#1 North Carolina
It all started at o-dark hundred when I finished packing up the car with the more valuable items (camera, computer and food!) and I was off on my adventure.
A relatively short time later (just under 2 hours) I was at the border saying hi to the border guy, telling him I was headed to North Carolina to go scuba diving. After swearing that I was bringing in anything I wasn't allowed to, I was allowed to enter the USA (fools).
Then it was a piece of cake. Down the I-81 crossing through NY, PA, MD, WVA and into VA. Then across VA on the 66/17 to the I-95. Before you knew it I was in NC. After a brief stop at the welcome center to let my buddy know I was in the state, I made the short (trust me after just over 10 hours, it was short) two hour drive to my destination. Between the trusty CAA guide, and Rich's explanation on how to drive to his place, I arrived. Very grateful not to have to move again for awhile.
I played tourist, visiting various sites around the state, and the city. First on my own (silly fella had to work hehehe), and then with Rich. We discovered a really neat winery up near Raleigh!
Then came Memorial Day weekend. We headed to the coast, met up with two couples that I've known for years. One lives in Wilmington, so we had a good chin wag with them, before heading down the coast a bit to Oak Island to overnight with the other couple. The morning came way too early. Rich and I were a bit uncertain if we would be heading out as it had been storming all through the night. We arrived at the dock, and soon others arrived.
We loaded up, and headed out. The seas were very calm (only 2-3ft swells) so the ride out to the wrecks was very relaxing to me -- in fact I dozed most of the way.
Our first stop was the Hyde, an ocean dredge laying upright in about 80-90ft of water. We were fortunate enough to see a large sea turtle -- I think it was about 4.5 feet in diameter, a school of medium sized barracuda, along with jacks and what I think were ocean spades (I have to look them up in the fish book to confirm). After cruising around for a bit, we took our time up the line doing both a deep stop and one at 20ft.
Our second stop was the Markham, another ocean dredge very close by (you could actually see the mooring from the Hyde's). This was another great dive. I got to see my first shark not in an aquarium! Well, not one but 4 or 5. Most were Sandbars, but one was very large and a bit different in shape, which might have been a bull -- I didn't go up and ask him though! Wheeee I can't wait for my next visit to see more.
Returning back to shore, we unloaded the boat, loaded the car and headed to the LDS. Of course stopping for Rich's "traditional" stop at DQ for a milkshake. At the LDS we caused a bit of a concern when they heard us draining Rich's tanks. I had brought down new valves (they were cheaper in Canada), so instead of filling them with the old valves, we drained the tanks, put on the new valves, and then had them filled.
Back home we went, cleaned gear and relaxed. Then up early the next morning again -- this time heading north to VA -- Lake Rawlings. We were to meet up with a few other folks and spend the day diving. Arriving at the appointed time, we waited for a bit, then went for a dive -- first marking my car with a Canadian flag in case the others arrived while we were in the water. The first dive was rather uneventful (except for making a few new divers nervous when the o-ring on my pony blew). They have quite a number of "items" u/w for divers to visit. The vis was not great, but hey it's diving in a quarry what can you really expect?
We had a SI BBQing some sausages up -- ok, ok so I forgot the buns, and the matches. The latter was solved by Rich going and getting a lighter donated by the nice folks who run the facility. The former -- well it was finger food! As we were finishing off, two of the others showed up. We all kitted up and went for a dive.
After gabbing for a bit, we all headed off in our separate directions to our homes.
On the Monday, it was a very lazy day for me -- I got to play couch potato which I appreciated to no end as I knew I had the long drive home the next day.
I headed out the same time Rich headed to work, and fourteen hours later, I pulled into my driveway. I hauled my gear in, said hi to the cats, called Rich to say I arrived safely, and crashed.
I enjoyed my visit, the diving and meeting old and new friends. Now, you'd figure I'd be relaxing now... nope, getting ready to head off to Tobermory for the weekend. (Thank goodness, a dive buddy is doing the driving this time)
#1 Tobermory
Ok I admit it -- I am bushed!
My buddy and I left Ottawa at a decent hour on Friday, and headed to Tobermory to dive with the gang. Arriving at our friend's cottage (which by the way accommodated all 18 of us - so it wasn't small), we munched down on dinner, had a bit of a discussion of what would happen the next day, and the gang crashed.
Up the next day, we had a drive to actually get to Tobermory as the cottage was some distance away (note to self -- book into local accommodation next time). We did the check-in with the Marine Park folks (it's still only $15 Cdn for your pass), and then started loading the boat.
