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.

This Munsons for the ladies in the house!

Wednsday night boat dives really are the best cure for a work day you would rather forget! This dive was no change from the norm, in that some of the memories I will not forget for some time no matter how much I drink after my dive. It wasn't all cheesy news and despite the usual algae cloud/pea soup from 0-30 feet this wreck is also one of the best in the Kingston area to enjoy.

Firstly the dive info, the Munson is a 90 foot long barge in approximatly 108 feet of water. It's one of those rare wrecks that is usualy a night dive during the day. Usualy this is because of the Algae that runs almost all summer long. Bring a good light you will need it. The boat is a multi level platform with lots of wide open space to swim though and tons of cool baubles and trinkets spread out all over the place. Remember this is a deep dive that is dark and does have penetration available, consider your training when you dive this. Plan your dive and dive your plan and if something goes wrong don't push your limits. The boat sank years ago it's not going anywhere, so you can allways dive it again later. At this time of year the boat is actualy deeper than recorded and might throw your plan a wrench if you're on nitrox. This really is one of the best dives in town for such a simple wreck. Folks like NTD have some very well prepared high quality photos online to plan your dive around.

For 4 of the 6 divers this was our first trip to this boat and it was worth all the hype. Big thanks to our 2 experienced divers who took us on the tour. I look forward to diving it again soon. I want to give our RMC members a big shout out as their participation in our club events is really noticeable this year. We hope they spread the word around. Good to see you guys out so much!

Lastly I would be remiss if I did not point out how the weather network was in our favor tonight as we almost caught some sun. We finaly were able to get on the water when its warm, calm and dry up top, however... some of us had too much fun. For this I give you our VP and resident chippendales diving representation :

Enjoy ladies.
For the rest of us, cya in the water folks!

Ain't Raining? Still Training...

Now that things are getting a little quieter, there's been the opportunity to catch up on some training. Today a refresher in underwater navigation was offered. Only one Club member took advantage of this, but I think that they benefited. It was certainly fun to run through some of the basics and then to put them into practice underwater. The dive presented the opportunity to take Todd on his Underwater Navigation Adventure; a mandatory component of his Advanced Open Water course. The dive was fun, with all the exercises completed well - and a chance to see some of the sights around the Marine Museum Bay. A large Pike was cruising the logs, probably threatening the well being of a shoal of small Perch living in the weeds below the slip.

Signing gear in and out this weekend at the Club, it was noticeable how active and successful it seems to be. There were literally no tanks sitting idle - and the large quantities of excellent new gear are obviously attracting more custom. Well done to all the members who are making the Club work - and to those who are getting some diving in.... It's what we're all about.

Picture credit to Marc-Etienne...

Archaeology is fun...

Well, that's my take on the picture shown above. Gaetan and Marc-Etienne weren't the only Club members this weekend to enjoy completing the Nautical Archaeology Course commenced in May, but they certainly seemed to enjoy it. It was wonderful to hear a steady stream of discussion and commentary in French from their area too. Paul and Sandrena, for whom one highlight was trying out a backplate and wing combination, also enjoyed themselves and benefited from the experience. Another Club member, Marg Barker, was the tutor - whom we're very lucky to have supporting local activities. The conditions were almost perfect - and nobody complained when we were obliged by light rain to adjourn to the Portsmouth Tavern right at the end of the day. Thank you to everyone who supported this event - and congratulations to all the newly certified avocational archaeologists.

Perfect conditions for a dive

It was a beautiful evening for a dive with clear skies and calm water as six divers made there way to the Queen Mary. With delicious Oreos on the way to the wreck, compliments of our Captain James, we enjoyed the scenery and socializing. Although the temperature at the surface was warm, the bottom temperature at the Queen Mary was a cool 48 degrees F, but that did stop a successful dive. The visibility was poor with 20 feet. We look forward to next weeks dive on the Munson!

Every Cloud...

There are probably times when a dive just isn't meant to be. Today may have been one of them. After a bit of a hiccough over the catering arrangements, all seemed well, at 7 am, as divers assembled at Portsmouth for a day out on the Lake, with three deep dives ahead of them. However, a call from the Captain of our vessel, at just after 7 am, dashed hopes of that. A broken transmission wasn't going to be repaired quickly, and that left a decision about another dive option to be made. The upshot for most (someone had a better offer..) was a trip along the waterfront to burn some air on a visit to the KGH Wreck. Fifteen of us finally entered the water, in a staggered fashion, and enjoyed a dive in calm, but overcast conditions. The picture shows Sylvain, on one of his first dives this year, clearly enjoying the experience. There will likely be other blog submissions and pictures telling more of the story.

Highlights - Bass spawning on the top of the shallow shelf, and a Lake surface that allowed those ashore to follow the progress of divers by their surface bubbles - all the way to the wreck and back. Ashley is once again to be congratulated and thanked for contributing a delicious selection of cookies. The divers should be thanked for their patience with the mechanical problem and with the resultant change of plans. Che Sera...!

For the record - visibility - poor at about 15-20 feet and water temperature just 52℉ (11℃).

Another Successful Wednesday Charter

With fear that the dive would be cancelled due to insufficient numbers, the Wednesday dive to the Jamieson was changed to the Munson and the dive commenced. Jeffy, Andrew and myself dove as a team and were all happy to be in the balmy 48 degree F water. If you have even been to the Munson, going down the line is like going into a black hole until you reach the wreck, this was the case tonight. The visibility was about 20 ft. After making two loops around the wreck we ascended back to the surface safe and sound. I had the opportunity to try my dry suit to see if I was going to have a leak….. SUCCESS! I was happy to find out that there were no leaks and it was great being nice and cozy and dry. I look forward to using it in the future! The three of us had a great dive and are looking forward to next Wednesday’s dive to the KPH!

Guenter's visited again...

Today was a perfect day on the Lake. We'd been asked, as POW representatives, to take a news team from Global National TV out to Guenter's wreck site. They had picked up on some of the earlier publicity about the survey POW is currently engaged in. The upshot was another opportunity to put some time in on the wreck, while being filmed for regional television. The dive itself was a useful one, with 38 minutes of work completed on the wreck in 50℉ (10℃) water. The visibility was pretty good - probably around 50-60 feet. The interview is likely to air early next week and to include underwater footage shot by the survey team.

New students make the grade...

The Club gained several more certified divers at the weekend. Congratulations to all concerned. The pictures, taken after all training was completed, show them enjoying the sights and experiences offered by Brule Road. Added to exposure to rather more challenging conditions at Portsmouth Harbour and the Kingston Psych Hospital, the weekend's package was a very successful one. For those members who are still a little intimidated by temperatures in the Lake, it's well worth mentioning that the Quarry is 12℉ warmer - at 62℉ (17℃).