Friday, May 11, 2007

Wolfe Islander II - a Dream Dive early in the season


A remarkable opportunity was seized this afternoon to travel out to the Wolfe Islander II with Dianne and Chris. Dianne, a very competent sailor, permitted us to use her Legend 35 yacht as a dive platform. It proved almost ideal, but we may have to look at a better exit arrangement. The ladder provided a great test of upper body strength. Stainless steel rails do not afford the greatest grip for drygloves.

We found a mild surface current - which all but disappeared at depth. The bow mooring on the Wolfe Islander is in place, although the up line is tangled on the mast just behind the bow. This has artificially shortened the mooring, making tying on a bit of a challenge. The wreck was in great shape, with visibility something like 40-50 feet. We toured the vessel's hull, then rose at the stern to check out the saloon and upperworks. Dozens of small fish, presumably Bass, are still resident in the interior spaces.

For those who follow this saga, the Fire Hydrant is on the second deck, Starboard side, outside the Saloon; today, anyway.

Water temperature 42F (6C).

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