While loading the captain made a suggestion that instead of 2-dive, back for lunch and then head out againg, we could go for a 3-dive ride. The conditions were superb! Bright sun, no waves, and the shop offered us a tank for the cost of a fill rather than a day-rental (most divers had only brought 2 tanks). We all said sure thing!
Off we went to the Arabia, the San Jancitha and the City of Clevland. You best be prepared for the conditions, as temps on the first two wrecks 41-43F!!! The last wreck being so shallow, warmed up to 48-50F.
After a long day, we headed back, dropped off the tanks for fills and headed back to the cottage. My buddy and I cooked up a "gourmet meal" of salmon steaks, potatoes and veggies hmmmmmmmmmmm good. Then, although it was game 6 of the Stanley Cup and some of the gang wanted to watch it on the TV, I bowed out, headed to another TV (did I say this place was nice -- no one could call this roughing it!) watch a bit on the remembrance of D-Day and Canada's contribution, then crashed.
Day two dawned overcast, and with skies threatening. Once again we loaded the boat and headed out. This time we were headed to the Forrest City, Niagara II and "The Caves". I was only doing the first two (turned out to be a good choice) as my buddy and I had to return to Ottawa that night because of work committments.
We arrived at the Forrest with the rain, and having some wave action. Buddy and I hit the water and slowly descended on the wreck. I guess the order for warmer water was lost, because the water on this wreck was only 40F. We toured for a short time then ascended. A short boat ride later, and we were at the Niagara II -- now that's a wreck you need time to discover. I packed my gear up, thinking that perhaps I should have elected to do the third dive... that only lasted until we arrived. Due to how the boat was moored at the site, those that went in, had a loooooooooooooooooooong surface swim. Yuck!
Back at the docks, we unloaded the boat in quick time, and my buddy and I loaded up the car and headed home.
Close to eight hours later home.... I think I want to stay put for awhile! Hmmm well maybe
A more detailed trip report (and hopefully pics) will follow. I've got to catch up with work (sigh) and stuff...
For now.... I recommend Tobermory, but you must be ready for the conditions. The cold, current, depth and weather are MAJOR factors when planning diving here.
It all started at o-dark hundred when I finished packing up the car with the more valuable items (camera, computer and food!) and I was off on my adventure.
A relatively short time later (just under 2 hours) I was at the border saying hi to the border guy, telling him I was headed to North Carolina to go scuba diving. After swearing that I was bringing in anything I wasn't allowed to, I was allowed to enter the USA (fools).
Then it was a piece of cake. Down the I-81 crossing through NY, PA, MD, WVA and into VA. Then across VA on the 66/17 to the I-95. Before you knew it I was in NC. After a brief stop at the welcome center to let my buddy know I was in the state, I made the short (trust me after just over 10 hours, it was short) two hour drive to my destination. Between the trusty CAA guide, and Rich's explanation on how to drive to his place, I arrived. Very grateful not to have to move again for awhile.
I played tourist, visiting various sites around the state, and the city. First on my own (silly fella had to work hehehe), and then with Rich. We discovered a really neat winery up near Raleigh!
Then came Memorial Day weekend. We headed to the coast, met up with two couples that I've known for years. One lives in Wilmington, so we had a good chin wag with them, before heading down the coast a bit to Oak Island to overnight with the other couple. The morning came way too early. Rich and I were a bit uncertain if we would be heading out as it had been storming all through the night. We arrived at the dock, and soon others arrived.
We loaded up, and headed out. The seas were very calm (only 2-3ft swells) so the ride out to the wrecks was very relaxing to me -- in fact I dozed most of the way.
Our first stop was the Hyde, an ocean dredge laying upright in about 80-90ft of water. We were fortunate enough to see a large sea turtle -- I think it was about 4.5 feet in diameter, a school of medium sized barracuda, along with jacks and what I think were ocean spades (I have to look them up in the fish book to confirm). After cruising around for a bit, we took our time up the line doing both a deep stop and one at 20ft.
Our second stop was the Markham, another ocean dredge very close by (you could actually see the mooring from the Hyde's). This was another great dive. I got to see my first shark not in an aquarium! Well, not one but 4 or 5. Most were Sandbars, but one was very large and a bit different in shape, which might have been a bull -- I didn't go up and ask him though! Wheeee I can't wait for my next visit to see more.
