Stacked Hulls ? An Hour in the Water ? Why Not ?

The weather is definitely taking a turn for the better. When Todd, Jim, Gaetan, Matt and I made our way out to the Stacked Hulls this morning, it was quite clear that the water is warming up. We recorded 41℉ (5℃) on the shelf, and 39℉ (4℃) at depth. Visibility was probably about 30-40'. Two cameras were deployed. Todd's excellent available light shots will feature later. For the time being there's a mix of ambient and flash-lit pics here. Matt's day was made by sighting a Long-Nose Gar on the bottom on the way out. Less said about the encounter, the better though.. The line's in good shape, but may need a little bit of interpretation on the homeward leg. Just remember to maintain 310° Mag as you head for shore. Best way to pick up the line on the way out is to swim off shore at 130°, turn left at the bottom of the shelf and pick up the intact guideline from there.

Picnic the perfect Pick-Me-Up...

Under sunny skies, with excellent water conditions (if you ignore a slightly chilly edge to the temperature) the annual Treasure Hunt and Picnic went off today with a very high level of attendance. More than 20 divers participated and there were at least 30 members present altogether. Kim and Scott did a wonderful job of pulling the whole event together. Their efforts on the catering front deserve special mention. The food was delicious and the home-made cookies and other delights just made the day. It was particularly good to see youngsters present. I think that Sophie, a babe in arms, took the prize for youngest of all.

The diving was good, despite a silty layer deposited by morning rain. One group was lucky enough to spot a Long-Nosed Gar. The accompanying picture was captured by Marc-Etienne.



As always, the occasion proved to be the rallying point for some members who have been away - or whose gear doesn't suit the colder weather diving. It was great to see them back in the water.

Stacking the dives...

James and Kevin took the opportunity offered by calm waters to check out the line to the Stacked Hulls today. Despite bright sunshine, a bitter northerly made conditions cold in 4℃ air temperatures - just a little warmer than the water. The line is almost wholly intact. A section near shore will need some attention and the divers cleared a heap of accumulated weed from the outer sections, but the site is good to go. Don't forget, if you plan to attempt this dive, to check out the guide on the POW Kingston website and to keep close track of your air. If you're lucky, you'll encounter the unusual Long-Nosed Gar that Kevin and James did. It was resting on the bottom. There were several large Small-Mouth Bass on the wrecks themselves.

Thanks for performing a valuable check-out service James and Kevin...