Mike's First Doubles Dive

As the winter has set in, Mike Hill and I had to go for a dive. With the Lake Ice formed and not many places to find open water he headed for Upper Brewers Mills, on the Rideau River. Today would prove to be a day of firsts. Mike's debut in diving with a set of doubles, and my first time at Upper Brewers Mills. The water was a cool refreshing 36F with a vis of 15 to 20 ft. with a mild to medium current, what more could two divers ask for. Mike proved that diving doubles is the way to go, judging by the smiles after the dive no difficulties were found. We went around the bowl 3 times observing crayfish and fingerling Walleye's. Ending the dive with a bottom time of 31 min and two divers happy to get in the water once again...

Brewer's bylines...

Another dive at Brewer's today. The site is no more exciting than it has been so far this season. A swift current continues to flow under the bridge and swirl around the bowl. The dive was spent in two circuits - with each marked by a period of rock clinging and bottom inspection before allowing the flow to sweep us round to the entry / exit point past the thicket of lumber and debris that lies in the shallower, Eastern portion of the site.

Water temperature; 34F (2C). Air temperature; 39F (4C) under cloudy skies.

Seek and ye shall find...

Today's dive at Brewer's Mills enjoyed wonderful conditions topsides and the stiff current underwater becomes more manageable with each experience. The site was bathed in bright winter sunshine and the channel was playing host to numerous geese and a muskrat when we arrived. Our activities soon dispersed them. Preparation and entry were quickly accomplished and the first of several minor finds was made as we put our fins on. Chris is pictured retrieving the lid of a thermos vessel. Early in the dive a watch was recovered and several rounds of pistol ammunition were uncovered close to the bridge. There was also a fleeting sighting of a crayfish. The thermometer registered 33F (1C) in the water and -4C (24F) landside.

Closed until further notice....?

Anyone harbouring ambitions to shore dive Lake Ontario is likely to be disappointed for the next little while. The picture was taken during a quick survey of popular sites this morning. This leaves determined divers with the choice of ice diving (if appropriately trained and where the conditions permit - perhaps Brule Rd) or visiting sites on the Rideau, such as Brewer's Mills, which is open.

Spin Cycle Selected...

Since options to dive in the Lake became a little restricted, the opportunity was taken today to go and revive acquaintance with Upper Brewer's Mills. As the accompanying video illustrates, conditions were less than ideal. For whatever reason (and it's hard to see where the flow is coming from) there was a healthy current flowing down the channel. This led to the adoption of the tried and tested 'spin cycle' dive experience. Entry was made in the usual place and an immediate descent to the bottom of the bowl allowed a few minutes to have a look around before allowing the current to take us, counter-clockwise, around the shallow margins and back to the entry point. Rinse and repeat three times for a total of just over 30 minutes in water at 34F (2C). The air temperature was -4C (24F) and only one, rather frozen-looking Perch was spotted throughout the dive. Novices are advised to avoid this dive site when a noticeable current is running. It is possible to be carried out of the circular current flow and swept downstream.

Warm work at Brewer's Mills..

It was reasonable to expect warmer water in the Canal today, but none of us would have predicted 60F (16C), which is what Dianne, Chris and I actually enjoyed. It may explain why we spent about 90 minutes on two dives, with a negligible surface interval between them. We used the Sunbury Road approach to the parking area on the West side of the Lock complex and dove in the 'lake' on the upstream side initially. This proved uninspiring, offering just about 5 feet of visibility and no more than 8 feet of depth. After just 25 minutes, we elected to walk down the bank and make a giant stride into the lower waters. A period of exploration of the downstream area followed, with an exit eventually made back up on the East bank by the usual side stream bridge and 'bowl'.

The whole experience was relaxing and uneventful. The find of a couple of rounds of live pistol ammunition under the bridge is nothing extraordinary at this site. We didn't turn a hair. Interestingly, the Crayfish are now much harder to find, but we had an attendant band of very bold Bluegills towards the conclusion of the dive.

If anyone is wondering where to test their wetsuit, the temperatures up here in the Canal are now ideal...

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.....

Spring Moods...

The onset of Spring is really evident these days. The thin mist at Brewer's this morning presaged a warm, still day that made diving a delight. Add the joy of watching a young fox run below the canal bank and a group of four Bufflehead Ducks diving on the upper stretch and it doesn't get much better.

Dianne, Jeremie, Chris and I spent between 47 and 64 minutes in the water, which was a comfortable 39F (4C). Air temperatures of 6C (43F) on arrival had risen to 10C (50F) by the time we headed out. The viz was pretty standard at about 15-20 feet - more in places. No significant underwater sightings.

The biggest surprise of the day came when I got home and hung up my drysuit. Retrieving a data logger I keep in my pocket, a crayfish (only small - maybe an inch long) dropped out with it. The little fellow seemed unharmed and I'll take him back to a more appropriate environment later on today...

