New wreck to me ...

There are a few wrecks out in the Lake that I haven't had the chance to visit yet, but amongst those closer to shore it's rare to come across something new. Today provided the chance to explore a site that had been spotted from the air. It's in the Bateau Channel and, when first sighted, seemed to promise quite a lot. Aerial pictures appeared to show the outline of a vessel quite clearly, in shallow water.

Today's visit therefore provided a mixed bag of results. The wreck is indeed present. It's about 250 feet long - a substantial ship - but most of the site is very flat. That's to be expected, it's quite shallow and will have been degraded over the years by ice action and wave motion. But, the bow and stern can be made out quite distinctly, and there's much of the timberwork on site. It seems likely that the ship was iron clad, but not many of the plates are immediately evident. Named bricks were seen on the site, so there's a possibility that they may contribute to identification.

I'm not sure that this will be a very popular location to visit; it's relatively undistinguished as a dive site, but the size of the ship is quite remarkable. The picture, by the way, shows the stern, lying on its starboard side.

Afternote: Thanks to Rick Neilson and Tom Rutledge it's been possible to identify this wreck. It is very likely the Chicora. The link gives a great insight into a very interesting ship. The tragedy is that her remains do her past very little credit. If you plan to visit, do be wary of the shoal just to the North of the site - and one section of the bow, which lies just a foot or two beneath the surface.

Imagine one of these in the Lake...

So - while browsing a technology website today - I came across an article on the growing interest in 'personal submarines'. This class of underwater craft is increasingly interesting both the recreational sector and researchers. Click this link to read the article and start thinking how much fun it would be to visit our local wrecks in a submarine like the ones described...

Paperwork...

Courtesy of a grant of sports afternoon, Alex and Cody completed their first open water dives today. Mike accompanied them to refresh his dive skills. Visibility was pretty poor at about 15-20 feet. This was to be expected after the torrential rains of last evening. It didn't affect enjoyment of the two dives - or the wildlife encountered. A pair of adult Bass are currently shepherding their babies in the shallows near the entry point, and a Freshwater Drum and other fish, besides the Gobies were seen during the swims.

Worth noting that these divers are the first in the Club to migrate to the new Electronic Recreational Diver Planner (Multi-Level), a device now used by 85% of PADI students across Canada to complete their dive planning.

The water temperature was a pleasant 66℉ (19℃).

Cross Current Diving

I would like to thank our friends at Cross Current Divers for inviting the members of the Dolphin Scuba Club to dive with them this weekend. Several Dolphin members took them up on their offer.

A total of 12 divers boarded the Proteus out of Treasure Island Marina in Kingston. Even though the winds were high the Proteus got us out to the Glendora and the Wolfe Islander for a great day on the water. If you ever get a chance to dive with the Proteus you should take it. While not the fastest boat on the lake, it is very comfortable and has lots of room for divers and gear. And for the Ladies a comfortable bathroom (head for you nautical types).

Our first wreck of the day was the Glendora. 10 of the 12 divers were adventurous enough to take on the high winds while 2 of us decided to stay on the boat. I can't say much about this wreck as I was one of the ones to stay on the boat but from listening to the other divers as they surfaced they had a great time on this wreck.

Our second dive of the day was to the Wolfe Islander II. This is a very popular site when the winds are high as it is protected by Wolfe Island. When we arrived at the site there were 3 other boats tied to the mooring. As the winds were not as strong here I decided to don my drysuit and go. The visibility was very low, I would guess at about 10 feet. You had to keep close to your buddy or a good fin kick would put him/her out of visible range. With the low visibility I found it hard to find the up line on the stern as it has changed from last year.

It was nice to meet everyone and I hope we get the chance to dive with you again sometime.

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.

13 - Lucky for some..

So, thirteen of us made our way this morning to Murney Tower and the wreck that lies offshore. Particularly good to see Sylvain (pictured) who rarely escapes his other duties these days to sneak in a dive. Conditions were pretty good - with viz in the shallows rather restricted, but improving below the thermocline (51 feet) to better than 30 feet or more. Scott and Kim are seen in the video gently approaching the wreck. Many thanks to those who have encouraged all of us to get going again on Sunday mornings. Just great to see so many divers out at one time. Sights worth seeing today; a large Carp in the shallows, with some Bass buddies - and a shoal of small fry amongst the weeds on top of the shelf.

Water conditions - surface calm, barely ruffled - and the temperatures about 64℉ (18℃) above the thermocline and 53℉ (12℃) below.

A Century Not Out...

