The Octopus

So today I led a snorkel/kayak to Indian Rock. Although half of my kids decided to sit it out on the beach (mutiny again!) those who followed me into the depths were glad afterward. It was an awesome dive and I accomplished the following deeds:

1. Spotted and identified Paul Allen's yacht, Octopus at Ship Rock. It was easily the biggest yacht I have ever seen, eclipsing even Diddy's yacht that came out for the Fourth of July my first summer (and that was also a vessel of truly gargantuan proportions).

Octopus

2. While pointing out an abalone to a group of students, I inadvertently disturbed a baby octopus, about six inches in length, which immediately swam out into the open where all the children could see it. This was one of the coolest experiences I've had snorkeling out here.

3. Dodged an incoming ferry by urging all of my students to kick hastily out of its trajectory.

4. The aforementioned ferry-dodging allowed me to locate the 2 largest bat rays I have ever encountered AND show them to kids. Wing span estimate: 4.5 feet