The Official Let's Get Together and Go Diving Thread

[ScottyK]

It's great to finally get this topic out of the Introductions and Greets thread :)

Jen and I are diving Hortons Point Sunday night 10/19.

We both already told our bosses that we're taking Friday the 24th off if the weather is good. Who's up for some three day weekend diving? Any suggestions?

We could come out for a DS day, or anyone who wants can come out and do some L.I. diving with us.

If you're feeling adventurous, I could see what the local dive boats are doing also. Let me know.

Scott

[mwilding]

I'll be at DS for my Rescue course this weekend. I might be able to swing something on Friday...

[grouchyturtle]

Did you ever make it last night?

I was just too beat to drive out yesterday, but this weekend may be good.

Actually a couple of us are probably getting together at Dutch, Saturday, but a shore dive Sunday or maybe Friday if I can get off would be cool.

Would I be able to do the boat?

I don't have the AOW yet, and I know most of the Joisey boats require that.

[BILLB]

I will be at Dutch Springs on Sunday, 26 October. I will be setting up on the penuisular side. We already have 5-6 divers coming. For the divers who want to go Jersey diving and need AOW or other training, I know we can work this out among ourselves.

I plan on being on site by 9:00 AM to claim a table or two. Look for the pewter colored (some say silver) K2500 Chevy truck with a beat up dive tag on the front. We have several interesting dives we want to try and I will have my video camera to document this event.

[ScottyK]

Hey All,

Looks like a couple of interesting options are shaping up :)

Chris- You can get on the Sea Turtle if they are doing something relatively shallow. There is awesome diving off of Block Island that doesn't necessarily have to be deep. I'll check with the dive shop tomorrow.

Any chance you guys could do Dutch Saturday Bill? Sunday we're more likely to get on a boat. Let me know.

Scott

[IzzyTahil]

hey guys! good to see we are official. i was at ds this past sat 10/18 and saw the rescue class. I might be there Sunday to do some skills. Will look for you BillB.

[docmartin]

i would like to go diving at dutch on friday and saturday. scott, it would be great if we could meet there on sat. anyone up for friday?

[ScottyK]

If the weather is good all three days, my schedule will be:

Friday- Shore diving locally. Anyone who wants to meet us is invited.

Saturday- Dutch Springs could be cool!

Sunday- Boat dive or hiking as weather permits. Chris, the only weekend boat dive I can find is an 85 footer on the Jean Marie. You won't be able to do it without an AOW card.

[IzzyTahil]

Scott where is the Jean Marie docked? and what time is the departure? (Im not much of an early person...)

[ScottyK]

We'd need to be at Moriches Inlet around 7:30 AM. You'd need to be on the road by 4AM :eek:

The weather's not looking too promising for Sunday anyway. The dive would be out in the open Atlantic. Both the dive and the boat ride can get pretty hairy at this time of year with a front coming through.

Worst case maybe we can shore dive. You'd get another 4 hours of sleep that way :)

[XJae]

docmartin once bubbled...
i would like to go diving at dutch on friday and saturday. scott, it would be great if we could meet there on sat. anyone up for friday? I'm up for friday, probably get there just before 10am.
Also up for Saturday morning, I'll have to leave early afternoon,
unless my brother can get off of work.

[grouchyturtle]

Excellent sounds like Saturday at Dutch is on!

So far looks like it will be:
Scott and Jen
XJae
Martin
me + 2 or 3
maybe mwilding

Like BillB said I'll be on the penuisula side. I usually park in the top lot all the way in the back. That way I can set up camp right out of the back of my truck, and walk right down the hill to the water. Look for a red Explorer Sport with a blue canopy.

It will be the one parked right next to you Scott, with the guy who can't find anyone!

If Sunday winds up being a shore dive day, I'll probably take the trip out.

