sealskin98
Contributor
Clear Springs Scuba Park
October 5, 2002
Ken (ScubaTexan) and I met at the north area of the lake for a relaxing afternoon dive. It was a nice day for diving, with low 80 degree weather and a slight northerly breeze. After letting a quick lunch settle we entered the bathtub temperature water and did a surface swim to the wall on the opposite side of the lake. We descended to about 30 ffw., just above the thermocline, and proceeded in a southerly direction along the wall. Dipping down occasionally into the themocline, with vis. 10-15 ffw., we explored the wall and the various indigenous marine life present which consisted of local bass and catfish.
Our intent was to locate and explore the silo that had been recently sunk in the lake. When we approached the approximate area on the wall that was directly in line with the silo we headed for open water. We found the buoy line attached to the silo, and made a descent into the murky water. Visibility and water temperature deteriorated rapidly, and at about 48 ffw. the visibility closed to about one foot. Deciding to abort the exploration of the silo due to poor vis. and 65 degree water temperature, we ascended to about 35 ffw. and returned to the wall.
We were finning along, investigating the cracks and crevices of the wall, when all of a sudden Thunk!, something struck my left ear. Turning quickly, I observed the source of the assault. There, hanging motionless in the murky water not a foot away with fangs barred was the dreaded, deadly Piranha Perch!
Instinctively, I reached for my dive knife to fend off another attack. The hard knot of fear appeared in my gut as I realized I had left my knife on shore. I glanced over at Ken, and he, too, was looking at the monster of the deep with horror and apprehension. I had heard that the vicious Piranha Perch would flick its tail three times before a demonic charge. I watched in horror as the monstrosity started twitching its tail...once...twice...
As the evil spirit of the depths started the third flick of its tail, I grabbed my octopus regulator and purged a forceful stream of slivery bubbles directly into the monsters face. Obviously disoriented by the strong flow of compressed air, the demon quickly disappeared into the gloom.
Ken quickly inspected my ear to make sure no blood was flowing, which would lead to a feeding frenzy of the deadly denizens of the deep if they scented blood in the water. Assured that no blood was flowing, we cautiously proceeded with our backs to the wall for its relative safety. Once we reached the point where we would have to cross open water, we made up our minds to secure our perimeter. Constantly circling to keep watch in all directions, we navigated the lake toward the dock. All at once, a form materialized out of the gloom. Apprehensively, we watched as the ghostly apparition took form. Slowly, slowly, the object appeared. A catfish! Thank goodness. We observed the large bottom feeder swim by and disappear into obscurity in the cold, dark waters.
Finally, we reached the safety of the dock and exited the deceptively peaceful looking waters. After doffing our dive gear we had a pleasant time conferring with Bill, Bridget, Janet, and other members of the group at the site. This is a marine adventure that will be recounted with friends over good food and good wine for some time to come.
October 5, 2002
Ken (ScubaTexan) and I met at the north area of the lake for a relaxing afternoon dive. It was a nice day for diving, with low 80 degree weather and a slight northerly breeze. After letting a quick lunch settle we entered the bathtub temperature water and did a surface swim to the wall on the opposite side of the lake. We descended to about 30 ffw., just above the thermocline, and proceeded in a southerly direction along the wall. Dipping down occasionally into the themocline, with vis. 10-15 ffw., we explored the wall and the various indigenous marine life present which consisted of local bass and catfish.
Our intent was to locate and explore the silo that had been recently sunk in the lake. When we approached the approximate area on the wall that was directly in line with the silo we headed for open water. We found the buoy line attached to the silo, and made a descent into the murky water. Visibility and water temperature deteriorated rapidly, and at about 48 ffw. the visibility closed to about one foot. Deciding to abort the exploration of the silo due to poor vis. and 65 degree water temperature, we ascended to about 35 ffw. and returned to the wall.
We were finning along, investigating the cracks and crevices of the wall, when all of a sudden Thunk!, something struck my left ear. Turning quickly, I observed the source of the assault. There, hanging motionless in the murky water not a foot away with fangs barred was the dreaded, deadly Piranha Perch!
Instinctively, I reached for my dive knife to fend off another attack. The hard knot of fear appeared in my gut as I realized I had left my knife on shore. I glanced over at Ken, and he, too, was looking at the monster of the deep with horror and apprehension. I had heard that the vicious Piranha Perch would flick its tail three times before a demonic charge. I watched in horror as the monstrosity started twitching its tail...once...twice...
As the evil spirit of the depths started the third flick of its tail, I grabbed my octopus regulator and purged a forceful stream of slivery bubbles directly into the monsters face. Obviously disoriented by the strong flow of compressed air, the demon quickly disappeared into the gloom.
Ken quickly inspected my ear to make sure no blood was flowing, which would lead to a feeding frenzy of the deadly denizens of the deep if they scented blood in the water. Assured that no blood was flowing, we cautiously proceeded with our backs to the wall for its relative safety. Once we reached the point where we would have to cross open water, we made up our minds to secure our perimeter. Constantly circling to keep watch in all directions, we navigated the lake toward the dock. All at once, a form materialized out of the gloom. Apprehensively, we watched as the ghostly apparition took form. Slowly, slowly, the object appeared. A catfish! Thank goodness. We observed the large bottom feeder swim by and disappear into obscurity in the cold, dark waters.
Finally, we reached the safety of the dock and exited the deceptively peaceful looking waters. After doffing our dive gear we had a pleasant time conferring with Bill, Bridget, Janet, and other members of the group at the site. This is a marine adventure that will be recounted with friends over good food and good wine for some time to come.
