First Dive of the Year
Small anemone crab
Edit: Some browsers might have issues with the photo enlarge and the video on the same page. For now, just scroll down the page when looking at the enlarged photos if you have them layered strangely. I am too tired at this point to deal with it, but will look at it another day.
I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything, but I have been laying low – taking a break from diving. I have been preparing for next spring, selling off most of my photo equipment, and saving up for a new, more professional rig. I am going with the Nikon D90 (yes, I switched teams), with an Ikelite case with 8″ dome and sigma 8-16 mm wide angle lens. My goal is around May to have everything in my possession.
I just got my case the other day, but have to save up a bit more to be able to afford the rest. Well either that, or actually sell my old equipment… I put it up on Ebay last week, but no bites yet.
I had a nice outing today, even though the current was high, and the conditions weren’t ideal. The weather was great. We have had an exceptionally nice winter over here, and it has been a great pleasure to get outdoors – even in January.
I think that my break from diving is a good thing. I have been doing a lot more photo work topside of late, and trying to improve my fundamentals, as well as my post-processing technique. I think it has made a huge difference in my photo work, and I hope we will see the results next summer.
Anyways, I took a short vid of an octopus that I harassed (seen below). Check it out, and enjoy the photos!
Possible Shark Sighting at the Promenade in Nice
Two days ago, the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France were evacuated due to what was a possible shark sighting. It was never confirmed whether this extremely rare sighting was indeed a shark. It was noted that it could be a mola molas (poisson lune) or a dolphin.
Below is a clip of the local TV report (french):
Later reports cast doubt on the theory of a shark in Nice waters, as it was discovered that a female dolphin was found dead today near the island of Saint-Honorat in Cannes. It apparently died after giving birth leading some to believe that this was what was seen in Nice two days ago.
First Encounter with a Rhizostome
I had a very unique encounter today.
This morning while on our Saturday dive, I happened to look down, and I saw an unfamiliar shape moving beneath the surface. Turns out it was a Rhizostome; a relatively rare jellyfish that lives in open water, and can grow to 100cm/40 inches across! The one we saw wasn’t quite that big, but it was very impressive. Take a peek at the gallery. I am thrilled with the shots I got.
I couldn’t find much information about this beautiful creature, but I did find a couple of links on it:
Doris Link (French): http://doris.ffessm.fr/fiche.asp?varpositionf=1&fiche_numero=217
I found a short article on it here in English: http://www.vattenkikaren.gu.se/fakta/arter/cnidaria/scyphozo/rhizocto/rhizoce.html
