The weather didn’t look promising for Sunday from as far out as Wednesday, so I had it in my head to go back to the Pollock holes and go out to the second pool. I had seen some of the pictures that were taken on the Photography course in May. With the tides in our favor there was no need to be in the car park until 12 o'clock, no rush, no boat to launch or recover.  Getting the right parking spot  is important as there is a bit of a walk, carrying the camera and an extra bit of weight requires using the brain and not brawn. Paul Conroy, Mike Barron, Martin Fitzpatrick, Robert, Aude and Ian were the brave while Christophe, Pauline and Eimer for support.

Kilkee from the Pollock Holes

The pools are shallow, 2 meters at most, so proper use of the fins is important as you don’t want to ruin the viability for your buddy. Its best to hover and not move and let your eyes adjust to the small stuff and let them adjust to you, they get brave after a while and start swimming about at a safe distance. The juvenile fish are well camouflaged and they also know where to hide.  Carrageen Moss, which in the sunlight can look green but often looks a dark red- purple, Sea Lettuce in bright Green, Bladder Wrack in Olive Brown giving hiding for fish and color for the snorkeler/ diver. I saw common prawns, mussels,  slow moving periwinkle, painted Topshells in their yellowish pink with brown and red stripes. Greenish grey and yellow under foot Limpets. Grey and green Snakelockes Anemones with sticky tentacles hanging on the  string weed.  Red, green and brown Beadlet Anemone prying open mussels and some of the weed. House hunting  Hermit Crabs, scurrying Edible and lazy Common Crabs. Hiding Blenny’s and Inquisitive Tompots.

Dahlia Anemone	Shrimp
Blue White	Some Strenght!

Snake Lock

Time goes very fast here and a hour goes so quick, only the urge to use the facilities of the local café makes you think of surfacing, roaring seas are kept at bay but a strong wind  aids your walk to the car.

Lovely soup was followed by creamy Cappuccinos with seasonal filled cakes finished off a fabulous days diving.