Sunday Divers

Well, my original plans for how I was spending my weekend changed a bit, and I found that I was going to actually be home on Sunday, and if my estimation was correct, I’d be home at a decent enough time to be able to get a good night sleep, and possible go diving if we went maybe a little later than we normally do on a weekend. So I shot Rob an email and asked what he thought.  He seemed to agree that it was workable so I told him I’d be in touch after the game to let him know for certain.  On my way home I texted him and we agreed upon a time, so life is good! (Don’t worry, I was stuck in traffic when I was texting)

Being the proactive and efficient person I am, I had my car already packed, and had an exit plan for the tailgating items in my other car…anything perishable would get refrigerated, anything else could wait until the next day.  All was good, so when I got home last night, I was able to hit the sack at a decent hour, and get up at a decent hour.  As I found my way to my computer while having my coffee,  Rob noticed I was up and asked if going a little earlier would work, and it did!   So 12:00 because 11:30 and I was on my way!   When I got to Upper A there was a dive class, and the DM of the day was none other than Lee who we haven’t seen in a while. (Diving wet, and one of his sons was in the class)  It was good to catch up with the Captain!  Rob showed up shortly after I got there and we set about getting ready to get wet.  Neither of us got fills since Wednesday night, but had plenty of gas in our cylinders to perform at least a 30-40 minute dive, safely!

After we set it all up, we waddled down to Upper A and were soon getting down to 20 ft.  All systems go and we were off.  Lee warned us that they kicked it up good for us, and he wasn’t kidding, although I think their kicking up didn’t do much to the foggy viz.  Past the boats, and through the trees, and we were soon passing under the pipeline.  Making a slight left, we followed the pipe and went down in the direction of where we thought the CAT would be.  Rob noticed that it was a little further off to our left, and after checking in, we continued down.  I felt that we guessed where the Deep Boat was in relation to where we started our descent, and were soon spying the back end of it.  Passing on the right, and around the front, Rob turned to the right and gave me the OK, I returned it and he pointed to the far wall, so I agreed.  Following over bottom muck and passing some of the debris landmarks, we were soon at the base of the wall, and following along past the Pump House.  Rob took the higher plane over the rocks, and took a little more of a lower trajectory, going around some of the boulders rather than over them. (I felt a little lighter than usual, and didn’t want to get floaty)  Passing the trees, and over more rocks, we soon were staring at the Tripod Tree, and heading towards the Outhouse. Rob went a little right of the Outhouse, and looked off in that distance (well what he could see)  He turned and checked in with me, and pointed in the direction we came, but were seemingly off closer to the wall.  As we passed back by the Tripod Tree and other trees we were now over the 110 Foot Trench.  Rob was tempted to go down into it further, but opted to stay at his depth.  I was a little lower and swam through some of the fog which was pretty neat.  After we passed over it, we were ascending by the Pump House.  Rob noticed that someone made a little fort for the Lobster, so I pulled him out, brushed him off and put him back on his usual perch.  We exchanged OK’s and were starting our ascent up the wall.  Seeing that we weren’t playing with a full deck…I mean diving with full tanks, Rob gave me a quick gas check, and I was good.   We continued and found the line that goes out to the CAT, and did a nice deep stop at 60 ft.  We turned and started back into the Bowl, and were soon passing the Pennsy.  The bowl was pretty kicked up, so I just made sure that I could either see Rob’s light, or his fins, and followed him through the dense fog.   We soon passed the boats again and Rob gave me the thumbs up signal so I agreed, and we headed to our safety stop.  Rob did a successful valve drill, and we ended the dive.

Duration: 43 Minutes

Deepest Depth: 97 feet

Coldest Temp: 37º

Probably THE most relaxing dive I’ve had this year!   No pressure, no problems, no issues to speak of. I felt like I was gliding through the water, but felt MAYBE a little lighter due to how much gas I started with, but had no major issues.  Rob is still working the kinks out of using his new computer, and was able to figure out how a few more things worked. 

