Cape Ann 4/7/12 where

[oldflounder]

This looks like it might be one of those weekends where the Cape might be a good place to be if you're looking for a site out of the wind. It has such a variety of sites for all weather I am told. As of today it looks like a N wind of 15-20kts. The tidal swing is going to be almost 12', with an average of 8 1/2' the rest of the month, making for some good surge on the ledges. Seas 2-4'. Looks like good conditions in Folly if you surf. Where would be a good spot to dive this Saturday with this weather/ocean forecast? Easy entry, lots of topography/rocks, don't care about lots of depth or long surface swims. If you wanted to go out for a fun dive Saturday where would you probably go? Do you think Folly will be doable or will the viz be crap?

 

[petrieps]

Hey Joe,

Folly might not be the best dive under those conditions. A north wind blows right into the cove. There are still plenty of places to dive though. Some of the lamer places would be fine like Stage Fort, Niles or Whites Beach. I don't think that forcast is too bad, NOAA is often wrong. I would still check out Folly 1st. If it's not diveable work your way around Cape Ann till someplace is. If not get a Saint Joseph at Virgilios, that's worth the ride alone. Stage Fort, Niles or Whites isn't worth the gear rinse afterwards to me. If it was me, on Capeann I would dive Magnolia Rocks, not an easy entry though.
I would go, but my wife works Saturdays. Sunday after Easter breakfast I will be diving the sound. I don't think there will be good vis this weekend.

 

[oldflounder]

Thanks for the info Paul-----Nubble has the same forecast so I'll be avoiding there this weekend. It may be diveable but I think the viz will be all stirred up. I want to get to the Cape before the dive season starts there and I want to check out some more of the sites. I don't really care where I go, it's all about the adventure. Whereever we end up it'll be fun and beats staying home raking leaves. I plan to get there early and do a quick recon of Folly and Cathedral and then it'll be on to more protected sites to the south. I'm thinking maybe Loblolly or Bass Cove. The air may be a little warm for the drysuit, though the water is starting to warm up and we can start peeling off layers soon. I am seriously considering the wetsuit if I end up doing a second dive. I think I heard it might get to 60 this weekend. Have a nice dive Sunday.

 

[petrieps]

Loblolly is a great dive, and good for snorkeling. It's shallow, so a wetsuit might be ok, Burr, there's not a day hot enough to make me want to dive wet. The police will let you park there this time of year no problem. The last time I was there the police came into the lot. They were very friendly, unfortunately my tail light was out and they pulled me over when I was leaving. To make matters worse my license was 9 months expired (darn registry does not notify you by mail anymore). The police allowed me to park on the side of the road. They then drove me to the police station, let me use one of their computers to renew my drivers license online and then drove me back to my car. I could have been arrested, they didn't even give me a ticket. Rockport Police are A OK in my book.

Let me know how you make out Saturday, it might influence my decision for Sunday.

 

[SkuaSeptember]

Just a thought, you might give Fort Sewall in Marblehead a try. Sheltered, good parking, easy entry and occasional finds from the old restaurant. I've picked up a couple of bottles from about 1900 - 1913 in this area.

 

[oldflounder]

Thank you - I love Marblehead and hadn't thought of going there. Time is limited this trip and I do know parts of the Cape so we'll spend our time there Saturday, but I am definately going to put Ft. Sewell on my list of places to try in the near future since you recommend it to me. I have ancestors [Bowden] from there and have done genealogy research there in the past. Now it gives me even more reason to go back and do some more.

Just a thought, you might give Fort Sewall in Marblehead a try. Sheltered, good parking, easy entry and occasional finds from the old restaurant. I've picked up a couple of bottles from about 1900 - 1913 in this area.