Happy New Year!

Since Bainbridge is now out of the question, we had to make the trek to (O Little Town of) Bethlehem to get our “New Year’s” dive in…although we were used to doing it New Year’s DAY (which helped to curb the alcohol intake, sort of like back when I played in a band at NYE parties way back) Might not be possible tonight…Rob’s got some Mad Elf’s cooling as I type this!    We met at Sheetz around nine this morning, and loaded everything into Rob’s truck.  John and I haven’t been able to get our cylinders topped off, so we had to use what we had.  John’s doubles were empty, so he was using a partially filled 100.  My 119’s still had about 1850psi left in them from the Fuller Lake dive, so I felt pretty confident that I would be able to do the “one” that Dutch let you do today.  Seeing how John seemingly “creates air” on some dives, we figured that he’d be ok (I also brought my pony along so John could use that as a contingency, I think we were set!)

The drive out was pretty slow, seeing that there were a lot of moron’s on the road, and a lot of cops with their radar pointed our way,  we had plenty of time since they weren’t opening the gates until 11:00am.  When we got there, there were three lanes of cars several cars deep waiting to get in, we were told where to go since we had our membership cards, and got into line.  Thankfully we were able to get in fairly quickly and get tables.  After a cold-ish set up, we were ready to go!

Seeing that we had limited amounts of breathing gas, we opted for a shallower tour, and stayed out of the deeper crevice.  So off the platform down to 20 to make sure bubbles weren’t coming from places we didn’t want to see, and we were off and swimming.  Out past the old boat, then over to the Trolley in no time flat.  Out of the Trolley, we headed towards the hill and the crane, just to stay out of the deep spots, and were swimming by what looked to be an aging crane.  (or people are beating on that since the helicopter is in pretty bad shape.)  After that, we followed along the bottom of the hill, and were soon staring at the line that led to a very algae covered Cessna.  At the top of the hill, we regrouped, and checked remaining gas supplies, and we were still good.  Rob took a heading and we swam towards the Helicopter.  Word on the street is that the new plane is replacing that, and it’s probably a good idea, the helo is in pretty bad shape, and looks like it could just disintegrate any day, now.  We still swam through it (kind of like the barn, we’re daring!)  After that we ran back along the hill, and found the line that lead to the Comet, and swam around that for a few.  Free divers were getting in the way, and people with rebreathers were messing up the visibility, I’m guessing that they were doing it on purpose, because people with rebreathers SHOULD know how to not mess up the viz…or maybe they were lottery winners, and just bought one because they could.  (not often I can complain about someone else tearing up the visibility)  So off to the platform, for a safety stop since the exit point seemed a bit congested.  Five minutes later we all agreed to finish, and headed to the exit, and we were done!

Duration: 42 minutes

Deepest Depth: 63 feet

Coldest Temp: 47º

Not bad to finish out the year,  nice to get to Dutch Springs in the winter, since it’s not often that we do it, and the fact that it’s on a holiday (eve) is even more special! (and it’s good to be with great friends)  I didn’t use as much air as I expected, and will just suck it up and drain those cylinders since they are past their time for inspection (and I think one need’s a hydro)  We’re already planning on a trip to York for fills since our local shop is dragging its heels getting their compressor serviced, and thinking that if we head back to Fuller Lake, we’ll just dive our singles.  I experimented a little today with using my wing for buoyancy rather than just my suit (since I’ve been having some problems), and I think I did ok for the most part, just had to remember that I had TWO options to dump air when we were ascending. I dipped a little before the Trolley, and you could tell after we exited it… I chalk it up to penetration anxiety…. On our way out of the water Jim Brown who we used to see at BSC was entering the water, so more of those guys are coming up to Dutch.

After packing we stopped at Wegmans for a quick cold one and some munchies. (in a sea of last minute shoppers) 

Ok that’s it for 2015, let’s hope that 2016 is a MUCH better year, and we get better news about diving, and places to get our equipment wet!  Good luck to you all!

Well….It’s Cold and Wet!

Ever since our second home closed, we’ve been sort of deprived of diving (unless you take a trip somewhere…not my current option) Dutch Springs is closed for the season, except for an occasional weekend when purportedly instructors can take people in (and we’ve heard that even if you DO have a membership, you have to pay…still researching that one)  And Rob hasn’t heard back from Willow Springs, so when this opportunity came up (after needing to go to Scuba Central PA to get his cylinders filled) we jumped on it!   Jeff (from SCP) told him about Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace being an option. He said that it’s about 40 feet deep, has a few things to see, but most important;  “IT’S WET!”  He said that he was meeting some other people there on Sunday morning, so come on down and give it a shot.  He called me, and after I checked to make sure my wife didn’t have me scheduled to do anything, I said “let’s go!”

