. In the end, I was pretty pleased with the shots I took of it.
The photos of this cuttlefish really highlighted my day. It’s been quite a while since I last took my camera out with me diving, but I’m certainly glad I did on this occasion. I will try to write regular blog entries over the next couple of weeks and will hopefully be back soon with more photos and writings about my diving adventures. Until then, take care and dive safely.
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Hi Dave,
That’s some great dive pix in this post!
The cuttlefish experience sounds very good but how come you believe this nonsense about long flowing blond hair, didn’t realise till right now that I can let rip some blond jokes now
Good luck with teaching the courses with that strange fish in the first picture.
FAB PICS Dave!!!!! Incredible colours. Very impressed. What more can I say?
Bim x
I read about it in Dive Training magazine in an article on learning about marine life. It’s a great magazine and highly recommended if you get the chance to read a copy.
Thanks for the compliments on my pics, people:)
Uh, did Photoshop have a hand in those pix as well?
It did, but only a very limited hand.
Wow, Dave - awesome pics!!! You’re making me want to go diving! I may have you teach me some day!
Is that Lindsay, btw?!
Spotters badge for Sara sensei!!! Yes - it is Lindsey. She’s been in Okinawa from August 3rd until tomorrow.
Glad you like the photos. I’ll take you diving any time we’re both near the coast and some warm water