Weather or Not?

Over the past few years, it seemed that the weather on Wednesday nights has been horrible during June.  For once that doesn’t seem to be the case, but the puzzling part of it is that no one is coming out compared to other years.  I was the first person to sign in, then there was a person right behind me, then John.  Another person joined the guy that arrived right after me, then about 5:30-ish one of the regulars showed up. John told him he was welcome to join us, but he said he only had about 1,200psi in his cylinder, and would do a “solo road dive” to empty it.  I guess most people think that June isn’t a great month to do Wednesday night dives, so they make other plans…hey “snooze you lose”.  I know why a few of our regulars weren’t able to attend, and those were legitimate reasons.

Anyway, the weather last night was just gorgeous!  You didn’t mind setting up, and it was just a pleasant evening. John and I were the only people at Upper A, so we weren’t trying to dodge some of the regulars that seem to work at their own pace.  My goal for the evening was trying to get further off the bottom that I had been (well and making it back safely) so John was going to be cognizant of my plan.  John had a dive plan formulated, and with his “let’s try going this way, this time” attitude, I was all for it.

Once we were set up (and not sweating like fools) and down in the water, we did our quick pre-dive checks, and gave the thumbs down.  At 20 ft. everything seemed right, so we continued on.  I was having a little leaky mask issue, and John was trying to get me to keep up with him.  The bowl area was very thick visibility wise tonight, it almost seemed like there was an open water class that just ran (literally) through it, but knowing that there was no one there prior to our trip was puzzling. I guess it was just left over from the heavy rain the night before.  Through the trees, and over the pipe, we were soon in the area where he wanted to descend, close to the Aqua Adventures truck.  He gave me the thumbs down signal and I agreed.  Down past the Pump house and steadily towards the deep hole until we saw the line that runs to the Step Van.  Following the line I was shining my light down into the deep hole, the visibility looked a little better in that area, which was promising, knowing that we would be down there in a little while.  We were soon passing the debris pile formerly known as a building, and passing the Step Van (which is looking in pretty bad shape these days) John pointed down the hill, and I agreed.  While descending, I was wondering if there was a slight thermocline, or if it was just the visibility clearing up, but as I descended, the view was a bit fuzzy, and as I hit the line it cleared up.  I’m not going to say that the viz was “Caribbean” quality, but it was a lot better than the bowl.  We followed the line and I almost spit my regulator out when I saw the Christmas ornament at the end of it. (John thinks Jeff may have been the culprit in placing that there)  I remembered that it was there, but we always seem to come from the other direction, and are usually checking out the Deep Deep Boat and not really paying attention to ornaments.  It was just funny to see!  The boat looked pretty grungy, (hopefully someone wipes it off) not its usual cleaned off self.  John gave me the thumbs up signal to go up the steps, and I agreed.  We were soon swimming over by the Deep Boat, and headed towards the Pump House. (I think I got the keep up sign again here…sorry, I was sight-seeing)  As we got to the Pump House, we noticed that the little lobster was off of his usual perch, and semi-buried in the muck. So I pulled him out and knocked the goop off of him, and put him back in his usual spot. John gave the thumbs up sign again, and I agreed.  Up to just below the Aqua Adventures truck, and to the line that runs to the CAT for a deep stop.  Someone tied a branch to the line which was weird.  When I first looked at it, I thought someone tied the line to a tree, but as I got closer (and the viz wasn’t an issue)  I saw that someone tied the big branch to the line.  At the CAT, we turned and headed back into the Bowl, and past the Pennsy.  We were soon at our safety stop. John wanted to do a valve drill, and did one.  After five minutes, we were done, and found our exit point.

Duration: 45 minutes

Deepest Depth: 115 ft.

