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We loaded the boat with rollovers from
the cancelled hurricane Dean trip and headed
for the Flower Gardens for a 3 day trip. The
weather was supposed to be iffy for the
first day, then getting calmer. NOAA sure
fooled us! The weather was beautiful for the
first 2 days, and iffy for the third, but
all were successful in their diving
endeavors.
We decided to cut the first day to 4
dives so that the divers could sleep in, and
to make the boat ride a little easier. We
arrived at the West Bank at about 7 AM and
tied to buoy 5. Everyone got their footing
under them, figured out the ladders quickly,
and were astounded by the fish to be seen,
including grouper, ocean triggers, and a
little shark. The cameras were whirring away
at an incredible rate, I’m sure 2000
pictures were taken on this trip. Seas were
2-3, temp 86, mild current, 100+ feet of
vis, and overcast. We moved on to the East
bank following the morning dives. We tied up
to buoy 6, and, again, everyone remarked
that they were swimming in an aquarium. Lots
of fish, again a little shark, and feeding
jacks on the night dive. Those guys zoom in
and out of your light beam hunting for fish.
I think it’s kind of funny to see them go
after a little fish and bash their heads on
the coral, but then, I am warped. In the
morning, we moved to Buoy 1, where the
divers were treated to a big Manta ray on
the wall. Seas were 1-2, water 86, vis over
100 feet, and just great conditions. We then
went to dive on HI-572C, where the divers
were treated to schooling jacks, and lots
and lots of spanish and spotfin hogs. After
the rig, we moved to Stetson to dive buoy 3.
Stetson has hatched a load of small stinging
stuff. Divers without wetsuits or skins were
treated to some new sensations. Other life
seen included southern stingrays, eels, some
medium sized sharks, and lobster on the
night dive. Conditions were perfect,
however, with 1-2 foot seas, 86 degree
water, 100 feet of visibility, and a bottom
current that you have to swim against. The
wind started blowing during the night dive,
and we moved off to Buoy 1 afterwards.
Wednesday morning we dove buoy 1. The seas
were 5-6 feet, the current was strong, and
the divers were tough. We were treated to
spotted eagle rays, sharks, and all of the
small life Stetson in known for. We had a
great trip in all, but were somewhat
relieved to turn the boat with the seas and
head for the dock. Captain Frank
M/V Spree
Freeport, TX |
