Beneath us is a cavern which is open to the ocean. Divers (including Julie, the other day) ride a boat up to the north end of Saipan, roll into the water, and then enter into the cavern underwater. This hole provides a cool "skylight," which allows a beam of sunlight to penetrate through the water from the top to the bottom of the cavern. Because the water is generally in motion, the beam scintillates in an awesomely ethereal pattern, making this a magnificent and mesmerizing dive. It also is a fun hike to where we can look down into the abyss. On this date it was very calm. Often, the water gushes at least half way up and drops downward rapidly due to waves pounding the entrance of the cave. In storms, the water can even totally fill this hole (only to gush out between waves). It can be awesome from above or below.

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