Monday, April 30, 2007

Another Advanced Diver joins the ranks...

Completing her Advanced Open Water Certification this afternoon with the mandatory Deep Dive, Dianne joins the ranks of the Club's more experienced divers. The dive, which took the Cora Post wreck on Howe Island as its start point, was a classic deep dive. The sloping bottom is a perfect reference for a diver ascending and descending from the 100 foot mark. The most striking aspect of the dive was the extraordinary play of light as the Sun came in and out. It was almost as if a switch was being thrown.

Otherwise, the dive was relatively undistinguished, with no particular challenges encountered. Water temperature was 39F (4C) and the air temperature 17C (63F). Visibility was really very good indeed - at about 40 feet. Time in the water, including a prolonged safety stop of 5 minutes - 58 minutes.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Deadman ? - not quite...



Dianne, Malcolm and I made a trip into Deadman Bay today to find and explore the wreck usually known as the HMS Psyche. This proved to be a minor challenge in viz that was only about 15 feet, but we succeeded. Measurements were taken for the record; Length overall 156 feet, Beam couldn't be accurately assessed - she's too broken up. The Keel timber was 15" deep by 12" wide and the ribs 12". She lies pointing down the Bay at 230 Magnetic.

A huge Pike was spotted on the journey back down to exit at the CFB Marina and Malcolm spotted a Turtle close to the wreck. Around the Marina, there were also large shoals of Perch (literally dozens of fish).

Preparing to exit at 71 minutes - Dianne and I were prevailed upon to assist with a mooring task for the Sailing Club. This proved moderately interesting - especially fingertip searching for a Clevis I dropped at one stage. Total time for all the elements of the dive - 1 hour 49 minutes. It's clear the water is warmer. We recorded 42F (6C). Of course, it takes the chill off when you're hauling chains around too...

Club Re-Furbishment Complete...













Well, the fruits of Jean-Olivier and Rick's labours can now be seen in the Club. The new storage / organiser unit has given a much for ordered appearance to many of our possessions. They will also enable the instructors to store their gear out of the way and safe from confusion with Club assets.

Great job - the equipment managers..

Thank you on everyone's behalf...

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Putting some numbers to the Barge...

The opportunity was seized this afternoon to answer a question that has probably occurred to many Club members. How long is the Barge that we visit so frequently from the Marine Museum? Dianne, Chris, Malcolm and I settled the matter this afternoon. The numbers; length 94 feet, breadth 28 feet and height of the gunwales off the bottom - just 6 feet. The wreck also lies on a magnetic bearing of 60 / 240.

The temperature of the water - 39F (4C) - and visibility about 35 feet. On a weekend that saw many boaters launch their vessels, it was noticeable that the sounds of engines were occasionally audible during the dive. A potential hazard that we would all be wise to consider in our dive planning from now on.

Facelift for the Club...
















Thanks to two stalwart Club members, the premises from which we operate are enjoying a substantial facelift this weekend. Jean-Olivier and Rick have been working long and hard today to install new shelving and lockers. These will make much more efficient use of the limited room available to us at the KMCSC. The pictures show an early stage of the work, with the framework of the new build in place.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Ramping up the dive pace...


The break in the rain today gave an opportunity for Dianne and I to slip into the Lake at the West St Ramp. Taking advice received this morning from 'the Gladiator' we made our way out to the nearby car wreck - and then on to the dinghy, which shows impressive damage on the Port bow side.

Temperature in the water was 41F (5C). The air temperature - making suiting up a little warm - was 17C (63F). Visibility was in the order of 30 feet.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Seconds Anyone..?


I made a second dive today, with Dominique, to advance his divemaster task of mapping a local dive site. His site is the Marine Museum and we used this afternoon's dive to explore one of the many lines that criss cross the underwater landscape. This particular one proved to be relatively uninteresting, but you don't know that until you investigate.

We entered the water in fair conditions - and watching what appeared to be departure preparations on board HMCS Halifax, moored offshore. Our exit was in light rain - and Halifax had gone...

The water was the same 39F (3C) as recorded this morning at Howe Island and visibility was about 25 - 30 feet.

Deep delight on Howe Island...












Today provided an opportunity to test out some deeper waters off Howe Island. Chris and I ventured forth from the Cora Post to explore the opportunities the channel provides to take divers down to greater depths in a relatively controlled manner. This site is particularly good because the jumping off point from the Cora Post is already at 40 feet. A line has also been laid southwards, which connects with a tether at about 65 feet. We tied off to the tether and went South in search of deeper water. Our turn-around, as agreed in our plan, was at 80 feet. It was evident though that the bottom profile is ideal for a continuation to 100 feet - and probably more.

The lowest temperature recorded was 38F (3C) and visibility was about 35 feet. Marine life - algae aside - was distinctly limited. A couple of lazy Catfish were obliged to depart on our approach, but that was about it. We took the opportunity on the outward journey to clean both lines. They are now in excellent condition.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Under the watchful eye of a warship...


