Another epic day of Firsts with Captain Leo/the Aries!

[byronq]

(I won't FIRST my own posts- its kinda like rubbing one out in an airplane bathroom, and bragging how you joined the "mile high" club! )

Another weekend of epic FIRSTS! on Captain Leo's boat, the Aries!

A few months back, SlurrySeal, the legendary Avosurf, myself, and a few others decided to book a fall over-nighter to SCI (Leos FIRST! 2-day trip!). The military closed down much of the island for the weekend, and we were posed with the offer to reschedule or move to Catalina. For us, the dives are just as much about bonding with our bros, so on to Cat!

Avosurf's brother Andrew and his friend Dave from the east coast (recent Air Force Academy grads- little Billy Macs?) filled out the rest of the crew. This would be their first time diving and first time spearing!

The weather came through, and we dove much of the front side for the weekend. After leaving in the wee hours of the morning, we arrived before sunrise to watch the moon set behind Cat through the clouds- looked like we had just pulled up on Skull Island!

On our first spot, ran into Dave P., who couldn't get enough from last weekend's trip! Thanks to Dave P. for helping avosurf navigate the caves.

We hit several good spots, and holed up in a nice cove for a night time bug hunt and dinner. Leo grilled bacon-wrapped filets for everyone, and being the guy he is, picked up several bugs for dinner! Wanted everyone to keep/take home their own game- what a stand up guy! He did manage to catch the weekend's jackpot bug, so good on him!

The night proved to be good for everyone, and of course Dave & Andrew's first night dive, first bug hunt, and they both collected! Awesome!

Morning- early hunt, a few good sized calico caught, then pancakes and bacon! On to more spots, more diving, more fish, and more bonding! We ended the day with some H&L time, hitting a few fun bonito. This also turned out to be the east coaster's first H&L experience.

All in all, good weekend. Viz ranged from 15-40+ at some locations, water mid-'60s, and good bass and bug hunting.

Thanks again to Captain Leo for putting together a great weekend for friends to bond, providing lots of firsts, letting us enjoy time on the water, and getting us on some good fish and bugs!




The team-


Leo's Catch! Surf n' Turf for dinner!




More lobster and fish sandwiches (someone doesn't eat red meat...)



Avosurf's bug haul


We retired to our humble yet private bunk rooms...




Sunrise on the Aries! Double-Rainbow morning!




H&L Time!


Sunderland Brothers


Doesn't get much better than this- a good time with friends, spearing and bug hunting, surf n' turf for dinner, pancake and bacon breakfast! Recommend you book a trip with Leo, the guy that supports all the local clubs and charity events.

Thanks Leo!

['o Cino]

Great to hear you guys had a fantastic time. Nice haul of bugs-n-bonito!

[slughunter]

Good Job Capt Leo! book me a spot in that private bunk room!!!! Bugs and stuff for sure. hahaha

[Ascendv6]

[quote=byronq;1309767]([i]I won't FIRST


We retired to our humble yet private bunk rooms...

Attachment 138801


Where the hell is that? I didn't get a bunk like that when I slept on the Aries.

[slughunter]

sweet dreams an the Aries.... of fish and accomodations


[quote=Ascendv6;1309842]

Originally Posted by byronq

([i]I won't FIRST


We retired to our humble yet private bunk rooms...

Attachment 138801


Where the hell is that? I didn't get a bunk like that when I slept on the Aries.

[sphonic]

Awesome trip bother. Sorry I missed it.

[bajahunter]

Wow, good times!!!!

[Markio]

Man, I'm so jealous..

Good for you guys.

[rhyne]

i second the jealousy... that looks like a rad trip. of course i'm not surprised.

[ralphthehalibut]

Great seeing you guys out there - we tried to hail you on the radio in the PM to meet up for a bug dive, but it looks like you did more than OK without us around!

Looks like another epic aries trip.

[byronq]

Thinking its time to set a 1 day SCI trip for November...

[Dwikkles]

Leo never disappoints does he??

I hope Leo doesn't mind me saying this, but he just had a loss in his family, so keep him in your prayers.

["Yard-Sale Josh"]

Look at all those boners!

All h&l or did you guys put the steel to some of them? looks like a fun trip.

[byronq]

@ Kyle- H&L for the bonito, just messin' around, trolling between dive spots. Big school, so played for about an hour.

@Dwikkles- Yes, he was talking about flight arrangements during the trip. I know Leo has the support and condolences from all SB members-