Morton's Meandering

Following up on a visit by others over the weekend, I made a dive on Morton's Wharf this morning. Conditions were pretty good and a couple of lazy Bass accompanied us for much of the dive. Perch were also seen near the entry point. Life, as reported recently, really is returning to the Lake. Visibility was in the order of 40 feet and the water is showing signs of warming up. A minimum temperature of 41°F (5°C) was recorded.

Behind the KPH

Today 5 of us got int he water and dove behind the KPH. On the dive multiple fish(carp,bass,and perch)were seen adding to previous dives showing the lake is hoping back to life. Three of the divers turned the dive at the 30 min mark in 40 feet of water just passed the stop sign. Jim and myself went out a little deeper hitting 65 feet of water and spending roughly one hour in the water. The temperature is holding steady at 4 c.

Double dipping in the Lake

Today I had the pleasure of Diving with Sébastien and we got two dives in at Deadmans Bay and the Domino Theatre. Each dive was roughly 40 mins in 39f/4c of water. The vis was not to great in the range of 20 ft. Highlights of the first dive were turtles in Deadmans Bay with the odd catfish and perch. It was a pleasant surprise to see life returning to the lake. On our second dive at Domino theatre we only saw some gobies. We were able to see a few canteens and tin plates. I big mention does need to go to Sébastien who dove today in a wet suit.

Brule Road again...

Back to Brule Road today for another wildlife survey. Principal result, at least two mediocre Bass spotted in the shallows. Good news - we entered just as the rain started and exited just after it had finished - about 50 minutes later. Bad news - well, none really. The water temp showed 47F (8C) and viz wasn't bad. It's a real treat returning to the little beach, because the water temp there is in the 50s. I'd recommend a visit to anyone anxious to re-acquaint themselves with open water.

Warm Water...?

With the Sun beating down over several days and a spring-fed source, there was a reasonable expectation that water temperatures in the quarry at Brule Road would be kinder to divers than the still frigid expanse of the Lake. It proved to be the case today, when 40 minutes in 46F (8C) water (warmer in the first 6 feet) provided a really relaxed dive experience. Visibility, below a milky, upper layer, was about 50 feet. It has to be admitted that there's not much life around yet. A couple of small fry were seen and the odd scuttling retreat amongst the rocks suggested crayfish, but only the mussels were commonly sighted. The good news is that the approaches are dry and firm and the water's substantially warmer than elsewhere right now. Time to think about the wetsuits folks..

Post Exam Plunge...

Today marked the last day of exams at RMC - reason enough for some of our most adventurous members from the College to take to the water. Marc-Etienne and Olivier survived the 39F (4C) temperature to spend 36 minutes touring the old pilings and other areas just South of the St Lawrence Pier. The pictures are theirs and they show considerable enthusiasm, despite painfully cold hands. Adam and Matt came along for the swim. As an example of what we all aspire to as divers, it would be good to have them along on every dive...

Evening Outing...

It really was like a Summer evening... until we hit the water... But even there it was evident that temperatures are rising. The low temperature 40F (4C), was several degrees warmer than last weekend. Visibility was average at about 20 feet. But the rapid discovery of the little wreck and a gentle trip over to the Ordnance Dock, with a photo call at the surface in the warm, evening light, made the whole dive a great experience. All that said, there's not much life in the water yet. A few unidentified fish were darting around, but no large Bass were seen.

Sunday Club in Full Session...

The fine weather seemed to spawn substantial interest in diving today. No less than 10 divers made it into the water at the Cora Post off Howe Island. Visibility was reasonable - at about 30 feet, but the water temperature is no less chilly than a week ago - at 36F (2C). Air temperatures around 6C (43F) didn't entirely compensate for any chilling effect. Worth noting that the line out to the wreck has lost its upper section and you need to hunt at about 22 feet to pick up the remaining piece.

New Website for Preserve Our Wrecks...

Members will wish to be aware that the website for Preserve Our Wrecks, Kingston has been re-invigorated. Check it out to see what's happening and apply for / renew your 2008 membership.

Sunday Club back in Session...

The arrival of the Spring sunshine this weekend placed the Club on notice that it's time to re-convene the Sunday Club. Accordingly, four of us suited up and sprang into the Lake at RMC's St Lawrence Pier this morning. It was a delight to enjoy a dive in such fine weather. If there was any doubt that the season has truly changed, the passage overhead of a mixed skein of Canada and Snow Geese dispelled it. In the water there was less evidence of change. There were no significant sightings, despite visibility in the order of 30 feet or so. The water temperature remains stubbornly low at about 36F (2C). In response to a request from Chris Haslip, who was unable to dive today, his pet smurf was taken for an outing. Expect to see a lot of this little diver this season.

I Declare this Lake Open...

Yesterday, on a visit to Portsmouth, there was substantial ice cover all along the shore. But today, after strong overnight winds, the situation was completely changed. A visit to RMC's St Lawrence Pier revealed the Southern side to be completely free of ice. Examination of the West St Ramp also showed the ice to have disappeared offshore. Of course, caution is essential during this period, when drifting ice, propelled by the prevailing winds, can catch an unwary diver out by cutting off his exit point. Today produced perfect conditions for making a first foray back into the Lake though. Entry at West St started a 30 minute expedition out to the Barge and back. Visibility was limited to about 20' - and occasionally less. The only signs of life were the occasional tracks made by the mudpuppies in the silt. Water temperature, unsurprisingly, was only 34F (1C). Bright sunshine and a temperature of 2C (36F) ashore made the preparations relatively straightforward.