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View Full Version : A taste of the West Coast

justinl
02-11-2008, 03:22 AM
I posted these on facebook, but i figured you guys might appreciate this stuff too...

my first dives using my camera (canon SD1000) and waterproof casing! woot, no leaks. two dives, both on the same day, first at the West marker off Bowen Island and the second at Columbine Point. Don't ask where one starts and the other ends...

there was still a small piece of flesh on the bone.
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199633_4669.jpg

crinoid! i love these things so much
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199635_5365.jpg

golden dirona. we saw at least seven of these somewhat more rare nudibranchs that day.
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199637_6076.jpg

Dendronotus iris
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199649_162.jpg

metridium farcimen (giant plumose anemone)
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199665_5361.jpg

rhinoceros crab. probably 9 inches across
http://photos-608.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v183/214/109/116200608/n116200608_32199679_147.jpg
argan
02-11-2008, 03:51 AM
wow that water bit nippy?
nice shots! not many nature shows showcase stuff off B.C. coast, Carribbian life is so flashy.
mildcustom2
02-11-2008, 04:13 AM
It should be pointed out that the West Coast of British Columbia is one of the most popular and diverse coast lines for diving anywhere in the world. I've been to places like Bora Bora,Tahiti and the Caribean but nothing compares to the amount of life you will find on a B.C. reef. I used to dive quite a bit myself but haven't in years. Great pictures:biggrin: , makes me want to take a refresher course and start diving again:idea: .
justinl
02-11-2008, 04:13 AM
oops, i screwed up the crinoid pic... fixed it

lol the water is nearly non-diveable if you're using a wet suit. If you have a good water tight drysuit and layers of clothing under it, you manage to stay toasty enough. besides all the life down there is more distracting than a wee bit of cold.

lol flashy-shmashy we see enough tropical stuff around here :biggrin: . jk. true that we dont have big coral reefs, but diving around here isn't really comparable to tropical diving... it's just so different. there's a reason dive sites around here are world reknown. If you know how to look, i think local diving is much more fulfilling. that said, i do admit that ive always dreamed of a dive trip down under!
Sushiman
02-11-2008, 04:43 AM
If you're ever looking for a dive buddy LMK, I used to teach & still dive regularly with friends at work.:mrgreen:
Sebae again
02-11-2008, 06:40 AM
Sushiman, thats my favorite fish in the middle. WISH I HAD ONE IN MY TANK!LOL
justinl
02-11-2008, 06:19 PM
If you're ever looking for a dive buddy LMK, I used to teach & still dive regularly with friends at work.:mrgreen:

lol your sig is very very distracting...

I would love to dive with ya (although i think id much prefer diving with her) but I dont actually have any of my own personal gear. All my diving right now is with the Vancouver Aquarium.
Marlin65
02-11-2008, 07:52 PM
Very cool thanks for sharing.
How was the vis??
Renegade
02-12-2008, 06:45 AM
Vancouver Aquarium?? Do they rent out gear or something ?

KYle
Keri
02-16-2008, 06:56 AM
Great pictures!! Makes me (almost) wish I wasn't such a wuss in the cold! When I think of a reef, or underwater diversity I typically think of Australia or fiji but every time I visit the pacific coast wing of the Van Aquarium I am reminded of just how much we have at our own doorstep!
Keep the pictures coming!
Kabong
02-16-2008, 09:09 AM
Great pictures!! Makes me (almost) wish I wasn't such a wuss in the cold! When I think of a reef, or underwater diversity I typically think of Australia or fiji but every time I visit the pacific coast wing of the Van Aquarium I am reminded of just how much we have at our own doorstep!
Keep the pictures coming!

A good drysuit (catalyst 360) and a good undergarment (MK3) and you won't even feel the cold.
justinl
02-17-2008, 07:05 AM
Vancouver Aquarium?? Do they rent out gear or something ?

KYle

lol, no i probably should have been a bit more clear. I work at the VA, in the fish research department. So the gear is the aquariums and i just use it when i dive for the aquarium.

I got new pics from a couple dives at Porteau cove today... Ill post them soon.