Dianne, Dominique and I slipped quietly into the water at the Marine Museum this afternoon for a gentle exploratory dive to the East, following the line that leads from the stern of the Alexander Henry. It was an event made special only by the presence off the harbour of HMCS Halifax, making a port visit to Kingston.

Water temperature was 39F (3C) and the air temperature on a beautifully sunny afternoon, 10C (50F). Visibility in the water - a little poorer than of late at about 35 feet.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Stacked Hulls in the Sunshine..


Calm conditions and brilliant sunshine made for a great opportunity to hit the Stacked Hulls today. Dianne, Chris and I made a gentle transit - taking about 55 minutes for the round trip. The visibility was in the order of 25-30 feet (more in the shallows). The most curious element of the dive was finding the Hulls full of what appears to be some sort of algae / fungus growth. This grey-green, light material has the appearance of 'cotton wool balls' or bubbles. It is more than a couple of feet deep in places and clearly associated with the wreck. Whether the association has something to do with the shelter the Hulls provide - or the consumption of the Hulls by the material - is unclear.

There was little other life evident - though a couple of large, pale Bass were spotted close to the Hulls - and we saw a Crayfish in the shallows near the pipe.

Water temperature was 39F (4C) and the air temperature about 12C (54F) - with a cool Southerly wind.

AFTERNOTE: It was suggested by someone who is knowledgeable about Kingston's waters this afternoon that the unusual agglomeration at the Hulls could have been Fish Roe. Comments on this would be welcomed. It was certainly a strange sight.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Kingston Nightlife is abundant...

Despite an appalling lead-in to the event, with thunder, lightning and lashing rain, the night dive that four of us completed tonight was a serene and memorable experience. Entering the water just before 9pm, to the accompaniment of the booming fog horn on the Wolfe Island Ferry, Dianne, Joan, Dominique and I discovered that there is much more nocturnal life in the Lake right now than daytime dives would lead us to believe.

Immediately we submerged, several Perch were obviously evident. This species proved to be very numerous across the range of depths encountered on a trip out to the barge and back. Some large, but very sluggish Mudpuppies were also spotted - and a couple of pretty large Bass. Dominique believes that he had a close encounter with a Muskie in the basin of the Henry as he prepared to exit.

With three HID lights between four divers (and the fourth, weaker light), illumination wasn't an issue. Visibility, despite the rain and squalls that had swept through the area just hours before, was about 25 feet. The best news of all is that the water temperature clearly appears to be on the rise, with 38F (3C) recorded out at 40 feet. Air temperature, which had dropped steadily throughout the evening, was just 11C (52F).

The divers were most appreciative of a surface presence provided by Malcolm and Steve, who provided practical as well as moral support. Regrettably, the conditions precluded any successful photography to mark this occasion. Next time....

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Tracey Makes her debut for 2007

Tracey actually made it out today for a dive! What else could we do while we were kicked out of our home for an open house?
We went to Deadman's bay to check out the Prince Regent.
Due to leisurely setting up new gear including DIY drygloves, it took only two hours of pre-dive preparations before we actually hit the water. This must be a record but was enjoyable as the sun made for a great outing. Thankfully the gloves didn't leak!
Vis was so so at 20 to 30 feet but the temperature was great at 41 degrees.

Mooring Chains at TYC

Well I dragged Adam and Jean-Olivier out on Saturday for a working dive, shifting around mooring chains on the docks at Trident Yacht Club (where I keep my boat). It was a gorgeous sunny day and Jean-Olivier even got drafted into helping with some dock installations while we were waiting to go diving. The water was about 41°F and after close to an hour and a half of working on chains I had a chill that penetrated to the core. It was a very successful dive and very much appreciated by the club. We'll be doing a few more dives there over the coming months to complete the work that we started. We closed the day with some homemade chili and a beer sitting in the sun on the clubhouse deck.

Sunday Club - Wrecksploration..


The Sunday Club is alive and well. This morning, Steve, Jeffy, Dominique and I made a small expedition to Deadman's Bay to enjoy one of the closer wreck sites there. But our day started with the provision of assistance to the Yacht Club. A committee member took advantage of our presence to have us fix some moorings for them.

Once we headed off to the wreck, we enjoyed excellent conditions. The Sun was streaming down through the water and painting vivid patterns on the old timbers. All the Zebra Mussels were soaking up the sunshine, siphons fully extended in filter mode. We all spent about 40 minutes on the wreck - good going for the two wet-suited divers. Lowest water temperature recorded - 40F (4C). A distinct improvement on last weekend, but not enough to make for routinely comfortable immersion. The air temperature was 10C (50F). Visibility on the site - about 40 feet, but a little murky. That was probably attributable to the steady South wind ruffling the shallow waters of the area. Some pics have been posted on the Flickr site.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Something for everyone..