Coldest Temp: 36º

All in all a pretty good dive from my perspective!   I felt like I stayed a little more off of the bottom than I had been, although it felt a little weird from a “comfort” level; I guess I’m just used to being low, but I’ll just have to get used to it.  With the way the weather has been, my sinuses were a little weird descending, but seemed to clear up at the proper times. I think we also realized that the Outhouse is a little further over than we thought. John was thinking that maybe we’d pass it on our way to the Step Van, but we didn’t see it, and it wasn’t a visibility thing.  That’s just not on the map, and we’ve been estimating where it might be. (Isn’t there a dive master class that can have someone map that bugger for sure?)

After the packing up, we decided that a PizzAtown run was in order!  Hot subs and cold beer made a pleasant end to a nice day!

It looks like none of us will be able to get out this weekend, so hopefully we get to see you all NEXT Wednesday which is July 1^st already!   June is in the books!

The Way I See It….

After a tough week, I’m back in the saddle again on a Wednesday night.  If you want to call this “my happy place” then so be it, I’m just glad to get out of the house some nights.  I was the first ones at Upper A, and other than knowing that there were other people signing in, I was wondering if it WAS Wednesday? But soon enough Rob showed up, then John was close behind.

I was hoping that my gear was all where it was supposed to be, since I had planned on coming last Wednesday, and needed to cancel at the last minute, so I didn’t unpack anything from its cases, and just stacked it in my garage. Since I have a usual “ritual” when it comes to my packing for a “dive trip”, and I wasn’t able to actually follow it, I had to hope that I didn’t forget something. (like my weight belt, or even my mat, let alone my regulators or dry suit) But thankfully everything was where I  put it! 

Once we were all set up and down at the water, we wondered where to go, John had an idea, so we figured that we’d let him lead. (usually a good idea anyways)  At 20 feet, we all had the right bubbles coming from the right places, so we continued.  Through trees and under pipes along to the top edge of the ridge, we swam out towards the Aqua Adventures truck. I had a minor setback in a cable that was draped down through the trees, I was moving my fins, but I wasn’t going forward. It took me a few second to realize I wasn’t catching up to Rob, and figured out I was stuck. I got loose, just as I saw Rob turn around at the truck to see where my light was, Ok, I’m here!  On the other side of the truck, we started down the cliff, and followed along the bottom of the hill at a slight angle. The Tripod Tree was soon in view, and then there was the Outhouse.  We checked in and continued past the Outhouse, to the “Volkswagen Rock” (As Rob is now referring to it, because it’s as big as a VW, I guess?)  Past the rock we swam around in that general area which was kind of misty.  We turned, went back past the rock and Outhouse and towards the edge of the hole. (following my trail)  The one line was in view, and we followed along with that until we were approaching the Deep Boat.  Around the back of the Deep Boat, and still following the edge of the hole we were at the stick with the pretzel jug on it (That Rob said someone moved) then heading back up to where the CAT is located. I’m not sure if this was in a predetermined plan, but we were soon back into the bowl area, and at the bottom of the Dolphin Tower.  We started our slow ascent up the tower, and I saw that a platform was near, knowing that Rob wanted to work on valve drills, and said he wanted to go to a platform, I figured that was the plan was at the moment.  Rob worked on his drills, then John took his turn.  My foot was cramping, and I remember the last time I attempted one, I got it backwards, so I figured I better refrain at this moment in time.  (need to pull my notes out) Everyone was satisfied with their achievements (I think) so we continued on back towards our exit area.  Through some more trees, and along the wall, we were soon where people like to build things with the rocks, and we finished our dive.

Duration: 48 minutes

Deepest Depth: 94 ft.

Coldest Temp: 36º

Not a bad dive for me, I’m still not where I want to be at all times in the water, and things aren’t getting better no matter what I attempt, so I need to figure out another method. Instead of just using my dry suit, do I need to use my wing again? Not sure, but something just isn’t gelling for me, and John said my fins were trailing a bit, so (Maybe I need some platform work)… I’ll keep you posted on that.  Otherwise it was good to get back into the water to clear my head of some things.