Sunday Club Report - March 25th

Another good dive for the Sunday Club. This time attracting four divers; Adam, Kevin, Jeremie and myself. The venue - no surprises here - was Upper Brewer's again. For the benefit of those who were less familiar with the site, we headed upstream initially and visited the dam. Adam and I amused ourselves by heading right into the turbulent stream emerging from the overflow and discovered an interesting ledge under the bank.

Tiring of the upstream side, which is very shallow, we all allowed the gentle current to sweep us back under the bridge and into the 'bowl'. By this stage, we'd become two pairs. Adam and I continued South, checking out the old sawmill site and doing a little bit of rummaging. At this stage, after seeing many Crayfish, I spotted a dozing Turtle.

Everyone enjoyed a decent diving experience and I forced Adam to the exit just before 80 minutes had elapsed. Next time, I'll pump my tank right up and let him stay a little longer. Water temperature 38F (3C) and air temperature a pleasant 6C (43F). Occasional sunshine definitely improved the day - and I can report that the Martins have arrived at the stream, swooping and wheeling over the water. We were also treated to a little tattoo from a woodpecker, which attacked the power pole right by the vehicles. Ah - Spring !

Five Dive...at Brewer's

One of the best things about diving is the experience of enjoying the excitement of a new diver's first underwater experiences. Today, taking Malcolm into Brewer's for Open Water Dive 1, was one of those great moments. His delight was apparent from the outset - and he did a really good job of coping with the challenges of cold water, drysuit management and the basic buoyancy skills.

It was a great help to have Dianne along to act as a more than capable buddy to Malcolm. The presence of Jim and Christopher, who are both working hard to get some dives in as the Spring season (and the Lake, fingers crossed) both open, was very encouraging.

Sightings today included the usual Crayfish and the less commonly sighted Perch - rather cold and docile in the 'Bowl'. For armchair divers, the water was 37F (3C) and the air a balmy 6C (43F). The overcast conditions encountered when we arrived had given way to rain by the time that Jim and Christopher, who had spend an hour or more in the water, finally emerged.

Oh No, not Brewer's again...again...

When the Sun is shining and the air is warm (comparatively) what's a guy to do but go and dive..? I had the good fortune to persuade Dianne to accompany me, once again, on an exploratory foray at Brewer's Mills this morning. Conditions couldn't have been better - well, the visibility could have been slightly better than the 20 feet we enjoyed - but conditions were fine. It would be good to say that we encountered something really neat, but the truth is that we did some air sharing drills and had a really good exchange with a couple of feisty Crayfish. Chilly hands led to an exit just short of one hour in the water.

Record keepers might wish to know that the water temperature was 37F (3C) and the air was standing at 5C (41F) - with a brisk and chilly southerly wind. But the Sun was shining, the geese were honking and the birds are beginning to appear in the woodlands again. Can't you just feel the Summer approaching ..?

Back to Brewer's

After a lively morning in the pool, three of us hadn't had enough. So Joan, Dianne and I made our way, in brilliant sunshine, to Brewer's Mills. Highlights of the dive - seeing a small Snapping Turtle, introducing Joan to the resident Crayfish and just enjoying a mellow dive experience in good company.

For the record: Topsides temperature of 1C (34F), water temperature 37F (3C). Visibility about 15 feet - again somewhat poorer than of late. The wind was a brisk Northerly.

Wetsuit wonders of Brewer's...

Chris is pictured just before another outing at Brewer's Mills today. Astonishing as it may seem, this is his third dive at the site within the last week - in a wetsuit. His commitment is extraordinary...

Today's dive was undistinguished. Cloudy conditions did little to improve visibility that was generally limited to about 15 feet. We made our way downstream to the dock below the lock and had a look around there before returning up the East bank. Navigation in this small, but unremarkable, stretch of water can be testing, but I think that familiarity with the landmarks that do exist is slowly building.

For the record: Air temperature -1C (30F) with a cool North wind. Water temperature remains stuck at about 36F (2C) and the ice shield below the lock is still in place.

Not so boring Brewer's...

Great dive today with Dianne and Christopher between threatening showers. Task One was to find and photograph some Crayfish. This was not a challenge. We were practically tripping over them - metaphorically speaking. A toad and a small, unidentified fish also surrendered to the lens.

As a free information service for those who are not yet ready to jump back in the water; the air temperature was 6C (43F) and the water temperature a balmy 37F (3C). Good enough to keep us in the water for some 51 minutes, finding the usual maximum depth (in the 'bowl') of 27 feet.

Sunday Club Re-United at Brewer's

Spring has sprung one might cautiously suggest...