I have to empty out my 119’s since they are up for visual inspection, so it was a good way to waste the gas.  We were meeting at 9:00am, so we had to make sure we were on the road early.  I just met Rob at his house, transferred my gear to his truck, and we made the approximately 45 minute drive through Carlisle, and Mt. Holly Springs until we got to the park.  Since it’s a State Park, we didn’t have to pay to use the facilities, but if a ranger is there, you need to make sure you can produce a C-card.  The park sits on the Appalachian Trail.  When we arrived, we took a quick walk around and witnessed some of the nice scenery of our beautiful state. There’s a comfy “heated” bathroom facility, and plenty of picnic tables.  When Jeff showed up, he gave us the quick and dirty of the lake layout, and we were soon getting our gear set up.  It’s been a while since I’ve been able to put this all together, but it all seemed to go together quickly, and we were waddling over the little bridge to the “beach” (complete with sand, sort of a pain on clean up) and into the cold water.   Rob looked at me and gave me the thumbs down,  I agreed, so down we went.

At about 20 feet, we looked at each other, and no errant bubbles were to be seen, so we started in the direction of the underwater structures. (not after first passing a small model of a boat that said “Coast Guard” on it… I’m guessing a landmark for where the beach/exit point is located)  It took a little while to get comfortable since it’s been a while, but I felt pretty good, but stayed fairly close to the bottom. We were soon approaching some kind of log structure, and swam under what appeared to be a back porch off sorts, we continued, and soon found another structure, but with the amount of people that were already there, opted to keep going, since we really didn’t know what else was there to see, and Jeff did tell us that it would only take about an hour to circumnavigate the whole lake. For the most part, it was like diving the shallower parts of Bainbridge with less things to see, we did see a few sunken boats (canoes) a pair of swim goggles, and some fishing gear, other than that, trees and rocks were the order of the day.  I actually found the deep spot at one point.  I looked at my depth, saw 48 feet, and a few more feet to spare, so I dropped down, and as I was told, you had to get a little muddy to get 50 ft…but I got it!   We continued along, and when I looked at my time, saw about 55 minutes when my safety stop appeared.  We were soon at the little model of the Coast Guard boat, and he was right, about 60 minutes to get around the whole lake!  Rob looked at me and gave me the thumbs up, and I agreed, so we finished the dive. Sixty minutes is about all I can handle at the temperature.

Duration: 63 Minutes

Deepest Depth: 50 Feet

Coldest Temp:  40º

Ok, a little warmer (slightly) than BSC this time of year, but still a rather cold dive. (Especially our hands, Rob opted for his lighter gloves, I had a slight leak in one)  my lips were numb as expected. Other than that, I think we’ll go back. With the options that are available this time of year, I think this is a great option (and it doesn’t cost anything except gas to get there, and a fill)   The visibility was pretty decent throughout, same drill as Bainbridge, if you turn to look back at someone or something, expect to kick something or kick something  up. The word we received was that during the summer it’s pretty nasty viz, so this is more of a Fall/Winter/Early Spring dive (until other places open)  So it’s an option for us!   The other thing of note is that you have to have a dive flag. We’re not sure if you NEED to tow it, since there is no boating on the lake, but one has to be displayed.  Jeff had one leaning against something on the beach, so we were covered.

All in all it was a good day, great to get out, and it’s hard to believe that today is December 13^th with how warm the weather has been.  Never expected a nice day like this, and wasn’t expecting to get a dive in since we have no second home for the moment.  At this point in time, I’m “hoping” to get out on New Year’s Eve up at Dutch, Rob and John are planning on it. I’m about 99% sure I’ll be there. See you then!

(thanks again for Jeff from Scuba Central PA for giving us this tip!)

Thanks CC!

I just checked and since the “Scared Turtles” have been doing this dive, this is now the 9^th “official” Columbus Day John Weaver Invitational Dive at Dutch Springs!  (Let the pigeon loose!) Whenever I think of this day, the old Lou Monte song; Please Mr. Columbus, (turn the ship around)! always sticks in my head. (Google it!)  My father used to play old Italian records on Sunday afternoons during the summer, and this one made the rotation a few times… check it out, it’s funny!   Anyway, another Columbus Day dive was here, and I was actually able to make it this season (Last year I was on my way home from Michigan after a Penn State football game)    John put the calling out on the Scared Turtle page, but the only ones that bit were Rob and me.  The one GOOD thing about being at Dutch today was that they opened up the 2016 membership season, and it was $215.00 and is valid until the end of March 2017!  (yeah I know they’re only open a few days in November and  on the 31^st of December  until the second week of April) But the fact that today, and the rest of the year is included!  (and all of 2016) So if I get there maybe one more time THIS season, and at least four NEXT season I should recoup my fees!  (And given the circumstances, I SHOULD get there a few times next season)  But anyway…..

