Diving the Islander

Great trip today to Alexandria Bay to dive the wreck of the Islander. The water clarity was exceptional and it's still not too chilly at about 50℉ (10℃). As always on this site, there were lots of Crayfish, including this monster. There has been some damage done to the dinner table set-up, but we restored one piece to create the ensemble shown.

Over the Bridge and not so far away...

Kevin, Josée, Gaétan and I made the exhausting (Not!) journey to Alexandria Bay this morning to dive the wreck of the Islander. Conditions were excellent, though the water temperature's the same as in Canadian waters. Strange that ...

For the first time, taking advantage of local advice, we ventured North to discover the dining chairs, tables and silverware in 60 feet of water below A Bay's Floating Restaurant.

This is a great wreck to do - and you can be back in Kingston (depending on lines at the Border) within three hours.

Pool's Open...

The change in the weather recently, and particularly the high temperatures, have combined to open the Lake for business. Last night, Marc-Etienne, Todd and I took a trip to the KGH wreck to prove the line and check out conditions. With an air temperature of 11℃ (52℉), you might have hoped for some warming of the water. Clearly though, whatever the recent sunshine has done to the ice, it hasn't substantially changed the water temperature. We recorded just 35℉ (2℃) during our dive. On the plus side, the visibility is great. Marine life was noticeably scarce. The only fish to be seen in the shallows and on the swim out to the wreck were dead ones. On the wreck itself, there were many Bass lurking around. They seemed quite surprised to have their evening interrupted by divers. I guess there haven't been many out there in recent weeks. A lone Crayfish was spotted by Todd during the safety stop on our return.

For Marc-Etienne, as the picture shows, this was also an opportunity to try out his new Poseidon Besea Backpack style BC.

Kinghorn Expedition...

Kevin, Jim and I made it down to Rockport today to fulfill a long-held ambition for all three of us; to make the Kinghorn on a shore dive. Respect for the wreck's depth and the presence of current, demanded careful preparation, including assurances of redundant air supplies for each of us (doubles or stage bottle) and the use of enriched air.

The guideline was very easy to locate and follow. An important hint was given before we set off by a local expert. The line ends just west of the bow of the wreck, upstream. Running a jump line across as you drift down onto the wreck is advisable. It makes picking up the main line for the return journey much easier. Actual conditions were near ideal. We had about 40 feet of viz on the wreck (perhaps better) and a very light current. The bottom temp was 46℉ (8℃).

Kevin took much video and some stills, including pictures of large and very brave Crayfish on the clay bank just below the docks. Here are some examples:

Twofer....

Today provided an opportunity to combine a trip to Dive-Tech with an onward journey to the Conestoga and the Rothesay. Both wrecks were in good shape. The current was fairly brisk on the Connie and the visibility limited to about 20 feet. Similar conditions prevailed on the Rothesay. The good news is that the water temperature downriver is now 48F (9C). The crayfish was seen on the area approaching the Rothesay, where several large fish were also evident. A little disturbingly, a lot of bottom-hugging, dense, algae-like weed was also present. A bad sign so early in the season.

Warm Water...?

With the Sun beating down over several days and a spring-fed source, there was a reasonable expectation that water temperatures in the quarry at Brule Road would be kinder to divers than the still frigid expanse of the Lake. It proved to be the case today, when 40 minutes in 46F (8C) water (warmer in the first 6 feet) provided a really relaxed dive experience. Visibility, below a milky, upper layer, was about 50 feet. It has to be admitted that there's not much life around yet. A couple of small fry were seen and the odd scuttling retreat amongst the rocks suggested crayfish, but only the mussels were commonly sighted. The good news is that the approaches are dry and firm and the water's substantially warmer than elsewhere right now. Time to think about the wetsuits folks..

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.

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...

Pottering at Portsmouth..

The brilliant sunshine today was more than tempting enough to draw Dianne, Jim and I to the water at Portsmouth Harbour. We set ourselves the task of measuring the pipe and lines that run out to the twin anchors. Then, Jim practiced some bag deployment drills. The remainder of a dive approaching one hour in duration was spent looking for Crayfish and other wild life. Our researches were rewarded, close to the breakwater wall, with a very close sighting of a large Northern Pike, which seemed intrigued by us. It was probably also very interested in the shoal of small Perch in the same area.

Water temperature, 41F (5C) and the air temperature about 14C (57F). Visibility was exceptional - certainly in excess of 50 feet.

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.

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.