Today's dive was blessed with brilliant sunshine, an air temperature of 6C (43F) and a strong turnout of enthusiastic divers. Dianne, Jim, Christopher, Rob and I enjoyed a leisurely 45 minutes or so in water that is slowly warming up. We all recorded somewhere around 36/37F (2/3C). The plan called for a dip into the 'bowl' below the bridge and a downstream transit to look at the area around the bottom end of the locks, taking in the remains of the old sawmill on the East bank en route. There were no glitches. A variety of objects were examined and several bits of clay pipe recovered. It was very noticeable that, for some reason, the crayfish were abundantly evident in the bottom of the bowl. I personally spotted 4 or 5 in the couple of minutes spent in that area.

The diving future looks bright right now. One of the aims must be to visit the section of water downstream of the lock complex, before the Canal opens for the Summer season on May 24th. Currently, ice precludes safe entry.

Yes, OK - Brewer's again..

I can hear people asking, "is Brewer's the only place you ever dive?" Well yeah, until the Lake thaws out, I guess it might be - ice diving aside. And trust me, it's a whole lot easier to don your drysuit and slip into the water at Brewers than to assemble the equipment (and fellow ice divers) to go dive under ice.

That little rant aside, for anyone who has managed to maintain a semblance of curiosity, I can reveal that the wonderful conditions experienced today made for a great dive at Upper Brewer's for Dianne and I. As intended, we made a slow progress down to the area around the dock below the locks for a spot of light excavation. It would be good to relate that we found lots of great artifacts, but it wasn't so.

The return journey took us back past the site of what I have been told is an old sawmill quay. There are some substantial timbers, many with large iron nails and fixings still evident. It was a real bonus to have hardly any current at all.

Conditions - outstanding! The Sun was shining brightly, there was little breeze and it felt warm topsides despite an air temperature of -5C (21F). Water temperature somewhere around 36-38F (2-3C) and visibility about 20 feet, but giving the impression of better in the bright overhead light. We spent 52 minutes in the water and only came out because it was beginning to get chilly.

Back to Brewer's

The site at Upper Brewer's Mills is beginning to fit like a comfortable old shoe. Dianne and I made another dive on it this afternoon, investigating the upper channel all the way to the waters immediately under the hydro dam. The bad news is that this very shallow stretch really doesn't have a lot to commend it. We saw several waterlogged trees, some modern bottles and assorted items of abandoned houseware, but not much else.

A slow drift back downstream took us back to the hole just south of the bridge, where we spent a little time sightseeing. Crayfish seem to have a crazy love life. We encountered a pair of them in a tight clinch on the bottom. Otherwise, it was just another day at the office...

Next time - we head south with utensils to do some prospecting in the mud under the lock stream. Water temp today - 35F (2C). Visibility about 20 feet in most places. No current to speak of. And the air temperature, -2C (28F) with a biting West wind making for cold conditions - even in the bright sunshine. But the ice that was on some of the margins is definitely disappearing.

Brewer's again...

Dianne and I ventured out to explore a little more of the dive environment at Upper Brewer's Mills this morning. We found the water pretty welcoming, with only a very slight current and decent visibility, estimated at 20 to 40 feet, depending on location. After the usual drop into the bowl below the bridge, we made our way down the West side to the point that separates the Lock stream from the hydro channel. Here we had a good look for clay pipes and other treasures, but came up empty. A little care was needed in the area. It's very easy to become engrossed in the search and stray under a substantial ice sheet that runs down - almost to the point - from the lower lock gate.

Our return journey was made up the East side, back into the bowl and then through the bridge for a quick survey of the area on its North side. The only sight of note was a frog, quietly resting amongst the boulders under the bridge. Dianne had spotted several crayfish earlier - and produced a rifle or shotgun stock from the muck just before we exited.

The whole dive took us up to 50 minutes. No doubt our comfort level was increased by water at a temperature of 36 or 37F (2 or 3C).

Crowded House..

I guess it's one of those things that happens when almost all the water we love is covered in ice. Divers congregate on any accessible stretch. Today, Dianne and I were gearing up at Upper Brewer's when Steve and Wayne drove up to join us. They were able to give us more info on the site and some useful orientation tips. The water was pretty clear, with viz at about 20-25 feet. Temperatures remain at about 33F (1C), but the good news today was that the air temperature was 2C (36F). It felt almost balmy...

We watched several crayfish scuttling around in the bowl below the bridge and a couple of unidentified probable larvae. The highlight sighting was the remains of an old flintlock rifle, which Steve showed us underwater.

So, how cold was it. . ?

Dianne and I had a decent dive at Upper Brewer's Mills this afternoon. The Sun was shining brightly and there was practically no wind. The water was clear, with viz of something like 20-30 feet and the current was manageable. We got just under 30 minutes in, exploring the depression South of the bridge after an expedition upstream.

But there was no concealing the air temperature of about -11C (12F). The picture shows my frozen suit standing up, almost unsupported, just minutes after exiting the water.