Ahhhh Canada Day ... right in the middle of the week, who planned that?
What a perfect time to sneak in a couple of great dives. Kim managed to book some time with the gang down at Ducks Dive out in Pickton. I must tell you it was worth the 2 hour and change drive complete with a 5am revillie, for all that they had to offer. At least Kim and Scott were smart and booked one of DDs fine cottages for the night and saved the sleep time. The days forcast looked ominous with news reports of thunderheads on the horizion all day long , but the Sun gods were kind to us with nothing but glowing rays of good times. Despite our fine fellows from RMC attempts at proving officers cant read maps at least they fessed up quick noticing they missed the red roofed offices of Ducks dive in a new york minute. At the spot of 8 am Susan and George had all 11 of us out on the water ready to get wet.
The 2 dives we planned and executed were the Annie Falconer and the Fabiola. Both of these dives are within the Open water level. the Annie is slightly more challanging of the 2 sitting in 76 feet of water, and the Fabiola in 55 feet. The water temp for both dives was on the chilly side for those wet at anywhere from 48 to 50f at the bottom for both dives. Vis on the Falconer was very good under the suface algea cloud with at least 30 feet to see, however the Fabiloa had a small current and the vis was really no more then 20 at best. We didn't see much in the way of life and it was noted that the usual clouds of Gobies appear to be somewhere else this season. perhaps thats a good thing. The surface decided it needed to stir things up and the calm morning turned into 3-4 foot swells that are allways fun when you forget your snorkel. Only two who shall remain nameless spilled their lunch. Thank god its just fresh water and not salt. Boooo! Still it was all smiles after the dives and we all talked about wanting to go back next year.
Those who have read my blogs probably have guessed I like to give out lessons of experience on every dive, and this dive lived up to the standard. I cant stress enough that folks should allways take the time to get your gear looked at by a proffessional every year. Occasionaly even after servicing gear can fail and this dive did that not once but twice. For 2 of us we had fun with everyones favorite: the freeflowing octopus. Fortunatly one of us found it on the surface and managed to get the spare set of regs I brought with me. However when I went under at 60 feet my own octo decided the wreck scared it and started blowing bubbles when none should be, Soooo I had to call the dive. Remember you can call a dive for any reason, and what ever you do dont continue a dive with gear that needs work. The old saying goes once one thing breaks others are sure to follow. Dont turn your dive into a rescue. Your buddie might not be totaly happy but they would rather call a dive then call 911. The wreck isnt going anywhere, its a wreck so you can allways visit it another time.
As usual pics:
the surface:
No pics of the Annie Falconer - meaning the stupid flash didnt go off and I really didnt get to see it =P
the Fabiola:
the Drive home with the ferry:
One last note, for those going out here take the time to do the drive to the Glenora Ferry and see the wonderfull Lake Ontario coastline. The Lake in the Mountains resport area alone makes the trip worth the effort. the Ferry is free and usualy during the summer runs every 15 min. Frankly its better then going over that god its awfully huge bridge that nearly touches the stars before Pickton proper in Tyndinaga Mohawk lands.
As allways keep blowing bubbles!
1 comment:
Great description of todays dive.
Some of the divers went on to do some wine tasting since we were in the area. The Black Prince winery is just out side of Picton and has some really great wine. Of course I had to buy a few bottles.
Post a Comment