Returning back to shore, we unloaded the boat, loaded the car and headed to the LDS. Of course stopping for Rich's "traditional" stop at DQ for a milkshake. At the LDS we caused a bit of a concern when they heard us draining Rich's tanks. I had brought down new valves (they were cheaper in Canada), so instead of filling them with the old valves, we drained the tanks, put on the new valves, and then had them filled.
Back home we went, cleaned gear and relaxed. Then up early the next morning again -- this time heading north to VA -- Lake Rawlings. We were to meet up with a few other folks and spend the day diving. Arriving at the appointed time, we waited for a bit, then went for a dive -- first marking my car with a Canadian flag in case the others arrived while we were in the water. The first dive was rather uneventful (except for making a few new divers nervous when the o-ring on my pony blew). They have quite a number of "items" u/w for divers to visit. The vis was not great, but hey it's diving in a quarry what can you really expect?
We had a SI BBQing some sausages up -- ok, ok so I forgot the buns, and the matches. The latter was solved by Rich going and getting a lighter donated by the nice folks who run the facility. The former -- well it was finger food! As we were finishing off, two of the others showed up. We all kitted up and went for a dive.
After gabbing for a bit, we all headed off in our separate directions to our homes.
On the Monday, it was a very lazy day for me -- I got to play couch potato which I appreciated to no end as I knew I had the long drive home the next day.
I headed out the same time Rich headed to work, and fourteen hours later, I pulled into my driveway. I hauled my gear in, said hi to the cats, called Rich to say I arrived safely, and crashed.
I enjoyed my visit, the diving and meeting old and new friends. Now, you'd figure I'd be relaxing now... nope, getting ready to head off to Tobermory for the weekend. (Thank goodness, a dive buddy is doing the driving this time)
#1 Tobermory
Ok I admit it -- I am bushed!
My buddy and I left Ottawa at a decent hour on Friday, and headed to Tobermory to dive with the gang. Arriving at our friend's cottage (which by the way accommodated all 18 of us - so it wasn't small), we munched down on dinner, had a bit of a discussion of what would happen the next day, and the gang crashed.
Up the next day, we had a drive to actually get to Tobermory as the cottage was some distance away (note to self -- book into local accommodation next time). We did the check-in with the Marine Park folks (it's still only $15 Cdn for your pass), and then started loading the boat.
While loading the captain made a suggestion that instead of 2-dive, back for lunch and then head out againg, we could go for a 3-dive ride. The conditions were superb! Bright sun, no waves, and the shop offered us a tank for the cost of a fill rather than a day-rental (most divers had only brought 2 tanks). We all said sure thing!
Off we went to the Arabia, the San Jancitha and the City of Clevland. You best be prepared for the conditions, as temps on the first two wrecks 41-43F!!! The last wreck being so shallow, warmed up to 48-50F.
After a long day, we headed back, dropped off the tanks for fills and headed back to the cottage. My buddy and I cooked up a "gourmet meal" of salmon steaks, potatoes and veggies hmmmmmmmmmmm good. Then, although it was game 6 of the Stanley Cup and some of the gang wanted to watch it on the TV, I bowed out, headed to another TV (did I say this place was nice -- no one could call this roughing it!) watch a bit on the remembrance of D-Day and Canada's contribution, then crashed.
Day two dawned overcast, and with skies threatening. Once again we loaded the boat and headed out. This time we were headed to the Forrest City, Niagara II and "The Caves". I was only doing the first two (turned out to be a good choice) as my buddy and I had to return to Ottawa that night because of work committments.
We arrived at the Forrest with the rain, and having some wave action. Buddy and I hit the water and slowly descended on the wreck. I guess the order for warmer water was lost, because the water on this wreck was only 40F. We toured for a short time then ascended. A short boat ride later, and we were at the Niagara II -- now that's a wreck you need time to discover. I packed my gear up, thinking that perhaps I should have elected to do the third dive... that only lasted until we arrived. Due to how the boat was moored at the site, those that went in, had a loooooooooooooooooooong surface swim. Yuck!
Back at the docks, we unloaded the boat in quick time, and my buddy and I loaded up the car and headed home.
Close to eight hours later home.... I think I want to stay put for awhile! Hmmm well maybe
A more detailed trip report (and hopefully pics) will follow. I've got to catch up with work (sigh) and stuff...
For now.... I recommend Tobermory, but you must be ready for the conditions. The cold, current, depth and weather are MAJOR factors when planning diving here.
