Port Hardy British Columbia, CANADA

Rand, myself, Canuck, Kramer and Ryan Canon headed up to Port Hardy in September. A couple of us photographed Grizzly's for a day prior to the diving. Some amzing diving up in this area and subjects topside and below. I think Ryan was blown away by the area as it was his first trip up that way.

Cheers

Todd

Todd: you can't say that and then just post TWO photos! C'mon man, you're killing us.

James

I'm still working on them...

But I have a few done

Cheers

looks like another fine trip to the homeland... brrrr.....

i like that little sculpin fella... and ol grizz of course

Bring us more, the images are fascinated to all of us that don't use to dive in the cold areas.

Great shots - I really like the one of the Grizzly -

Aloha

Bryce

The Queen Charlotte Strait Region of British Columbia is spectacular.

Great shots, Todd. Which operator did you use for the Grizzley tour?

I was diving Browning wall a few weeks ago. I'll post a few images since some have expressed

interest in the cold water critters/scenery.

Cheers, Jett

A few more....

Another one

More

For Grizzlies we used Tide Rip out of Telegraph Cove. I am pretty sure the group will be returning next year, we are looking at operator options for diving to maximize what we want to accomplish. I'll let you know when we have some details.

Great images also. We were skunked on the GPO's so glad to see you found at least one.

Cheers

Todd

Men in Black! :

Todd Mintz/Rand McMeins/Ryan Canon

Photo credit Jamie Morphy with Ryan's camera so I'm not sure whose image it is now. ;D

Cheers

Todd

Nices shots, but you're holding out on us. Where's that candy stripe shrimp.

Thanks for all the pics and info Todd and all!!

And I must add that having just returned from SUNNY Port Hardy (what a lark in Oct I'm told)! That it was indeed some of the most absolutely spectacular diving I've ever done!!!!! And coming from a Florida gal who is a cold wimp, that is saying a lot!! But craving adventure, new critters and a totally different enviroment I braved the elements (turned out to be quite warm and sunny most of the time), tweaked my drysuit technique and plunged into the 46 degree water......., and survived in tact and thrilled with lots of new fish and critter sightings!

Hunt Rock and Browning Wall are indeed two of the most spectacular dive sites I've ever visited and John from Browning Pass Hideaway was most helpful and accommodating.

Yup and we found a huge octo too, got a fair pic, under a rock, but hey he was BIG!

I can't wait to return.

I'll write an account as soon as I return home.

Thanks for all the data Todd!

Best, Carol

You are most welcome.

But, if we sound too excited everybody will want to go to Port Hardy. We are returning next year and will most likely do some diving at a couple spots on the way to Port Hardy. B)

We tied up next to John's place and got the nickle tour of his cabins.

Herb, I have a gallery up on my website under British Columbia September 2006 if you want to see some more images.

My Webpage

Cheers

Todd

Herb, I have a gallery up on my website under British Columbia September 2006 if you want to see some more images.

 

My Webpage

 

Cheers

 

Todd

Thanks Todd. Nice shots. I think I've seen at least a close cousin of most of these critters at Monterey except that shrimp.

I love it - Ryan has two camera setups - of course.

Great shots Todd, I loved the shrimp pair photo!

James

Thanks Todd. Nice shots. I think I've seen at least a close cousin of most of these critters at Monterey except that shrimp.

James,

Everybody from the group should have shrimp photos. I'm (and Rand) a nice guy and made a point of showing them to everyone I could find while on the dive. Well, and warbonnets too. I have a single one in my May gallery that I really like also.

Herb,

Ryan (having dove both areas) seemed to think Port Hardy had much more to offer. I can't remember if that meant that there was a lot more volume of what is down south, or that there were more subjects than down south in California. One day I think he mentioned something about wanting it to be the last place he ever dives but, it may have been after we plied him with beer and wine.

Cheers

Todd

Jett, what is that fish on the second thumbnail? for a second i thought it was a gator.

Jett, what is that fish on the second thumbnail? for a second i thought it was a gator.

Hi Chris,

That gator would be a wolf eel. Although fierce looking, wolf-eels are generally quite friendly. They are often spotted peering out of the many crevices and holes at popular dive sites. When lured out of there dens in search of their favorite food (Sea Urchins), this impressive fish is a sight to behold, growing to a maximum length of 8 feet. They have canine teeth and can chomp down on sea urchins, spines and all, without flinching. Here's a picture of a wolf eel's face...

Cheers, Jett

Everybody from the group should have shrimp photos. I'm a nice guy and made a point of showing them to everyone I could find while on the dive.

It's true! Todd was a nice guy . He showed me where to find the shrimp. This is a butt shot of a juvi.

The rest of my photos are at my Port Hardy 2006 gallery.

They have canine teeth and can chomp down on sea urchins, spines and all, without flinching.

like this ...