Driving down was an experience in its self. I have never towed a boat (the mysterious boat) for such a long distance. The whole way I was in contact with Mike and Rich via cell phone. It is nice to have fellow companions on the road with you during a trip like that. So all in all the tow was easy.
We landed in Monterey about 5 P.M. Friday night. Mike, Rich, Dave Konte, Wine man (ie my friend Barry), and Charles. We started the trip by all meeting in the Hot Tub, some serious meetings of the minds (hey pass me a beer!!). We were bunked at the Cypress Inn on Munras Ave. Nice accommodations about $80.00 a night per person. Also located in a central area for just about anything.
The first night we all went on our own way. Barry and I ended up at a nice Restaurant called Rossenas, located on Alverado Street. Our choice of meal was Halibut. This is my theory. Eat the fish you plan on catching the next day and the Fish gods will provide. After a wonderful meal and some music. We went to bed fairly early.
I think I was the first one up. When I walked outside I saw a nice new Chevy truck with dive stickers plastered on it. It was parked next to my truck. I thought to myself some fellow divers are staying here. As I approached my truck to run down to get some coffee. I heard some people talking. You wouldn't believe. Robert Simpton and Clay Vaughn sitting in Robert.s new truck arguing at 7 A.M. in the morning. These two dedicated divers left Santa Rosa at 2:30 A.M. in the morning and drove to Monterey. Well as it goes, information provided to these two got a little misleading; it only takes 3 hours to drive to Monterey when there is no traffic. They made it by 5:30 so they spent a good hour and a half waiting for us just to wake up. These two men are so great (after all their night.s travel) arguing like two freshly caught Halibut. Cramped like a sardine in a can. They still volunteered to drive me for coffee. My hat is off to you two.
Here comes the good part. Two nice diving boats leaving the Monterey Harbor at 8 A.M. in the morning. The Ocean was nice and flat. Visibility for the first dives was about 15 to 20 feet. Three Halibut where taken. Ranging from 10 lbs to 30 lbs.
It was good fishing for the Redwood Empire Dive Crew. The next set of dives brought in four more Halibut all nice size. Some of us got none and some of was went wee wee wee all the way home. But all in all, we all walked away with a nice bag of Monterey Halibut. I want to thank everyone that was there and everyone that wasn't there. We all where there in some fashion, because the ones that made it, held the others in their thoughts. May the force be with you on your next diving adventure!
Charles, your faithful raffle man.
If any member needs more ticket sheets, they can copy the one included in the newsletter or give me a call and I will fax or email them.
Arriving Thursday May 23rd I was left with not many choices of camp sites because we not only had a wonderful weather out look, but a huge minus tide.
I secured 3 camp sites, and they were full the whole weekend. Around thirty people showed up. From our club Mike, Lisa, Dave, Irene, Paul Damgard and Paul White, Clay and of course the rest of you in spirit.
Paul, Clay, Paul and I dove Point Arena Rock on Saturday. There was a red krill tide that gave very bad visibility for the first 40 feet, but after that it was awesome.
There where more fish about then I could remember. The two Pauls and Clay shot a couple of nice lings and I gathered the Scallops. We actually got to do a two tank dive.
The weekend was full of great food. First night Salmon, Abalone etc. etc.. Second night Abalone, Scallops etc, etc.. Oh yea the Salmon were hitting right of the point. It was a strange Ocean, "full of life".
The people were also awesome. Hope to see you there next year. Thanks everyone for showing up!!!
Cathie Irwin writes.
Hi Rich & all our long lost diving buds,
Nolan and his pit crew (ROY) are riding more than ever. Lots of out of state stuff now & still bringing in 1st & 2nds.
I'm busy getting ready for the cancer relay I was involved with last year. So I'm asking the club if we can incorporate a letter or come to a meeting in the near future to give the BUZZ? This year it's not until mid-Oct, but for me it's already in full swing.
So let me know if the club has an interest or would like to participate in any way. Our team did great last year, and a big thanks goes to all the divers & family who helped make it happen.
We've been eating quite a bit of salmon lately. That's about the only ocean stuff the boys are doing these days. The halibut dive sounded fun & successful. Glad to still hear the news.
Thanks, Cathie
Stony Point Roundtable Pizza
2065 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa
Jed Douglas RED WEB: http://www.webperception.com/jdouglas
Rocky's Home Page: http://www.sonic.net/~rocky
(with great tips on Abalone!)
CA Dept of Fish & Game: http://www.dfg.ca.gov
California Coastal Buoy Map: http://www.oceanweather.com/~oceanwx/data/cal.html
Marine Radio - Michael Mendoza
O2 Kit - Jed Douglas
Fish & Ab Log - Jed Douglas
Picnic Supplies - Dave Batt
Contact these members for use of the equipment.
Michael Mendoza - Vice President
Jed Douglas - Secretary
Bob Simpton - Treasurer
Rich Gibson - Newsletter Editor
RED Events Calendar 2002 August 8/1 General Meeting 7:00 pm Round Table 8/9-11 Van Damme! This is a change. 8/15 - Business Meeting Location Redwood Cafe 8/17-24 Mike and Jenna, Rich and Molly, Charles in Catalina looking for Sea Bass, Yellow Tail, and the perfect day on the water. September 9/5 General Meeting 7:00 pm Round Table 9/7 Jock's Halibut Dive 9/8 CPR class with Dick Walker, Location TBD, 10:00 AM 9/19 - Business Meeting Location TBD Date TBD Member Dive: Jock, Halibut! October 10/3 General Meeting 7:00 pm Round Table 10/5 Tomales, Halibut! 10/13-15 (or so) Member Dive: Gary: Peace lobster dive 10/17 - Subject to change Business Meeting Location TBD November 11/7 General Meeting 7:00 pm Round Table 11/9 - Anchor Bay 11/21 - Business Meeting Location TBD December 12/5 General Meeting 7:00 pm Round Table 12/7 - Stillwater 12/14 Christmas Party!