We talked to Lee again, and saw that the dive class he was working with all passed, so welcome some more new divers to our realm! After we packed we went to PizzAtown and had a nice later than usual lunch.  After getting home, I finished unpacking the tailgating items from my other car, then unpacked my dive gear… So the ending to a perfect weekend!  Nothing like attending a college football game AND diving in the same weekend!  Let’s see how I can do this again!

Ok, I’m out of here. The last Wednesday night is upon us, and who knows how often we’ll get to this as the fall rolls in, but I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Close to the End….

I have mixed feelings about this time of year. I love the fact that college football season is in full swing, when my wife and I would go to the Jersey Shore, this was the time of year we usually went. And the temperatures are VERY mild…love that long sleeve t-shirt in the morning, shorts and a t-shirt during the day, and sweatshirts at night. (not to mention not sweltering when getting into your dry suit) But it sucks because Wednesday night diving is over!  (and this year I wish September had 31 days!)  Hard to get back into that Wednesday rut after four months of this!   Trust me…I TRIED last night when I stopped in the shop by stating “hey, we got screwed out of two because of the weather” which was just laughed at by Steve and Susie!   My wife wonders why they don’t just keep doing it until the time change…I do as well, but, no use complaining!   One more left, so get there while the “gett-in’s” good!

As usual, though, I was running a little late due to the fact that my wife knows she needs to leave work earlier on Wednesdays, so she makes appointments early, and still runs late.  I broke a few speed laws on my way to the quarry, but no squirrels or chipmunks were harmed in the process…the deer knew better!   As I arrived, the majority of the usual Wednesday night contingency was already set up, and doing their pre-dive chatting.  Todd was diving with Ron, tonight. (and I wish they’d write a report on their experience! Sounded interesting!) I set my gear up, as Rob (who must have been cold) was getting into his dry suit undergarments.  I did MY usual pre-dive (hitting the Porta-potty) to Rob saying “Take your time”.  I was still mostly dressed before him, and was able to notice that his new toy was on his wrist backwards. (and who says we don’t do proper buddy checks!)  All set and down the steep access we went. 

No plan discussed, but I figured that since he got a new dive computer he’d be putting it through its paces, so I just knew to follow, and keep an eye on any odd path’s, and make sure he didn’t go head first into the Pennsy (God knows it has enough dents in it!)  (I’m talking about his head not the Pennsy...that thing is like a ROCK, I’ve run into it in the bad viz!)  Down to 20 ft. and we were all good with no oddly shaped bubbles to speak of.  The other thing about this time of year is that the visibility is usually crud, so it’s like doing a “Stevie Wonder” dive the first five or so minutes until you get below 60 feet. So past the boats and some of the bottom debris we went.  Seeing how we passed the pipe, I figured that we were taking a different path (I knew that he couldn’t have missed it)  A few more fin kicks and we were at the Aqua Adventures truck. (I remember this one)  We checked in after we passed around the back, and Rob gave the “down” signal, so I agreed.  We started down the hill and were soon staring at the little Lobster on the Pump House.  We followed the bottom of the wall past the 110ft. trench. (which had some NASTY haze on and coming out of it…almost like a witches cauldron…I love being narced!)  We followed along the wall, and over the rocks. I was checking out some of the bottom crud, some stuff looks like rock with crud on it, other stuff is just mounds of crud.  I usually wave my glove over it to watch it move, if it dissipates a little, it’s just dust on a rock, if it just moves, then it’s that jelly crud! We swam along, and soon saw the Tripod Tree.  On Sunday, Rob said he could see the Outhouse from there, so I tried hard to see if I could, and in that hazy visibility, I have to admit that I could see the outline of the top.  We met at the back of the Outhouse (and I was thinking, I could use this about now, that Powerade I drink goes right through me) Rob gave me the “we’re not bothering with the big boulder” signal, so we turned and headed back along the bottom of the wall.  I could see Rob playing with his computer on this part of the trip, so I made sure that the wall wasn’t far off from my left.  After we passed over the trench, I could see him heading out and we passed some of the landmarks on our way to the Deep Boat.  We checked in at the Deep Boat, and everything was still good. Rob went behind, and was following along the top of the wall to the hole a bit, and then we started up the slope and were soon passing the CAT.  Further along up the hill, past the pick-up, and then over into the bowl, which was hazy and a little kicked up.  When we passed around the front of the Pennsy, Rob gave me the “ready to go up?” signal. I had to agree since I REALLY wished I went when we were at the Outhouse!  So up the hill we went to our safety stop spot.  I was having a “sinus” issue in my mask, but saw that Rob wanted to do a valve drill, so I switched to my short hose and got my long hose ready just in case.  Rob did a successful valve drill (well from my perspective) then asked if I wanted to do one, but with my “issue” I decided to forgo it. So we made our way to the exit spot and we were done!

