A long-held ambition to visit Tobermory has been realized this weekend. Although conditions have been less than ideal - high winds, fairly heavy seas and rain - the trip was made immediately worthwhile this morning when, at 90 feet, the wreck of the Arabia loomed out of the depths. She's a magnificent old schooner, with a largely intact bow, many fittings intact and in place and NO zebra mussels. The block lies just off the starboard bow and you immediately see - in about 60+ feet of visibility - the bowsprit, bow, twin anchors and railings. A massive windlass sits between the anchors. 
The centre section and deck have collapsed, and the stern is largely gone, but good management has seen to it that deadeyes, shackles, much rigging and other fittings remain to fascinate divers.
One slight downside today was the water temperature. It brought back memories of the Lake a month or two ago. The bottom temperature on the wreck was 39℉ (4℃). Nevertheless, with a dive time of 30 minutes for a max of 96 feet, this was a great experience.
A second dive, on the James. C. King, a schooner that sank while under tow as a barge, was less exciting. She lies bow down on the rocky slope of an island, massive timbers still very evidently showing her substantial construction. But, there's little else to recommend a visit. Visibility though, again, was fantastic.
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