It was a beautiful Fall day, and Rob offered to drive, so after getting our breakfast at Sheetz, we made a bee-line to Wegman’s for our lunch!  Once we got to the lake, we set up, and tried to remember HOW to set things up since none of us have been diving since the end of August.  It almost felt like that first dive in March or April when that other place we used to go would thaw.  After getting things set, we decided that a semi easy kind of dive plan was in order to get the cobwebs out.  So we made our way to the water, and finished setting up.

We dropped in off of the platform, and went to 20 feet to see of things still worked correctly, then decided to just meet at the training platforms. Once there, we still felt ok, so the order was given to continue.  We followed along and were soon at the Trolley.  John and Rob took a little trip through it, I was trying to still get myself totally comfortable, so I stayed out and played with my buoyancy a little (it helped)  After that we decided to not really go crazy over the embankment, (we’ve seen the ‘Cuda, and the deep hole ain’t all that!) but we still made our way out to the “Deuce and a Half”. Everyone checked in and we were still good, so we went back over the embankment, and started on the backside of the hill.  As we got nearer to the plane, we surfaced a little bit, then went back down to find the line to the bus.  At the bus we all took a quick trip through it, and then followed the bottom of the hill out towards the Comet. As we followed the bottom of the hill in that direction a large Albino fish followed along with us, possibly looking for a hand out.  At the Comet we all went through, and I got a little hung up inside of it, but soon made it out.  The order to head towards the exit was given, so we followed the bottom of the hill until we got near the exit point.  John did a valve drill, and I was watching a few fish.  As I made my way closer to the hill, another fish was watching me DEFINITELY looking for a hand out, so I turned a few rocks over and didn’t see any cray fish, so I gave him a “sorry” signal… He looked a little annoyed, but hey, I tried!   Safety stop was done, and we all surfaced!

Duration: 50 minutes

Maximum Depth: 86 feet

Coldest Temp: 47º

Ok, not too shabby for that long of a summer lay off. We got out of most of our gear, then decided it was time for lunch. After a nice break on a nice day, we decided to start thinking about the next dive. We decided to enter on the other side of the lot, and do a few things differently.

We put our gear back on, and waddled over to the other side of the lot.  After we were set, we dropped to 20 feet, and did another bubble check. Everything looked fine, so we kept going. We followed John’s heading and were soon back at the bus. John and Rob decided to go back through it,  (after John decided to see if he could make the Philly’s Gnome stand on the front seat…forgot to mention that on the last dive)  I decided to swim outside, and check out the plaque dedicated to the Sandy Hook victims. At the back of the bus, we followed along and were soon at the Hell Diver.  After swimming by that we started back along the bottom of the wall.  We were back at the Comet soon enough, and John asked how much air we had left;  satisfied that we all had enough to keep going,  we started back in and headed over to the Crane.  I followed John UNDER the crane (and kicked up a lot of debris)  Rob decided to stay over top. At that point we headed to the platforms.  Rob did a valve drill, John did another one, I was feeling a little floaty, so I opted to not do one, so we headed to the exit point.  As we finished (technically) our second safety stop, I got really floaty and ended a minute before Rob and John, but we were all done!

Duration: 52 minutes

Deepest Depth: 64 feet

Coldest Temp: 51º

Again, not too shabby of a dive.  When my wife texted me after I let her know I was back on dry land, she asked if it was like riding a bike?  I said “a big WET bike…not too bad!”    I’m definitely out of practice, and as I sit here can feel that I’ll be a little sore tomorrow because those muscles haven’t had much practice over the past month and a half.  We put our gear away, then went to the office to get our 2016 memberships set up. After that we went back to Wegman’s for a quick snack and a nice cold beer!   Being a holiday, the traffic wasn’t quite as bad as it usually is at that time, and we made it back at a decent hour. Once we got to the lot, a lady asked John if any of us had jumper cables, her car wouldn’t start, so John was quick to oblige, and we got the nice lady on her way!

Not sure when we’ll all get out next, but I’m sure you’ll know about it!   Happy Columbus Day!

That’s All She Wrote…

That’s All She Wrote…

I knew this day was coming, and here it is; My last dive at Bainbridge….  But…I think we made the best of it!

