St Mary's Bay

Decided to go back to St Mary's bay, hoping for better visibility. Weather was ok. It was sunny, with just a few small clouds and a haze. Vis was alright in the morning (~8am) before high tide, but later as the tide ebbed it deteriorated - though in places there were a few clearer patches (~3pm). Had a short swim in the morning but don't remember seeing very much. The afternoon swim was longer and more interesting. First over to Mussel rock, around it, then across St Mary's Bay. On the way over to the other side got a glimpse of a shoal of bass bass. Lack of visibility, interest, and the swell made for tedious swim. This kind of distance or the exploration of rocks and on towards Berry Head would be better suited to a kayak dive. Didn't see much around the rocks when I got there. Lifeboat came over to investigate - checked all ok - then sped off again.

Best wildlife was around Mussel Rock at low tide; there were several spider crabs, wrasse, bass in a small shoal on the seaward side over the sandy bottom - which would appear and disappear, common dragonet, 2-spot gobys (tiny orange/semi-transparent fish - I really liked these), a candy-striped flatworm surrounded by lightbulb sea-squirts, netted dog-whelks. Same plants as before - very large japweed and kelps around the rock, wracks and coral weed on the rock. Lower shore red and brown algae more noticable; bushy red seaweeds, and Irish moss-like ones with purple irridescent edges, as well as a lot of sea-potato. Usual kit (FJ/vest/boots/X3s/3kg). New rash vest great, definately need 3kg if wearing it. Bag of stones anchor worked very well and liked having the float nearby. Decided to rig float with A flag and use if going anywhere away from beach [used 15mm plumbing conduit and end caps from B&Q]. Good practise swim, and despite patchy visibility some good wildlife at low tide in shallows - this last bit was most fun. Yas swam again using mask and snorkel on surface. She is still getting used to fins.