Sorry tnat I didn't get back earlier but work demands that I be there - sometimes too often - but as you all realize - this obsession with glass cages takes funds as well as time. In any event, Puget sound offers some great sites with a host of critters to be seen. There are plenty of places to visit for the beginner to intermediate. Titlow beach in Tacoma or Edmonds ferry dock offer underwater parks where fishing is prohibited and and the fish get HUGE! Most of them are also good for photography. The best times for me would probably be Fridays or Saturdays(or Sundays) or an evening dive after 6 pm - actually I enjoy just about anytime.
Yep, drysuits are the way to go around here, with water temp about 48 degrees.
Jeff, sign up for those classes and get the book stuff behind you. Its a hobby that you can take with you anywhere. Have you spoken with Underwater Sports? They've got a few shops around the area and don't always place the dollar first.
Lets talk photography. I've got a Nikonos3 but without the strobe which is needed around here. Also an old Motor Marine (an older point and click). But need help with the Nikonos.
To me this is this is "recreation", no dives with mixed gases, 100 ft. depths, or wreck diving. I don't feel the need to prove anything, just go to 30-40 feet, meet some new critters, take some pix and come up the same number of times I go down. PM me if you're interested or if I can answer any questions..............Mark