Just back from the delights of Achill, it was hard to become enthused about diving in Dublin again. However a group of us braved the tempest last Sunday and dived in the shelter of Howth Head at Balscadden. Despite the run(why do we always seem to dive Balscadden on Springs?) everyone had a great time. The vis was surprisingly good despite the winds of the last few days, and the Sun Shone, even underwater.

I dived with Gillian and Gyvsie and, for the first time ever, saw a bird underwater. It was a guillemot(not a penguin as John and I both thought!!) and it swam around us for a few seconds before heading back to the surface. Amazing sight and one I’ve always wanted to see.

On their dive, John Broderick and Mark had not only to contend with John’s new drysuit(ooooh fancy!)but they were scared stiff by the beast that lurks under the concrete plinth on Gull rock! Apparently the biggest lobster in creation lives there. We are planning an expedition in the near future to investigate and corroborate their story.

Thanks to Les and Gyvsie for planning the dive and Peter and Les for towing and to everyone who was there for the craic.

Marie.