Duration: 46 minutes

Deepest Depth: 94 feet

Coldest Temp: 37º

I WILL have to say that this was one of my most comfortable dives in as far as my trim, and attitude in the water, as well as being just comfortable the whole time.  That’s another thing about this time of year, just when I get that perfect “hang” of things; I don’t dive as much, and can’t continue to perfect how I want to be in the water.  I really think I need to move to Florida and get a job diving…another story…

After we were done Rob commented on how his new computer worked, and as usual there are bugs to work out to get it to where you want it to be, and learn how it all operates.  I think it’s good because between him and Ron (and John) I’ll have a few ‘experts’ to ask by the time I’m able to get one.

After packing, we all went to PizzAtown, and had dinner. Rob and Todd were recalling some memories from a live-aboard trip they both were on, and Ron talked about his recent trip. (a few of our friends are on a trip and nicely put up a picture of them waiting for their boat…. Happy diving guys!  We’ll expect lots of pictures!)

Ok, so that’s it for me I’m OUT of here!   This weekend doesn’t look good for me as far as diving, but I plan on being there for the last Wednesday night dive!   Hope you are going as well!

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Considering the Bus Stop?

Yeah, But not really for long!  First of all neither one of us really knows where it is, what to look for, and how to get back, but it was a good laugh!    Knowing that I’d be around this weekend, I asked Rob if he was up for a dive, and since he had to work on Saturday, Sunday was ok for him. Ron was hedging going to Dutch with his wife, but if that fell through he’d join us, and Todd is always up for a dive. No other takers, but we did put it out there.  I got a note from Ron, and he did end up going to Dutch, and Todd had to back out this morning, so it was just Rob and me.

I pulled up fairly early and checked our usual spot at Upper A, but there was apparently a large class that was taking up most if not all of the tables, so before I attempted fitting in, I took a drive to Lower A, and there was PLENTY of room. So I quick texted Rob, and said, Lower A. (but he missed it and was looking for me up top, and didn’t see me so he came down and found me)  As we were setting up Dave came down to look at the one building to see how damaged it was after the spring and early summer flooding, and told us that the deeper parts were pretty dark, so that put a wrench in Rob’s consideration to hit the Deep Deep Boat.  I was interested in seeing what I missed way off to the left of that path, the one that Rob reeled me in before heading down deep a few dives back, so we considered hitting that possibly.   We both were set up and ready to roll in no time, so we wandered over to the long road access.