On Wednesday night, John had an idea that this weekend might be a bit of a mess with dive classes, and people trying to get that last one in, so I got a text when I got home that meeting at 9:00am would probably be a good idea. I agreed!  I met Rob last night, and got my fills, then came home and packed the rest of my car.  6:00am came really early, but that coffee tasted SOOO good!   I decided that since I was pretty much ready to go, I would just leave… so at about 8:00 I jumped in the car, and started for that last ride down to Bainbridge.

When I arrived, I saw a few cars ahead of me and it was a little early, so I thought that I’d just run over to the rest room, then by that time they’d be opening up the door at 9:00, as I threw something into one of the trash cans, the door was opened, and Susie, yelled out “Good Morning!” to everyone, and Steve was out chatting with people, so I returned the greeting, and signed in.  Stopped at the gate as I drove by and wished Steve well, then made my way back to the tables.  I got a few for our crew, and unpacked the rest of my gear and started setting up.  I took a little walk around Upper A, and decided to take a few pictures of the water. With the sun hitting it, it really is a nice place to visit, just a shame that below the waves it’s a little murky!    Rob was the next to arrive, then John.  John was consulted for some coordinates for the Barn (out AND back) so he gave his opinion on their plan. When it was time to formulate our last plan, I think that must have stuck in his head, and some of what we were talking about ended up NEAR the Barn, so why not?!?!  One last Barn run for old time’s sake!

After we all geared up, we made our way down the steep access, put on the fins and masks, and hoped that we had no leaks today. Rob called for a 20 foot bubble check, so we all descended.  At the tree, we all seemed ready, so we started through the foggy viz.  A few minutes into it, I saw John heading towards the left, and Rob went right-ish around a tree, then I lost Rob.  I slowed a little, and tried waving my light to alert John, but he missed it.. I swam a little further, but still no Rob.  So I sat there for a few seconds, then started swimming forward, and spied one of the lines, and thought that I’d follow that, and see where it went, hoping that I’d find at least one of them there.  Good choice!   I saw one light, then a second light.  Apparently Rob won, and I came in last.  (not out of the ordinary)    Back in our formation, we were soon passing the Pennsy, and heading for the CAT.  At the CAT we continued down the slope past the Deep Boat, and over to the small pipes and the line. We followed the line out until we saw the collapsed building, and the Step Van, then passed the tanker and headed over some more collapsed building debris.  We were at the Barn a few minutes later, and John and I swam through it, Rob is still kind of cautious, and went along the side.  We all checked in outside, and John took his heading for the SOUTH wall (not the North wall) At the wall we just followed at about 85 feet, and took in the sights. I didn’t think we’d see it, but pretty soon, we were staring at the Outhouse…I immediately “snorted” and thought “This is sort of a long way to get to the Outhouse”. We assessed it in the daylight, then continued past the Tripod Tree and along the wall. I could see in the distance that the Pump House was close by, so I looked at my computer, and noticed that I had about seven minutes before I went into DECO, so we got that about right.  I gave the area around the Pump House a quick look just to see if that little Lobster was still around, and he’s gone!  So I started to ascend with John and Rob until we hit the line to the CAT.  Along the line we did a nice deep stop, then came back in towards the bowl, and headed towards the wall.  John started out along the wall, and turned when he noticed crud raining down from above, (Dive class?)  So he turned us (I got a nasty calf cramp in my right leg) and followed the wall in to where we would do our safety stop.  About four minutes into the safety stop, I felt like I was getting a little too close to Rob and John, so I attempted to back fin, only to get a nasty cramp in the upper part of my left leg (which caused me to need to kick forward, under John) When I couldn’t clear it, I ended up floating up to about two feet to finish my safety stop, then started back down. At eight feet, I noticed Rob looking for me, so I just blew out, and started dropping faster, and fell on his head (sorry!)  We swam to the usual spot, to finish!

Duration: 52 minutes

Deepest Depth: 93 feet

Coldest Temp: 36º

Not the worst dive in the world, but a decent dive to end our time at Bainbridge!   I felt pretty decent throughout, and except for those cramps at the end, thought that I had a decent dive.  When I exited the Barn, I felt a little floaty, but it’s easier to compensate at 90-ish feet than 20, so I was able to get back under control. Looking at my air consumption, I could have done a lot better, I know I was sucking air the last bit of that trip before we started ascending. (I looked, I haven’t had bad breathing like that since about 2013)

After we packed, I gave the place a quick last look, got in my car, and drove out of there.    Rob and John will be spending their Sunday at about 20 feet with an Open Water class. One of the last classes to get certified there, there was a certified father there with his two daughters getting them certified. They won’t have the time we had there, but I’m sure if they stick with it, they will probably remember the cold dark depths of where they learned.

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