Today's wonderful conditions obviously stimulated interest in diving. We had six divers in the water at Brule Road. Malcolm successfully completed his Open Water Course - congratulations! Chris and Dianne enjoyed exploration of the quarry and Steve and Dominique worked on surface marker deployment drills and other skills.

The Sun was illuminating the water beautifully. A large Carp was spotted hiding amongst the boulders and a small shoal of Bluegills was also observed. The water temperature in the quarry is notably higher than in the Lake. We recorded 41F (5C) today at the bottom (and quite a bit warmer at the surface). With an air temperature of 15C (59F) conditions were clement.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to dive - the Summer starts here...

Friday, April 20, 2007

Little bit of history repeating....


The image included with this post depicts naval action during the British Raid on Oswego in May 1814. It's apt because the vessels portrayed include the Prince Regent, the probable remains of which Chris and I visited this morning in Deadman's Bay. She lies just 5 minutes gentle swim from shore in 15' of water. On a calm, bright day - such as today - seeing her keel and ribs laid out with the sunlight dancing on them is magical. Given viz of some 40' - enough to see across her width - we had a good visit, giving the dive a purpose by recording some basic statistics. For those who are interested, here they are: The vessel's length is 130', Beam 42', Keel timber width 13", Rib timber width 11" and height of bow side planking 18". She lies bow southward pointing 225 Deg Mag. A jug marks a position 100' south of the stern and is attached to the centreline - at the keel. Maximum depth on the wreck is just 15' and her uppermost remains are a mere 6' below the surface. This makes her an ideal subject for a visit by canoe or kayak - launching from the CF Marina.

Other notes from today's dive - the water temp registered at 37F (3C) and the air temperature was a delightful 20C (68F). This is a must-do dive for novices - particularly while the weeds are somewhat suppressed after the Winter.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Sunshine on my shoulders looks so lovely...


And there's a prize for the first person to identify the song from which today's blog title came....

No, not really.

What a beautiful Spring day Dianne, Chris and I had to explore the far reaches of the waters off Kingston Yacht Club. Chris led the dive and elected to go for depth and distance. We headed off NW until our gauges showed 60 feet and then turned for home. Two things stand out about the trip. It was really interesting to note a clear bottom scour caused by the current. A very helpful natural navigation feature. And we sighted a sluggish Spotted Gar on the bottom during the return journey. Water clarity was wonderful - about 40 feet - or maybe better. The temperature remains chilly though at 35F (1C). But, when you emerge in sunshine and air temperatures of 12C (54F) all's well with the World.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Search and Recover ....

Every dive should have a clear purpose. Today's very definitely did. Dianne and Dominique were exercised in recreational Search and Recovery procedures. They did a great job on two search patterns - one using line and one without. They also practiced rigging and controlling a lift bag recovery of a larger object. This iteration included deployment of a (Pelikan) surface marker. The early work was observed by an uncritical audience of volunteers from the gunwale of the Alexander Henry.

Conditions were reasonable - the basin and surroundings being well sheltered from a brisk (and cold) Nor' easter. Visibility was in the order of 25 feet - slightly less beyond the protection of the Basin - and the water temperature shows no rise from the 34F (1C) it has been stubbornly presenting recently. Absolutely no marine life was spotted...

Roll on Summer - even I am getting mildly frustrated with a persistently cold Lake...

Pool Session a splash

13 divers were out on Sunday to enjoy the fifth pool session of the season. In the second hour, Adam, assisted by Pat, ran a finning session. Many divers took advantage of this opportunity to improve their skills. It always amazed me when I watch Adam do spin turns and sculling that he can make his legs move as fluid as most people use their arms.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Marine Museum


After a successful morning at the pool, which included my son Keegan getting to do his "Discover Scuba" with Adam; Adam, Matt, Geoff an I headed to the Marine Museum to practice some skills. Adam and Matt were in their sidemount rigs, while Geoff and I were in our traditional doubles. The temperature was a cool 34°F which just seemed to penetrate to the bone today more than normal. Above the waterline was likely about the same temperature with a steady drizzle to help cool things off. We spent most of the time working on close-in buoyancy and finning techniques around the railway and logs. Even the large double-double was barely enough to take the chill out after the dive.


Geoff was trying out his new camera and housing and sent me this photo he took of me. A great little toy to add to the scuba memories!!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Portsmouth Pottering..


Dominique, Kevin, Malcolm and I made a brief expedition down to Portsmouth Harbour today, exulting initially in bright sunshine, but recognising reality later as the clouds rolled in again. The water was delightfully clear, with visibility in the order of 40 feet. But, it remains quite chilly at 35F (2C). There was little life in the water. We saw nothing noteworthy. Summer is clearly on the way though. There were several small fishing boats getting check-out runs from the inner harbour.