The “dive class” that was set up next to us decided to park their cars in the lane, so we all had to BACK in to load our gear while they chatted, and took their pictures. Ok, we were nice about it, we’re all competent drivers, so…

We ran over to PizzAtown for some much needed sustenance!  (and college football!)  I know I’ll be out of town this coming weekend, but hopefully NEXT Wednesday is workable, hope to see you then!

It’s a Nice Day…

…Why not dive!?    I’m loving the summer because it just has to be a nice-ish day, and there’s a reason to go to the quarry!   My wife has been out of town for a few days (Niece’s prom, I guess she’s the “fashion consultant”  More like Aunt Lisa will foot the bill for hair and nails! Hahaha!)  So I’m home with the cat, some full cylinders, and nothing but time!   Rob was able to get out this weekend, so it was the perfect scenario.  Meet in Bainbridge at our usual 10:00am, and “get one in”!

 It looked like another weekend of yard sales as I drove down to the quarry…several places had tables set up, some with tarps over them so they can sleep in AND start at the crack of dawn!   I woke up early, and spent my morning with my cat, who’s a little under the weather, but loving the sunshine, and fresh air (as am I…but I can carry a mug of coffee on our morning walks through our fenced in courtyard)  After a few “wanders” around our yard, I finished packing my car, and made my way to Bainbridge.  No one in the shop when I got there, but there was plenty to talk about as usual.  I went down to the water and set up my gear. About 10:15 Rob pulled up (a little late) because he was subjected to the usual chatter in the shop. (that’s why I stop in early!) There was a dive class working at the other end of Upper A, so we tried to stay out of their way, and set up. (Rob reminded me about this via text)  We also took a quick walk down the steep access to see if the deceased ground hog was still floating amongst the rocks, but he was removed (or there's a snake with a big bulge slithering around out there)  Rob also said that there was a nasty smell from the poor little critter, but that was no longer present as well!

Once we were all ready to roll, we waddled down the steep access, finished our set up and gave the “thumbs down” to meet at 20 ft. to look for any errant bubbles. Everything looked like it was supposed to look, so the thumbs down was given to continue and off we went.  Past the boats and through the trees by the Dolphin tower, and Pennsy, and we were soon staring at the pipe. Following that we were at the CAT in no time at all, and making sure that all parties involved were feeling ok, we were, so the order was given to continue descending.  At the Deep Boat, we searched for the pipe, with the line attached, and were soon swimming along the ridge towards the wood pile, and tool box.  The Step Van was just off in the distance, but Rob was already taking his heading to find the Outhouse.  After a bit of a swim, I got the “Not finding it” signal, and we continued on.  Rob saw it, but it took me a little while to see the line that lead back to where we came. We passed the Deep Boat again, and then followed the terrain out to the Pump House and along the bottom of the hill.  Over the rocks, and through the trees, and we were soon at the Tripod Tree which meant that we WERE going to see the Outhouse, just not in the order we were hoping.  At the Outhouse we continued past, and checked out more of the boulders in that area.  Rob gave the “go back” signal, and we followed again along the edge of the ridge until we were close to the Pump House again. We started up the hill, and at the line, Rob pointed, and we were on our deep stop. (and if I remember correctly, that line was at 60 feet last season, only at around 57-58 ft. this year.)  Back at the Cat, we continued along the terrain, and were soon passing the big rocks and Pennsy again (where it got really cold)  Rob gave me the “I’m cold” signal, and I agreed, so we started towards our safety stop.  When we got to our usual tree, there were a few people taking their safety stop (although they were standing and kicking things up, which I don’t understand because two of them were holding on to one of the trees)  …so we decided to take our safety stop at 25 feet instead (since we had no deco obligations)  and waited for five minutes. Rob was going to attempt a valve drill, but with the decreased visibility, opted to pass on this particular trip. We were done, and finished our dive.

Deepest Depth: 96 ft.

Duration: 47 minutes

Coldest Temp: 37º

Good dive considering the decreased visibility, and our missed navigation. (I’m no help, so…)  I was also diving with my 119’s which I haven’t used in a while (since I didn’t get the 130’s refilled yet from Wednesday)  But all in all it was a really good relaxing dive!