We checked out everything, and decided to try to just meet at the CAT since there really wasn’t a 20 foot tree in this path.  When we DID get to about 20 feet (24 exactly) we gave each other a quick check for unruly bubbles, and kept heading.  We were soon looking at the CAT from a different than usual angle. We kept going and headed down to the Deep Boat. As we got to the Deep Boat Rob pointed back towards the wall and I agreed. We were soon passing below the Pump House, and going over the 110 foot trench.  The visibility was really bad as we passed by the small cluster of trees.  I checked out a small plant at the bottom for a second or two, and quickly caught back up with Rob.  Rob pointed out the Tripod Tree, and we were soon not really seeing the Outhouse. (although Rob said he was the outline just after we passed the tree. I may have been at a lower point than him.) We quickly turned at the Outhouse, and started back.  Once we got to the Pump House (and checked the Little Lobster) Rob asked if I wanted to go up or back out. I figured that since we saw the Aqua Adventures truck on land, no need to see this one. (they had a small class going as well)(Rob was considering asking them if he could take a quick trip through their windshield, but opted against it)   So we headed back out towards the Deep Boat.  At the Deep Boat, Rob continued, and we were soon seeing what I saw on the aforementioned dive. It was a plastic pretzel tub, on a stick that was sticking out of the ground.  We swam back towards the pipe, and started down a little. Rob checked his computer (as did I) and we decided that it was probably not a good idea to continue deeper, so we turned and went back up the slope.  Passing the CAT, we were soon aimed towards the Bowl which was pretty kicked up (and cloudy to begin with, if you ask me)  I just kept my light on Rob’s fins, and made sure we were close together as we swam around the bowl.  I almost ran in to the Pennsy it was that cloudy.  Back through some trees, and around some of the other sunken debris, and we were by the boat with the Fuzzy Caterpillar.  Rob went to clean him off, and I think rot is starting to take its toll on the roof rail, because it looked pretty shot, and I’d be willing to bet the Caterpillar is on the ground the next time you pass him by.  We kept going for a little bit through some trees, then turned and headed to our safety stop.  After five minutes, Rob gave me the sign to pop over the road and into the Lagoon, (which was smart since we had to walk up there anyway, may as well swim!)  so, over the road, and through the muck. (to grandmothers house we go)(too easy)  We followed along, and saw pretty much nothing. After a few minutes Rob told me to stay put, and he was going topside to see where we were.  I got stuck on something and by the time I freed myself, Rob was landing on top of me, and pointing where we go to exit.  As we did, he saw the big pipe, so why not swim through it. (I think this is the first time we’ve found it in a long while) We kept following, and over rotted boards, and grasses, and the slope started getting shallower. We were done!

Duration: 57 minutes

Deepest Depth: 96 feet

Coldest  Temp: 37º

Despite the cruddy visibility, it wasn’t that bad of a dive.  All objectives pretty much met, and no major mishaps on anyone part!   The visibility is at the downward slide for this part of the year, and we agreed that it probably won’t get MUCH better until the spring.

We packed our gear and took a quick trip to PizzAtown for a nice relaxing lunch!   Hopefully we have a semi-decent turnout this coming Wednesday, there’s a dive trip happening and a good many of our usuals (and semi-usuals) will be gone for the last two.  Have a great trip guys and girls, take lots of pictures!!!

I will see the rest of you on Wednesday night!

Visibility: 1 Divers: 0

 As the Wednesday night diving season grinds to a close, you know from experience that this time of year brings the visibility issues, as well as the lack of sunlight during the dive. Putting both of these together makes you glad you spent those extra bucks and purchased your canister light. (or in Todd’s case, your stadium lights) (still haven’t seen them in live action yet, but the reviews are pretty explicit)  Last night was the “beginning of the end” to any light or visibility.  It may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not. This just adds to the challenge of the dive, and makes finding things a little more interesting. (and gives you good practice for night dives!)

My usual arrival time was skewed a little since my wife was a little late getting out of work, but I texted Rob, and told him I was still coming, no problem from him. We were supposed to be diving with a friend of his, but he never showed, and never called.  So my later arrival wasn’t a big issue. (I hate making people wait for me)(just one of those personal pet peeves)(blame my mom)  Todd and John were also there tonight with their special guest Annette! (I was worried about the weather, but John assured us that “Jane” was packed and ready! Although the clouds I saw on my way to the quarry made me skeptical)   Rob kindly put his tool box on my usual table in order to save it for me, but some people apparently don’t understand the “if there’s stuff on the table, it’s reserved” unwritten rule…seeing who’s friend it was, the oblivious nature of the person was understood. No problem, the table I ended up with was fine…thanks anyway Rob!   I finished setting up and we were waiting for our third. Annette showed up in the interim, and the clouds parted and the sun came out, so I think her weather “curse” has been lifted by the gods!  At 6:00pm, we decided that our third was out of luck, so Rob and I started getting ready.  We were soon traipsing down the hill, well I was, I think Rob forgot to close his dry suit zipper after strapping on his cylinders, and John and Todd were assisting.  I didn’t ask. 