The warpaint on Malcolm is a sign of over-exuberant application of talc to a neck seal. We rather liked it. Every dive needs a lighter moment...

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Wrecked at Brule Road..


It was too nice a day to miss a dive, so Dianne and I headed for Brule Road to complete a wreck adventure on the cabin cruiser. We also took the opportunity to have a closer look at the Hyundai discovered during our ice dive in February. All objectives were successfully completed and we enjoyed a bit of exploration, particularly of the NE corner of the pond. A large gold-coloured Carp was disturbed at one stage, South of the cruiser and old car. A large Bass was also seen early in the dive.

Conditions were very good, with viz in the order of 50 feet and a water temperature of 41F (5C). The air temperature was 6C (43F) with a cool breeze behind it.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Portsmouth ...


Portsmouth worked well today as the venue for an Underwater Navigation dive to kick off the Advanced Open Water syllabus for Dianne. Her skills were impressive. The visibility of some 40-50 feet really helped, allowing the legs on the triangular and rectangular navigation swims to be significantly larger than usual.

Chris was a great help, providing another set of experienced eyes in the water and towing the dive float. It's a great sign of approaching Summer that the Coastguard vessel, Cape Hearne, has returned to the harbour. The only negative in any of the diving recently continues to be the chilly, in-water temperature. Today's minimum was shown as 32F (0C). The air temperature of 4C (39F) wasn't anything to write home about, but the Sun was shining brightly, if intermittently.

Monday, April 9, 2007

First visit to the Stacked Hulls of the year

The water was a chilly 34 ˚F for our first swim to the Stacked Hulls of the year. Adam Rushton, Geoff McTigue, Jean-Olivier Berger and I (Pat Heffernan) took advantage of the extra-long (government) holiday weekend with a Monday morning dive. We even 'celebrated' the long-weekend by sleeping in the extra hour and not gathering at club until 0900 hrs. Vizibility was very good away from shore, but the waves were starting to stir things up in the shallows by the time we got back. Several large fish were seen but they all still seem a little sleepy. The line is in good shape, though there seem to be some extra lines going "God knows where" near the wreck site. I was happy to take the opportunity to test out the scooter for the coming season. The extra knot of forward speed sure does add to the chill though!!

Saturday, April 7, 2007

The First Goby of Spring...



Well, today's Easter Saturday dive was a really good one. The greatest achievement was making it back into the waters of the Lake again after many weeks thwarted by ice. Dianne, Steve and I entered the basin of the Alexander Henry just after 11 AM today to find startlingly good visibility, but very low temperatures - 34F (1C). We found absolutely everything in place, just as it had been left in January. Same old beercans, truck tires and bottles....

We made a leisurely progress out to the barge, which has been undisturbed by Winter. Only a couple of large Bass were seen - hugging the bottom, a Perch and a single Goby - first of the year. Visibility was in excess of 40 feet and the air temperature was -2C (28F) with blowing snowflakes driven by a chilly westerly wind.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Cold comfort in Gan..


The dip in the mercury definitely impacted on a dive today at the Marina in Gananoque. Dianne, Christopher and I enjoyed about 50 minutes in the water, entering and exiting at the swimming beach, but we all noticed cooler water temperatures. We also deplored the business of de-kitting in blowing sleet. I think we had all hoped that the days of brushing ice out of your hair after a dive were over for 2007.

The strong westerly wind - and perhaps the downflow of rain waters from the last couple of days - produced a mild current. That was sending great plumes of green algae through the water. There were times when it felt a bit like Space Invaders, trying, futilely, to dodge these in the current. There were few fish about - just the odd Perch hiding in the bottom cover of weed and algae.

Visibility was about 15 feet, with a minimum water temperature of 35F (2C). The air temperature - on a day that saw sunshine one minute and snow the next - was just on freezing.

But back in Kingston, there's great news. The ice is gone from all the major bodies of the Lake, including the area around the Alexander Henry. Dive on !

Sunday, April 1, 2007

OK - So I missed the Crayfish...



After a late evening look at the usual dive spots on the Lake Ontario shoreline last night, I came to the conclusion that we're still about a week away from shore dives locally. So...... The options were; Gananoque again - bit of a drive, nothing exciting to see - or Brewer's Mills. With my burgeoning love of Crayfish in mind, the solution was simple - head North for Brewer's.

With only one other brave soul for company - did you all think the invitation to come out today was an April Fool's? - I spent about 50 minutes in water that has now reached about 42F (6C). Visibility was around 20-25 feet and there was no current noticeable. My regard for the humble Crayfish was rewarded with multiple sightings. The little blighters obviously like the upward temperature trend as much as we all do.

The only other sighting of note was a medium calibre live pistol round spotted near the exit point. Funny what people throw away.....