Two dives on the Pinnacles in Carmel Bay, Oct 23,24, 2013

Greg Hoberg and I dived on the Pinnacles twice last week.  We picked the Pinnacles because there was a significant westerly swell running and we wanted to get water with the least kicked up particles.  On the first dive on the 23rd some long period swell sets would move us back and forth 5 ft even when we were down 50 to 55 ft.  We enjoyed decent visibility both days, 20 ft horizontal, 25 ft vertical on the 23rd, 25 ft horizontal, 35 ft vertical on the 24th.  We saw the usual mix of kelp and painted greenlings, rock fish, cabezon, and ling cod (its great that the Pinnacles are a no take zone including fishing).  We saw and photo'd one spiny/knobby sea star that appeared to be suffering from sea star wasting disease - hope this doesn't spread, here is more about this disease: http://echinoblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/why-we-should-be-concerned-about-mass.html .  Near the surface there were many Purple Striped Sea Nettles passing across the Pinnacles.  

 Cabezons are one of the coolest fish we see.

 Greg looking at a spiny/knobby sea star that seems to be suffering from sea star wasting disease.

 This is the first Rock Greenling we've ever encountered and photographed (see our "standard" kelp greenling from the Oct 24 dive below).  Greg's about to get his photo.

Purple striped sea nettles kept us entertained during our safety stop.
For more pictures from our Oct 23rd Pinnacles dive:
https://plus.google.com/photos/110159573286645489662/albums/5939915130754177345?authkey=CPG1p-e5gPWZeA

Here's some pictures from our Oct 24th Pinnacles dive:

 Greg in a narrow crevice with a Cabezon he's just photo'd.

 Kelp (or Pacific) Greenling

Greg getting photos of purple striped sea nettles during our safety stop.

For more photos from our Oct 24 Pinnacles dive:

https://plus.google.com/photos/110159573286645489662/albums/5939919322044270961?authkey=CJae5pvuqbvsbQ