2007: ANGLESEY
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We very nearly didn't go to Anglesey as the forecast was rubbish but we decided to chance it, and although it was still windy on Saturday, Sunday was lovely weather. We only managed one boat dive Saturday afternoon and the only sheltered place we could find was an only-just wet 4 meters. There were a few crabs about and quite a lot of kelp. However, the visibility was fairly good so at least that was something. Since Dan and I were the first pair in, the others learned from our experience and headed in the opposite direction, managing to get a more reasonable 12 meters.
It was quite rough on the trip back to shore - there is only so many times you can get smacked in the face by waves before it starts getting a bit tedious! On Sunday morning it was flat calm and we all looked forward to a good day. We got to the pinnacle just out of Trearddur Bay, and just as Paul said "I'd take this a bit wider if I was you... how deep is it here?" there was a slight crunch - whoops! That'll be a new propeller then!
Dan and I were first in again and we came across a fair few wrasse and pollock, a rather nosey dogfish (until I had to breath out and scared it away), a little lobster out in the open looking for a hole and a wreck. Therefore rather a successful dive! There were lots of starfish and sponges all over the rocks as well. Although the photos are a bit green and rubbish the visibility was good.
We headed off to the wreck of the Missouri in the afternoon and this time let Graham R and Paul dive first. They emerged half an hour later telling us what a good dive it was, covered in fish, better vis that the morning dive, definitely take the camera etc etc. We drifted as Dan and I kitted up, and as we got close to the rocks Paul went to start the engine and the pullcord snapped! Hence followed a mad scramble for oars and spare fins to paddle back out to sea. We managed to get to the nearby beach and fitted the spare. Needless to say we went back Trearddur Bay rather than stay out any longer.
So unfortunately there wasn't as much diving as we'd hoped but we all had a good laugh and enjoyed ourselves - well, maybe not Tornado! I'm sure it'll all be fixed for the next trip - planned for mid August...
Thanks Mr R - if my bright red sunburnt windscorched face has healed, I might well be on the next one.
LP