Quite a day

[matt_unique]

We had steady Gale Force winds with much higher gusts today. We decided to leave the dive gear at home and just go out for a short cruise, clean the pipes so to speak. The USCG and Harbor Masters were chasing boats in every harbor. We noticed several moored boats with lines broken, canvas shredded, etc. The CG announced a 40' sailboat blown onto rocks....ouch....it is never good to receive a call from the harbor master when you are a boat owner.

We stayed in Salem Harbor - roughest seas I have ever seen inside the protection of the Misery Islands. The frequency of the waves was unbelievable - I was making just better than headway speed and my bow was dipping under on a regular basis. The wind blew all splashed water right back over my windshield so the vis was basically nil windward.

I can't imagine anyone tried to dive today.....

--Matt

 

[lisa_j]

We had a GREAT couple dives today! Headed out to Hathaway's Pond in Barnstable and saw a drowned Saab and tractor, and a 30 foot cabin cruiser! Vis was excellent and the water was warm!!

When you just HAVE to dive and the seas aren't looking friendly, don't forget about your fresh water ponds!

Perfect Day.

 

[spectrum]

When you just HAVE to dive and the seas aren't looking friendly, don't forget about your fresh water ponds!
Perfect Day.

We should have joined you there because Clarks Point on Winnipesaukee was a washing machine, we never even unloaded. Water was washing up onto the ground above the entry area.

We did pass a few possibilities on the way home but access was questionable and we didn't have a clue about depth or visibility.

Pete

 

[Scuba65]

Matt: i can't believe you were out there actually. It must of been awful. you're brave!

 

[matt_unique]

Matt: i can't believe you were out there actually. It must of been awful. you're brave!

We were the only non CG or Harbor Master boat out there save 1 large sailboat (running under power/no sails). I stayed inside the protection of the islands of course. It would have been ridiculous beyond the islands. I'm optimistically hoping for a few more days before I pull the boat for the season.

I'm looking at the calendar - two more weekends before the dinghy must come off the rack. I usually pull out the last weekend in October depending upon the weather. If we have a mild start to November I'll leave it in for a while.

Have you been out lately Marlene? We never did meet up out there! Any more plans to get out there this year?

--Matt

 

[Scuba65]

I see....nope the boat is being winterized as we speak. it's been to chilly out there for me. ya, we never did meet up..well, there is always next yr. i'll be going in for surgery on Fri...oh, fun looking forward to the healing procedure..that's always the fun part.

 

[Soggy]

We were originally scheduled for the Baleen, then it was rescheduled to the Poling due to the forecast, then got cancelled for obvious reasons.

 

[localdivah]

We went out on Saturday....my buddy wrote up the report:

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Lane's Cove

Saturday morning

October 15, 2005

Divers: DL and LC

Written by: DL



We've had eight or nine days of rain and it was just another rainy day. But, we had to scratch our dive itch and satisfy our appetite for lobster. What a day for a dive. Just getting to the dive site was an adventure. We arrived at 7:30AM after driving through pouring rain, flooded roads, gusty conditions, and avoiding downed trees and branches. To get to the site, I had to remove a fallen tree on Andrews Street that blocked the entire road.



The conditions at Lane's were as follows:



Condition: Rainy & Windy

Air Temp: 58 deg. F

Winds: N 10-20 kts

Wind Gusts: 30 kts

Visibility: 1-2 miles

Surface Water Temp: 51 deg. F

Water Temp @35 ft: 47 deg. F

U/W Visibility: 6 feet

Waves: 7-9 feet

Boats: none



When we first surveyed the site, we decided to exchange each other's emergency contact information cards and review a few hand signals. Louie filled his wetsuit with warm water before the dive – a smart thing. It was getting close to high tide and the surf at the entry point wasn't too bad. We each timed our entry and kicked hard to get out of the surf. We then swam in the waves for about 250 yards before going down. The water was dark and murky and the wave currents moved us back & forth 4-6 feet. Looking for lobsters was tough because of the currents but we managed to find and catch several keepers. Also, staying together was a challenge needless to say; we both had lights and it helped increase our visibility by 6 feet. Regardless, I had to surface a few times to find Louie – the intrepid flag bearer. Exiting was more challenging as tide came up even higher and the surfs were larger and stronger … water was spraying to the top of the hill. With regulators in and at least 500 psi, we were tumble-washed on the boulders getting to shore while trying hard not to crush our dinner.



Wanting more punishment, we headed back for a second dive. The surf action and waves worsened during the second dive. 8' swells were either helping us body surf our way back or were breaking 200' out from shore. On our way back there was a strong current that moved west along the shoreline. This moved us further up the shore making it difficult for us to swim back to our entry point so we swam straight for the shore avoiding the heavy surf from the rocky protrusions jutting out just right of the normal entry area. We were able to get out in relative safety and hike back.


A few bruises and a good workout but we're happy to have been in the water and to have a good meal for tonight.


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As far as lobsters, there were fewer than I've ever seen at this site and for some reason, were extremely frisky. Still managed half a dozen between the two of us, and did not have to worry about getting into it with any lobstermen thanks to the small craft advisory