Kona Aggressor II - June 6-13, 2009

Woke up to a sunny morning and a pod of dolphins swimming off the bow of the yacht. Pulled on our wetsuits and jumped in at Kalokos Arches. Did the first dive with no cameras to get situated. Second dive on same site, Randy skipped to relax and read. Had a delicious lunch (good food was to be a hallmark of this trip!).

After lunch we moved to Garden Eel cove, one of two manta ray sites on the island. Did two afternoon dives there. As the sun started to set, more and more boats arrived with combinations of snorkelers and divers. When there is plankton in the water it is attracted to light, and the manta rays feed on the plankton. After an awesome dinner we hopped in the water and made our way to a circle of rocks in about 35 feet of water where we situated ourselves and waited. It was a bustling center of activity; divers jockeying for the best position, snorkelers floating above, everyone with lights.

We waited almost an hour but, unfortunately, it was not to be. We swam back to the boat and decided to have nightcaps. One of Tim's lenses had become frozen to his camera housing and he and Randy were working to get it apart. With the help of a jar opener and a pipe wrench they managed to free it. Rick added an audio track and Matt, unbeknownst to everyone, caught it on camera. We all laughed hysterically and even the crew got a kick out of the whole thing. The footage, while hilarious, will remain a tightly guarded secret of those present. :-)