Brownstone Update 5-1-07

[ScubaSarus]

I took a ride to the Portland Quarry in Portland, CT to day. There was a construction crew hard at work building a drainage system to minimize water entering the quarry from road runoff. It appears the 25 yr plan is going well. A couple of power boats were added to the inventory of items to discover on the bottom. A new picnic area (see pic) has been built along with a new entry to the other half of the quarry (see pic). The campground is being worked on also (no pic). There are duck nest floating about to enhance the wild life. Plans are for a live cam to be installed with a data relay to one of the states fish education centers. The park will open at the end of May. Long term ideas include possible grants to acquire military vehicles to put in the quarry. The quarry keeps getting nicer on a weekly basis. The hard work put into the quarry is definitly showing and has made an historic milestone in its beauty as its never looked better. Also note the last pic showing the new giant stride entry (Bull Point eat ya heart out).

http://www.brownstonepark.com/

 

[Soggy]

Thanks for the update! I plan on being down there sometime this weekend. Ed and company have done a great job with the place.

 

[ScubaSarus]

I may ride my bike down there Saturday to say hello. Lets see what the weather does for us.

 

[LobstaMan]

What's the typical viz in the quarry? Temps? I am intrigued by the site and impressed by all the work the owners have done, but it is a bit of a ride from the Boston area. Just wondering if it's worth it. Any plans to put lobsters in the quarry?

LobstaMan

 

[Soggy]

What's the typical viz in the quarry?

0-30 ft, depending on when and where

Temps?

34-80 degrees, again, depending on when and where. In August, the surface can be 80 degrees with a thermocline that drops to 38-40 degrees. Below 40ft or so the temperature hovers right around 38-40 degrees.

I am intrigued by the site and impressed by all the work the owners have done, but it is a bit of a ride from the Boston area. Just wondering if it's worth it.

It's worth it for training, practice, testing new gear, blow outs, or generally hanging out with other divers.

 

[LobstaMan]

Sounds like I'll have to give it a try when I don't feel like washing the salt off my gear.

LobstaMan

 

[ScubaSarus]

Hi there Lobsterman.

The vis varies depending were you go. Ive seen 10 to 50 ft even at the bottom at a 50 ft depth. Once you hit 80 ft it can be clear but very dark and you are better off with a 8 cell light or HID. Usually at 30 ft or so it always good vis if divers have not scoured through the area recently.

Temps at the surface can hit 80 in late summer with the bottom temps around 40 at 80 ft. Thermal incline starts at only 10 ft though and gets colder as you head on down.

If you live far away, its a nice place to visit once or twice with plenty of lodging in nearby Middletown/Cromwell or now that the campground is being worked on its a nice opportunity to do some camping. The campground is in a wooded area near the river. The quarry is in a busy area so there are plenty of stores and restaurants especially over the bridge in Middletown.

 

[marcienko]

Where is this place located ?

 

[Rainer]

We'll probably be heading down on the 13th for some practice dives.

 

[Henryville]

Where is this place located ?

Portland, CT, just across the river from Middletown. More broadly, the Hartford area.