Anacapa Island

        My first dive as a PADI certified diver was on December 16, 2000.  We departed on the Ventura based dive boat, Sceptre, with a full boat of approximately 35 divers at 8:00 AM headed for the Pacific side of Anacapa Island.  After completing my last required certification dive during the first dive of the day, I was able to complete 3 additional dives along the backside of the island.  I was accompanied by my brother, Garry, and my friend, Rob.  Visibility was good, about 40 to 60 feet in some places.  Highlights included a breathtaking romp with what appeared to be Northern Fur Seal pups.

I compared our pictures with a guide to California Pinnipeds located at http://www.sfgate.com/getoutside/pinnipeds.html

If you take into account the hind flippers and the ears, there is little room for doubt.  These playful pups swam fearlessly among us, in one instance picking up a small rock off the bottom in 35' of water,(located between Garry and myself standing only 6 feet apart), shooting to the surface, dropping the rock, and then playfully catching it right in front of us before it hit the bottom.

Other highlights for myself included exploring giant kelp beds, finding a crevice full of lobsters, eating my first underwater scallop, and feeding hordes of fish with freshly cracked sea urchins!

I can hardly wait for the next trip!!