I finally got back out on the water in Adelaide after a long hiatus. I’m looking forward with both anticipation and dread to my first dive in the gulf since the algal bloom extended its toxic grip.

While out beyond West Beach, I encountered a small pod of dolphins. One showed off by breaching with delight, another circled my boat and eyed me intently, while a more solitary dolphin kept its distance until I left.

I hope seeing them is a sign of healthier times ahead.