Jamie joins the certified divers..

Congratulations to Jamie, who opted for Brule Road's more sheltered environment to complete his Open Water dives today over a rather lumpy lake. Each of the dives lasted almost an hour and required skills were all mastered without fuss. The Quarry was very busy - did we mention that there's now a barbecue running, with hot dogs and other snacks, as well as cold sodas available?

The tiny Bass fry which were very evident a few weeks ago are now reaching recognizable Bass form. They've stopped shoaling in large numbers and now move around singly, or in small groups of up to about a dozen fish. At about an inch long - and quite curious - they are great fun to watch. In and around the the old car chassis, three or four of the largest Bluegills I've ever seen are also lazily swimming around.

Each visit to the Quarry these days shows up new objects underwater. Take a trip and have a look around yourself.

And another diver joins the ranks...

The perfect dive conditions over the May 24 weekend allowed yet another Open Water diver to gain certification. Ben completed his third and fourth dives on the holiday Monday to complete training commenced in the classroom and pool as long ago as January. It really brings home to you how short our wetsuited season is when you reflect that, only in the last couple of weeks has the water realistically been warm enough to introduce students to the Lake.

Congratulations Ben - enjoy the Summer ahead and be sure to dive frequently..!

Two more divers complete Open Water work..

The picture by Todd shows Mike leading students, Dale, Glenn and Ben out along the pipeline at Portsmouth that leads to the famous anchors. Glenn and Dale went on today to complete the last of their Open Water dives for certification. Their final dive was on the KGH Wreck. This is a tribute to their skills and confidence in the water. Each completed this relatively challenging dive for inexperienced new divers with a broad smile and a strong sense of personal satisfaction. Water temps, by the way, 55℉ (13℃) above the 32' thermocline - 46℉ (8℃). Visibility in the deeper waters was very good, but decidedly limited around shallow .sites like Morton's Wharf.

First of many to come..

Many congratulations to Alex this week, who is the first Open Water student of the year to gain full certification in local waters with the Club. His four dives never saw water temperatures higher than 48℉, but that didn't seem to daunt him in the slightest.

Congratulations to two new divers..

Today, the Club saw two more divers join the ranks of the certified. Alex and Cody have been working away quietly to complete all the requirements of certification. They made two open water dives today; the first at Morton's Wharf, in fairly lumpy conditions and the second at Kingston Oasis (which is now the official title for Brule Road Quarry). The dives lasted 45 and 59 minutes respectively and gave the divers plenty of time to enjoy their surroundings and test their skills.

Brule Road is gaining popularity and it's well worth the $3 charged for admission to have the facilities that have now appeared available. The owner tells me that he plans to build a new home on the site and to improve the site still further. As a welcome - and easily accessible - alternative to a stormy Lake, it's a really welcome dive venue.

New Divers braving the waters...

Alex and Cody are two new members of the Club whose duties didn't allow them to attend one of our regularly scheduled courses. They're fitting in their training as time allows. The good news is that they are both very keen and very able, if their performance so far is anything to go by. This is probably the best time of year to attempt training like this - and conditions have been pretty good. Watch out for news of their certification in the days ahead.

Canada Day Dive!

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!