Alabama BlueWater Adventure Feb 10th Dive
I awoke at 0545, splashed some cold water on my face (not from the toilet) intending to leave by 0715. I got dressed, started pilling up my gear, heated up some chicken noodle soup to put in a thermos and put some hot water in a cooler. Then I loaded my gear (I remembered my weights Mike). I left (the 1st time) at my planed departure time of 0715. Pulled out of the driveway and remembered I left my folding chairs and tarp. Departed 2nd time when I remembered I had left the chicken soup and hot water. It is now after 0730 when I finally hit the road with everything I need (or so I thought). I arrived at ABWA a littlie after 0900 looking forward to diving and meeting new people. The gate was closed with several of the 'The Crew' already in line waiting (Clay, Howard, ClayFar, and Lone Frogman). When I got out of my truck to meet everyone, my first thought was 'this is a bad idea' (but I'm not sure if it was from the cold or...well, let's say it was because it was cold). The gate was opened around 0930. The guy that opened the gate was somewhat surprised that anyone was there. His comment was “I didn’t think anyone would be here this morning”…2nd bad sign. We all parked, went it to fell out our paper work, and wait on the others to arrive (Cameron, Denise and son , Michael and others). Once everyone arrived and all the introductions had been dispensed with, it was gear up time. Cameron went over the dive plan for the first dive. I’d like to say that Cameron is detailed with dive planning which is something that many divers are lacking, me most of all. Thanks Cameron. I first put on my 1mm suite (gearing up at 39F is sort of chilly), then my hooded vest (7mm hood with 3mm vest) and lastly my 5mm suit. It was at this point I realized I had not brought my DIN to yoke adapter for my regulator (3rd bad sign). No one else had one so I when to the shop to check if they did. As luck (not sure if it was good or bad luck) would have it, they did. Once everyone was geared up we headed down the hill to the water. We all slowly (with emphases on slowly) entered the water. We ascended to the 20’ platform to check buoyancy. Once everyone was ready we headed down to the sailboat at about 76’. We passed the sailboat and went left to the school bus. I decided to enter the bus from the top hole. Once inside I started to head out through the front when I saw a white object on the bottom. When I picked it up I saw it was a Titleist golf ball. I exited the bus hen headed over to the steel box. This is a huge box that has about a 3’ square opening on top. Well since there was an opening and I had my light, I had to go in. The box is maybe 15-20’ deep and dark inside, but not that much to see. I exited the box and dropped down to mud bottom to look around, when 3 bass saw me and swam right up to my face mask and seemed to ask “dude, got anything to eat”. My computer showed I was at 89’. Well I played with the fish for a few minutes and then decided it was time to start heading back. But when I looked around I noticed I was all alone. So much for planning. I slowly started heading back to the 20’ platform. I decided to ascend to 20’ for the swim back and consider that my safety stop in order to exit the water as so as feasible. Once I reached to platform my count down timer was at zero, so I ascended to the surface. I had 500 psi left in my tank so I decided to check my buoyancy. With my BC deflated and a complete exhale I would only sink a few feet. When I inhaled I would pop back to the surface. So I was probably 2-3 lbs light for the dive. I started with 14 lbs, so I thought I’d add 2 more for the 2nd dive. I exited the water, went back to the staging area, removed my wetsuit(s), dried out and put on some warm clothing. I was still rather cold out so I decided not to do a second dive. I was not alone in my decision. Clay, Denise and her son also stayed up top with me while the others did a second dive. Once they returned and back into street clothing, I said my good bys and headed back to Decatur that I’m not as crazy as I thought (no comment Mike). All in all, I had a great time. It was a pleasure to finially meet everyone and I look forward to diving with 'The Crew' again.
Dive profile
Start Time - 1135
Max Depth – 89’
Ave Depth – 59’
Water Temp 53F (top to bottom)
End Time - 1200
Dive Time – 25 min
P.S. Almost forgot about the golf ball. After I had removed my gear, the shop attendant came by and asked if anyone had found any golf balls. It seems that he sometimes hits golf balls into the water, but not with a golf club. He uses an axe handle. He likes to see if anyone can find them. Oh well, anyting that makes you happy