Rob soon joined me at the bottom of the steep access, and we were all tucked in and ready to roll, the “20 feet” command was made.  As I made my way down, and the pressure started affecting my mask, I felt that maybe I had it on my face slightly askew, so I took a little longer getting to the tree. At the tree I felt it was better, so we checked each other out, and we seemed fine, no odd bubbles coming from odd places, so we continued. It took maybe about 10-15 fin kicks for me to getting the mask entirely comfortable on my face (a larger nose isn’t fun, damn Italian ancestry) But soon things felt fine, no little leaks, and I was a happy camper, I mean diver!   As we made our way through the bad visibility, we passed things that didn’t look like they normally did (shadows as opposed to actual items) and were soon passing through the trees, and over more rocks.  Rob looked at me and gave me the “circle back” sign, and I agreed.  Back through, and he soon spotted something familiar, so we changed direction, only to see some lights coming from where we wanted to go, so he went a little further and down, and soon we were at the Pump House.  We continued down, and along the bottom of the wall, and over the big boulders.  The visibility was so bad that I couldn’t see the 110ft. Trench to see if the haze was over that (the bad haze covered the good haze) so we kept on.  We passed one of the familiar trees, now to find the Tripod Tree.  I happened to spy it out of the corner of my eye, Rob was a little further to the right, so I got his attention and pointed to it and he changed his course.  We were soon at the Outhouse and since there was nothing to see, we turned, and followed back along the bottom of the wall.  Back to the Pump House and we checked on the Little Lobster who was still happily sitting on his perch.  Rob looked at me and pointed back towards the Deep Boat (since we missed it on the way down) and I agreed.  We swam along until the Deep Boat was in view, and then passed along the front of it towards the ledge. At the ledge, Rob saw the pipe that goes down deeper, so we followed that. Once we hit about 90 feet Rob reversed course, and we headed back up the slope towards the CAT. At the CAT we checked in, and started back towards the Bowl.  We swam past the Pennsy, the Dolphin Tower and the crane arm, then through some trees and went to find our spot to do our safety stop.  Before we got into the water, John asked if we’ve been doing any valve drills, and while we both have been checking to see if we could reach our valves, we haven’t really done one. John chastised us, so we felt guilty and had to do them. So Rob made the sign that he was going to attempt one.  He did some of his, but started having a glove inflation issue, so since he couldn’t actually grab his valve, he decided to stop, but he did reach, and turn his valves to make sure he could work them. I attempted one, and was able to turn off my right post, and breathe my regulator down, change to my back up, turn the valve back on, and purge the regulator to make sure it worked. Then I put it back in my mouth and started turning my left valve. About halfway through I thought “dummy, you’re supposed to leave the secondary in your mouth and breathe it down before changing…”  Ok, I tried!  I turned the valve back on, and turned my center post off and on just to make sure I could do it.  I’ll attempt it again next time. After another minute, our safety stop was done, and we were ready to finish our dive.

Duration: 44 minutes

Deepest Depth: 94 feet

Coldest Temp: 37º

Despite the visibility, and the pathetic attempt at our valve drills, I think it was a pretty decent dive!   I got my 130’s back from their annual, and felt a lot better in the water!   (I like those!)  The visibility makes it a little bit of a challenge, but with Rob’s expert navigation skills, we got to do a little sightseeing! Everyone else came back from their dives safely and happily! (and with a tan from Todd’s light) 

We packed, then went to PizzAtown where we had a distinguished guest again, holding tables (and avoiding children) for us!  

Rob and I are considering diving on Sunday, Rob is working the local dive shop on Saturday so go buy something from him (so he has to count the register drawer before he goes) Keep an eye on the Scared Turtle page for any details!  If we make it, hope to see you!   Other than that, I am OUT of here!  Two whole Wednesday nights left, so get them while you can!!!

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!