Diving's snow problem for us...

They said we were crazy - and they may well have been correct. Diving in a snowstorm, when the air temperature's down to -13℃ (9℉) is probably pushing the dive envelope, but when there's work to be done, why not? Adam, Jim and I braved the entry challenges (and more particularly, the exit ones) to get more data on the Pump House Pipeline today. Adam again 'scootered' out to the distant crib and took some more details of the pipeline structure and fittings; Jim and I concentrated on obtaining detailed measurements of one of the conical (perhaps better described as bell-shaped) connections.

Visibility was excellent - probably about 50'. The first few, snow-chilled feet of water were very close to the freezing point, but below that layer, the water remains a 'comfortable' 37℉ (4℃). Going back to exit challenges, consider this... Adam had to re-immerse himself briefly to create the conditions to unzip his drysuit. Everything wet froze almost instantly in the wind and low temperature land side. Jim was obliged to drive home in his suit, having failed to get out its frigid confines....

Happy Birthday, Adam !

With a birthday in late December, you're not always guaranteed the conditions for a dive that satisfies; well not in Kingston, anyway. But today, Adam, Jim and I had a great dive in near perfect conditions. Adam, rigged for solo diving, took his scooter out all the way to the end of the Pump House Pipeline - some 2,400'. Jim and I swam out together to the first crib (about 1350') - counting the pipeline joints along the way. For both parties, it was an interesting experience testing our line of approach by probing for a pipeline some 6-8" down in the mud after a certain point. But it was all very worthwhile. Our understanding - and the feedback we're able to give the historians and engineers chronicling Kingston's early freshwater delivery system - is growing all the time.

For the records - air temperature today -2℃ (28℉) and the water temperature 37℉ (3℃). Visibility, as the water settles after recent storms, about 40' and improving.

More work on the pipeline...

Four of us defied stormy seas today to conduct further research on the Pump House pipeline. Visibility was surprisingly reasonable - at about 20'; more than sufficient to complete our tasks. Perhaps the greatest challenge was the one faced by one of our number whose mask had to be defrosted after leaving it in a cold garage overnight.

We are now refining our measurements on the pipe and making a specific record of joints and their natures. Simple tasks, but rewarding. It has to be said that there's no joy in fish watching just now. We saw nothing but Gobies today.

One flange, two flange, three flange, more..?

Today's dive was another installment in the recently commenced project to support the investigation of the Kingston Pump House and its associated pipelines. The intention was to get some half decent imagery of the different joints on the pipeline and to look for any other interesting features. Well, having previously noted two different joint types, the first surprise was finding a third. Examples of each are shown. Another delightful discovery was what may be the missing union with the shore-side ducting. Just to the right of the severed end of the pipe that heads off into the Lake, a pipe opening was found protruding from the breakwater and pointing roughly towards the other section.

For the record - visibility was about 40' - less than the ideal conditions would have suggested, but the Lake was pretty disturbed yesterday. The water temperature is down to 39℉ (4℃).

Piping Hot - NOT !

Despite heaving seas and blustery, freezing winds, three of us ventured into the Lake today to begin to answer some questions about the intake pipeline that used to serve Kingston's pump house on Ontario Street. This research is being undertaken for a group that previously restored the Phoebe and is now working on the historic pump house itself. Much is known about the pipeline, but the group are interested in confirming their understanding of the original plans and reports. Today's work focused on measuring the intervals at which the iron pipe (with a 2' diameter) used connecting flanges. Interestingly, the flanges are not uniform; two distinct types were seen. The second type, which appears on every third connection, it seemed, has a conical section and is much thicker than the other, more common joint. It was also a revelation to discover that the pipe's shore-side end is completely disconnected - and open. Other interesting sightings - a large Carp and several Bass. The visibility - thanks to the fairly tempestuous waters driven by a strong, southerly wind - was only about 30' and the water temperature 41℉ (5℃).