[docmartin]

great! friday at 10am works. peninsula?
when does everyone plan to be there on sat?
my only concern is that it may be too warm since i will be diving dry. :froggy:

[ScottyK]

OK all you Dutch Springs PHD's! Where is the friggin peninsula side? :D

I haven't been there since 1998. Are you talking about the back corner where the submerged staircase goes down, or the little hump on the other side by the Silver Comet???

What time do they open? I'd like to get there early so there won't be any trucks blocking Chris' view of me ;)

Scott

[docmartin]

scott, try this link
http://www.dutchsprings.com/sitemap.html

the peninsula is the little protrusion closest to #21.

[ScottyK]

OK- 21 is the Silver Comet.

Thanks Martin!!!!

Now I just need to know what time they open.

[docmartin]

oops, i forgot. sat they open at 8am.

[ScottyK]

We should be there at 8AM or so.

Chris!!! We'll be in a black Elantra far away from any trucks. You'll see two people who look just like Jen and I near the car :dork:

[BOATS313]

I would love to come out and meet everyone but I just got directions to DS from mapquest and my drive time is 6 hours and 8 min. I think I'll wait until everyone is a little closer.
Anyone know of a good beach/kayak dive in south Jersey? If so do you want to meet up this weekend?

[ScottyK]

Boat- Where in Jersey are you? I'm coming all the way from eastern Long Island and the trip should be less than two hours.

Hopefully, mapquest screwed up and you can make it.

Scott

[TTSkipper]

I can not be in Dutch Springs Saturday but Friday on the Island is a possiblilty Scott. Where were you planning on diving and at approximately what time? I will probably going to Dutch the weekend of the 1st with my LDS.

Ben

[grouchyturtle]

my only concern is that it may be too warm since i will be diving dryWow Martin diving with the new toy!

Here's a better map.http://mywebpages.comcast.net/grunzster/Dutch-map.jpg
I marked the spot we usually park with the club's name. We just back up right to the grass. and set up right out of the back of our trucks. Since we're officially a club though we may be able to park right on the peninsula, marked with the ?

We may be better of just going to the back of the top lot, though, since there's going to be a few cars, some people coming later, and the peninsula gets pretty crowded. That way we all stay together and no one has to do the dump gear and park a mile away thing.

I'll just decide when I get there, or if someone beats me, I'll just park where they are.

BOATS313 - mapquest, as usual, is wrong! Even if your way down by Wildwood, I'm 3-3.5 hrs from there, and 1.25 from Dutch.
That's 4.75 hours, and that's driving all the way up the Parkway and then getting on 78 West. There's has to be a much more direct route than that.

Ok Scott, I'll be the guy wondering aimlessly with a cell phone.

Ben - maybe we'll meet you on the 1st.

[VTernovski]

Hey! I am DS all the tmie, but probably not next weekend. I am home with the cold right now... sniff sniff... so may not recover on time.

but, I did dive DS last Sat and Sun, viz is great 40+ feet (where there were no students); I mostly dive on the south side now along the south wall on an old road bed, i find that part of the lake more intersting and more natural..

[ingreevox]

Hi all, My name Is Doug, I usually dive with Chris, and it is my pleasure to join the gang on SAt at the Spring.
Chris told me all about the Long Island trip, and my job doesnt permit me a social life, but I was green with envy.
So Sat I will join the troops for a really cool saturday!
Can't wait to meet the gang!
Cya

Doug Mackie


www.dougmackie.com
www.uuu.org

[BOATS313]

I just remaped it, your right only 2 hours and 51 min. Much better. I'm all the way down in Cape May. I'll see how I'm feeling Friday before I decide on making the trip. I guess I should get my tanks inspected and filled just in case.

[ScottyK]

Hey All!

Ben- We're doing Hortons Point, and we need to be there by about 9AM. You can meet us at the same place at 7:30 AM if you want to come with us.

Chris- Good Map, thanks. Will it be crowded that early this time of year? Last time I was there a pretty good line had formed early, but that was in July. BTW- If you really want to come out Sunday, I can forget the boat. Heck, it'll save me $100 ;)

VTernovski and Doug- Welcome.....I'm looking forward to diving with you guys!

