Two fun dives at Mono-lobo, October 6, 2015

Greg Hoberg and I took advantage of more calm seas to zip down to Carmel Bay and dive Mono-lobo, one of our favorite dive sites.  We had 57 degree bottom temperature, which is much more comfortable than a more normal 52 degrees.  We had 25 to 30 ft of visibility and good sunlight.  On our way there we enjoyed long beaked common dolphin riding our bow wave when we crossed the Carmel branch of the Monterey Canyon.

 A view of Point Lobos Marine Preserve to the west of Mono-lobo.

 I can never resist getting a picture of a vermilion rockfish.  They tend to be shy but both Greg and I got shots of this one.

 We saw a number of kelp holdfasts pulled free of the bottom from last weekend's large swells.  Greg is getting a picture of the kelp rockfish still occupying this one.

 A fish eating anemone with a male kelp greenling to its right under the rock.

 Greg with a large lingcod.  Mono-lobo is a marine protected area so it is full of lingcod and cabezon.

 If you look carefully you will see a well camouflaged painted greenling 1/4 up from the bottom and 1/3 in from the left of the picture next to the purple hydro coral.

 Spot the sculpin?  1/3 from the right, 1/3 from the top.

 See the decorator crab?  1/3 from bottom, near the center left to right.

 I'm pleased with this kel rockfish photo.

Greg borrowed my camera and took this picture of yours truly.

For more pictures from this day of diving please go to: https://plus.google.com/photos/110159573286645489662/albums/6203857554061678097?authkey=CI_rhqP-mOfGSw