A century not out is typically a cricketing expression, but in this case it refers to the fact that Jeffy made his hundredth dive today. He enjoyed the unique occasion on the KPH wreck, where visibility and conditions - a small thermocline notwithstanding (at about 45 feet) - were excellent. Temperatures above the thermocline were in the 60s, below it about 50℉ (10℃) . The post dive celebration continued at the Portsmouth Tavern, where all good groups go to relax. Jeffy is pictured close to the bow, approaching the forward hatch and just inside the large bitts that lie on either side of the forward quarters of the wreck. This little-visited gem also boasts a massive rudder, three-bladed prop and a pair of enormous boilers. A bilge pump and other fittings also remain to attract the attention of divers. Congratulations Jeffy - start in on the next hundred soon...!

SundayDives are GO!

Just like the old serial tv shows we have lift off on the Sunday dive program. Meeting at 9 am for gear and leaving for underwater adventure at 930. We boldly go where many have gone before. Ok so thats not my finest intro to writing ...

A small handful of folks braved the bright sunny day at 2 different sites Morton's Wharf and POH ( I don't have info on that dive ATM). Gaetan and myself experienced a leisurely hour-long dive at the Morton's Wharf. Sitting at 27 feet max depth at the end of the underwater pier this is easily one of Kingston's easier dives. I bet this would be a wicked night dive. The entry is a bit tricky however the water was calm at least when we went in. It was not so nice when we got out as the winds really picked up. Vis was clear for 30 or so feet, and we were treated to lots of bass that clearly had just spawned, as well as one massive Carp, and a skittish catfish. Water temp was a balmy 66F and I did the dive comfortably in a single layer 7mm wet suit. A simple dive with a few swim throughs and few plates and cups scattered around as well as a really old TV.

Big thanks to Chris Haslip for giving me a small map of the site however after 30 min of searching I gave up on looking for the St Lawrence that sits in 6 feet of water. Also thanks to Mike for pre-filling the air banks the day before for potential divers!

In short: I intend to dive every sunday in the morning (weather and other factors aside) and anyone is welcome. I havent decided how I want to post the intended sites in advance. Further: weather does affect that as well, so for now I will play it by ear and figure out the plan at the club. I am allways open to shore diving ideas and if there is something that can be done by rec divers from shore then we can entertain that. Its a long hot summer and quality time underwater is a sure fire cure for the heat.
Oblig pics:
Nice bass Geatan!

A swim through, the super carp, and as allways blowing bubbles:



Keep blowing bubbles

Matt

BTW I must say our new sign is nice and bright!

Stay tuned

First Impressions...

First impressions always count - and for some time now the scuba sign over the Club has failed to make a positive impression on visitors. Now, thanks to the Base authorities, and to the Committee members who took the matter up, we have a bright, shiny new sign that better reflects the nature of our Club.

And it doesn't end there. Our cramped premises now boast an excellent, state-of-the-art compressor that would be worthy of employment in any commercial operation, and we have excellent new wetsuits and other accessories to offer our members.

A note of appreciation is duly recorded here to the Base and to all our Committee members who have made this happen. Running any organization well and with a high degree of success is no accident. It doesn't happen by itself. Well done to all concerned - and sincere thanks.

Oh what a night..!

On Marc-Etienne's suggestion, several of us made a night dive this evening from the ramp by the Marine Museum. Six divers had fun venturing out to the barge in rather limited visibility and then returning to tour the logs. The predominant fish species seen, if you ignore the overwhelming number of Gobies always present, was Catfish. Many of them were swimming around in the rather murky water. A couple of decent Walleye were also spotted under the ramp supports during the final minutes, and many pretty large Perch were around too.

It's been a while since I've been out to the barge and it was good to see that the line is intact and the wreck itself makes an interesting tour. Somehow, by night it seems larger.

Todd had a chance to try out his new light, which is an LED model with three 'bulbs'; very bright and effective - no missing him in the water. Total dive time about 40 minutes.

Check out this new website...

Kingston Dive Charters has been up and running for a little while, but Harold and Anne have recently revamped their website - to which a link exists from this blog. It now includes a slide show showing the boats and some of the local sites. Have a look and let them know what you think.

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!

Another Diver Advances...

Todd celebrated Canada Day today with his final adventure to complete his Advanced Open Water certification. We went to Morton's Wharf and enjoyed many encounters with marine wildlife. Several Carp visited us, a large Catfish, at least one magnificent Walleye and, of course, lots of Bass and Gobies. Visibility was not too good and there's a huge, shifting mass of bright green algae on the top of the Wharf. Otherwise, the dive was a lot of fun and allowed both of us to exhibit good buoyancy control as we moved up and over the wall several times.