Sophie Lewis writes:
FARNE ISLANDS TRIP – September 2011
On Friday 23rd September we set off for Seahouses, a beautiful town on the north east coast of England ready for a weekend of diving the Farne Islands. We went in search of seals, as it is the time of year when seal pups first test out the water, and the shallow waters with plenty of life are perfect conditions for young seals to learn and play together.
Whiskers!
Big bird.
Ginger nut and Big Bird (our ribs) were launched early Saturday morning and we headed for the Crumstone, excited at the prospect of seeing some seals. As we arrived at the dive site, at least one hundred seals greeted us, popping up from beneath the surface to get a good view! We kitted up with our Buddy and dropped down the shot line. The bottom of the gully was in about 17-18m of water and there was so much to see! The reef was colourful with many anemones, urchins, worms, corals, crabs, lobsters, starfish and plenty of colourful fish including pollock, wrasse and a scorpion fish! When we swam out of the gully onto the sandy bottom it looked like the floor was moving! But at a closer look thousands of little hermit crabs were going for a walk!
A crab.
Wreckage.
It didn’t take long for the seals’ curiosity to over-ride their fear of us. Soon they were nibbling on our fins, and in Nikki’s case, her legs! I was delighted that a seal came up to me so I could tickle him on the chin! After a great day diving we headed back to the Wigwams for dinner, massive thanks to Damien, Caroline and Bob for cooking.
A seal interested in Bob’s camera!
Playing!
We launched the boats early the next day and headed for the Knivestone, a few miles further out to sea than the dive site from the previous day. We dropped down the shot line directly onto the wreck below (well done Bob!). This dive was full of life, and we met a seal playing hiding in the wreckage just before we started the ascent. The second dive of the day was back on the Crumstone, where we did a live drop into the gully. This was my favourite dive of the weekend, the seals seemed to be putting on a show for us! They were very interested in Bob’s camera, possibly because they could see their reflection in the lens. Seals learn by copying other seals, and they seemed to copy us in the same way! A fantastic end to a great weekend diving!
Posing for the camera!
The weather was great all weekend, albeit a bit chilly when we were on the boat. The sea was rather choppy, but made an exciting rollercoaster boat ride out to the islands - after having my hair washed by the ocean and blown dry by the wind I’ve decided mother nature isn’t the best stylist!
Thanks to Damien for organising the trip and thanks to everyone else who helped out. A great weekend had by all!
Showing off!