Lake Ouachita Road Trip (Oct 3/4)

[Timeliner]

.....what you willing to spend?


Frank and I got the firehouse because none of the 2 bedroom units were available and it was on winter special for 99/night. $215 with tax. So there's a BR with 2 twins and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room available, plus some floor space. We can upgrade to the 5 BR, Brady house where everyone would have a BED and also 2 1/2 baths for 350/night. With 8 staying, that's 87.50 plus tax for the weekend in luxury....1K,2Q,4T,sleeper sofa and full kitchen. They allow 12 so any additions could have floor space, I suppose, or crawl in and cozy up...(cue banjo music) Specially if it snows and Charlie and Donna wanna come in from the cold.

edit, forgot washer and dryer, large back deck with hot tub.....

thoughts?

Banjo pickers are Hot !! and I 'oughta know... Trust me, Chicks love 'em
but just to be on the safe side, I'm leaving the Banjo at home.

After all... we are going to Arkansas.... and Banjo theft is a real possibility there.

But come to think of it, I got my last Banjo stolen in Denver.......
Like Arkansas, Colorado is another state full of MMmmmmmmmmHmmmm
Highly Educated Natural Peace loving folks ready to rob you blind.

Timeliner says, "Bring a Lock !"

 

[heavyjeffd]

Well let's do that, it sounds like it's perfect for our crew!

You could say I'm a bit of a guitarist myself, however I think all me axes will be staying at the casa.

 

[briankinley2004]

Just got back from Lake Ouachita tonight. Dove Friday afternoon and Saturday morning/early afternoon. It has been raining up there pretty much every day for the past week. Our LDS did check out dives there last weekend during the rain. Owner said viz was 20' above thermocline and even better below but you needed a light because it was cloudy. We were expecting worse due to all the rain. We found a mixed bag with 15' viz at the best sites and 4' at the worst. I would say an average of 10' which is not bad in my opinion for all the rain and wind. Surface temps around 78 degrees. Thermocline varied between 30-35'. I never went below it with my head only my feet as the fish were up high and it was very dark even at 30' There was a large band of haze which was 0 viz at about 30' and was at least 5' thick as I didn't go below it. I assume it cleared up below this but didn't want to lose my buddies who were staying above it to fish. The lake has risen back up to the level it was when we were there on July 4th. It was low in August when we were there. I wore a 3mil full suit with gloves and hood. Dove two dives without the hood and found I got chilled towards the end of the dive. We were averaging 60 minute dive though since we were shallow. Also we were on the end of the lake North of Brady Mountain, around Island 26 and also Buzzards Chin. Viz could be better closer to the dam but not sure. Don't forget your dive flags and have fun!

 

[heavyjeffd]

What were the temps above the thermocline?

 

[briankinley2004]

My computer says 76 on average with 77 being the highest below surface and 74.5 the lowest. Didn't get the computer below the thermocline long enough to register but it was a noticeable difference. Probably around 10 degrees less.

 

[scubashawn123]

My computer says 76 on average with 77 being the highest below surface and 74.5 the lowest. Didn't get the computer below the thermocline long enough to register but it was a noticeable difference. Probably around 10 degrees less.

Whoo.....hoo........ I can use my 1 mil....................that is warm water............


Happy Days...........no drysuit for me.

 

[briankinley2004]

I did stay above the thermocline this trip. If your going deep you might want to take your dry suit. I was at 55' or so a month ago when the surface temp was in the upper 80's and couldn't stay long down there in a 3mil.

 

[scubashawn123]

I did stay above the thermocline this trip. If your going deep you might want to take your dry suit. I was at 55' or so a month ago when the surface temp was in the upper 80's and couldn't stay long down there in a 3mil.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for providing us the information on water temps and conditions.

I have an affinity to liking cold water. You don't have to worry though, on this trip I will be bringing most all of my dive equipment and associated dive accessories. Traveling with John and his big roomy SCUBA Trailer I will have all my wetsuits and my drysuit. A lot of tanks and multiple lights, guide lines, lots and lots of accessories.

Well prepared will be the Austin 4. I am just glad to hear that it is not in the 50's or 40's yet in this Lake.

 

[scubatexastony]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for providing us the information on water temps and conditions.

Well prepared will be the Austin 4. I am just glad to hear that it is not in the 50's or 40's yet in this Lake.

I can just about guarantee it's in the 40's below 100ffw, and 50's below 70ffw....





~tony

 

[scubashawn123]

I can just about guarantee it's in the 40's below 100ffw, and 50's below 70ffw....





~tony

I will bring all my weights for my DUI weight and trim system then. That is cold........

Oh well, diving will be great with or without wet suits.

I will be prepared.


Shawn O.