The class was taking their surface interval, and a family decided to wander up from the tracks, only to be asked if they were members…they were quickly turned around and back over the train tracks.  After packing we made a bee-line for PizzAtown for a quick lunch, and both of us had shopping obligations to pursue.

Hoping to get my fills on Monday night and hope to see you all again on Wednesday!  The summer is young, and the diving is there!

Welcome to Wednesday Night 2015!

Well, it’s the beginning of June, and the beginning of Wednesday night diving!  Always a nice thing to do during the summer, it keeps the middle of the week fun.  Several people I haven’t seen since last season were mulling about the shop as I signed in, Ron arrived just as I did, so after signing in, we made our way back to Upper A.  John showed up soon after, and we started setting up, and talking about where to go.

John and Rob made a trip out to the Boiler last weekend, and the visibility was pretty decent, so we figured that it may be still in pretty good shape so why not try it again.  John also mentioned that there was a deceased animal down the slope of the steep access at Upper A, so we decided to avoid that for the time being with the idea of rinsing your mask out so close to something like that isn’t probably a good idea, so the long road access would be our entry point.

Once we were all set up we went to 20 feet for a bubble check. Ron’s wing hose was loose and leaking a little, so John quickly tightened it, and after that we had no bad bubbles, so the thumbs down was given and we headed towards the edge of the wall.  Following the wall we passed by the pipes, and continued on. As we swam further, John found his landmark, and we started over the wall and along the bottom.  Earlier in the dive, I went to check my computer, and noticed that the magnifying part of my lens was fogged up, so I had to shine my light and try to hold my arm out a little further to see my numbers. (I think I need longer arms)  After our venture down the hill, I just followed John’s fins and kept an eye out for Ron’s light.  We swam for a little while, so I decided to check my computer, and as I did I, I picked up some muck with my arm and noticed I was just about to hit bottom. I quickly held my breath so I would rise up a little, and I did, thankfully. John JUST missed hitting, and I wasn’t sure what Ron was doing.  We were quickly back on track, and John was looking for the Boiler.  He saw something that showed him we passed it, so we turned a little, and were soon coming up on the bench that’s next to it.  We all checked in and then continued on. John gave us the heading to the wall in case we got separated.  We followed John back out towards the wall, and were soon passing over the Deep Deep Boat, next to the steps.  Seeing where we were in the water, I estimate that the visibility was about 15-18 feet at that point, we were swimming at around 100 ft. and the boat below us is usually at around 118ft.  Up past the steps, and over towards the Deep Boat. I noticed on my computer that I had about a minute or two before I went into deco, but as we were starting to ascend, I wasn’t too worried about it. We were soon at the Aqua Adventures Truck. John swam through, and Ron and I went around back.  John motioned towards the wall, so we agreed and followed.  We were soon at our safety stop. About three minutes in I moved my foot and kicked Ron, so I went back around him and felt a little floaty so I made friends with a tree.  John did a valve drill to pass the time, and we were soon done.  So we followed the wall a little until we were back near the long road access, and finished the dive.

Deepest Depth: 118ft.

Duration: 47 minutes

Coldest Temp: 36º

Not a bad dive, really!  Except for the slight run in with the bottom, (well and kicking Ron) I felt pretty good throughout. Ron was to my left, which was strange to get used to, since I usually stay to Rob’s left, but it wasn’t THAT big or a problem, just a little awkward here and there, looking to the right and not seeing Rob.  I’m guessing that since the sun was stuck behind the clouds, the visibility wasn’t as good as it COULD have been.  When we were at the Deep Deep Boat, it was fairly plain to see in the darker ambience that the visibility was still pretty decent.  Hopefully this week brings better sunshine!

After we packed, we headed to PizzAtown for some MUCH needed nourishment!   I’m hoping to get out this weekend, but if not, expect more next Wednesday night!