Boat- Make sure you get your tank inspection done! I haven't been there in a few years, but remember they are VERY strict about tanks having current inspections. Hope to see you too.

Scott

[docmartin]

boat, since you inquired: yes, there are shore dives in southern nj. i recommend "new jersey beach diver" by daniel berg. along with "long island shore diver," this should be mandatory reading for our club. the desk jockey that i am i have read it but have not done any of the nj dives. but now that we have a club there might be hope.

[grouchyturtle]

I'm not sure Scott. I've never actually been there before 10:00, to see the lines. Doug works late nights, so we're usually getting there in the early afternoon. It has been pretty crowded the last 2 times in the afternoon, though.

If you're doing the Sunday shore dive I'm there!

Boat - if you can't get them inspected in time, you may be able to borrow one from someone. We have pretty big group. I have a spare, but if you use mine the only deal is you take the long haul to get both of mine filled. Of course with the size of our group, we may just pile them all in one vehicle and drive them up.

Thanks Martin - I've been meaning to ask you about those books. Just no Western World dives though, ok!

It looks like we may have a pretty BIG group:
me
Doug
John
Joe +1?
Martin
Scott
Jen
boat
mwilding ?
XJae
VTernovski ?
and maybe a few more

Maybe I'll make a few wreck valley/scubaboard signs and put it on my canopy. I'll be there by 9ish. We all have a rough idea of the area well be at (either on the peninsula or the end of that top lot on that side). That way, we don't all have to remember black Elantra, red Exploer, etc.

[BOATS313]

Doc, thanks for the tip. I'll try to find the books this week.

Anyone else have any gems in thier library?

Boats

[ScottyK]

grunzster once bubbled...


If you're doing the Sunday shore dive I'm there!



Maybe I'll make a few wreck valley/scubaboard signs and put it on my canopy.

If the weather is good Sunday we'll shore dive with you, and take you somewhere new (DocMartin will be jealous :D )

I take it from your offer on the logo and signs that you're an artist. I work for a printing company, so that opens some possibilities with regards to making some cool club literature.

[mwilding]

We have a REALLY REALLY small Rescue class and my instructor told me we would be done around 2pm. I would love to get in a dive with you all at that time.

I will come find you all during the day or you could stop in at the Scuba Connection tent and say hi.

[XJae]

If I don't get to talk to you guys tonight, I'll see you this weekend.
I'll be up there friday morning to saturday afternoon.

It going to be cooooold.

[grouchyturtle]

It going to be coooooldYes it will be. Good thing my new toys came in today, especially that Hederson Core warmer! But they shipped to work and I left early (to get a tooth filled, YUCK!), DO'H! Couldn't get the wall panels for my canopy in time for the weekend though.

I ordered those books Martin listed too, plus another one by the same guy about all the wrecks around here. Did everyone go out and buy them after his post or what? The one shore diving book, I bought was the very last one Amazon had!

Speaking of books, does anyone know of one that lists all of the inland freshwater (lake, quarry, river, etc.) dives around here?

What's everyone doing foodwise? We're getting there pretty early and it's going to be a long day. Is anyone planning on bringing a grill, hibachi, etc. I'll have the cooler loaded up, just wondering if I should maybe pick up some burgers, dogs, etc. to throw in there or just do the usual sandwiches, fruit, and misc. snacks thing.

Actually maybe we should bring a grill just to heat up some coffee and hot chocolate all day!

Damn isn't it Saturday yet!

[ScottyK]

I have a small grill I could bring. I'll leave it with you if you want to use it for the day, as we can't stay much past mid afternoon. One of our dogs is sick. We'll have some sandwiches, burgers and drinks with us also.

Does anyone have a camp style coffee pot?

[grouchyturtle]

I'd say yes, but I'm not sure if I'll have the room. I'd be able to bring it back on Sunday, just don't know if I can fit it Saturday.

I'll try to make a sign tonight, a really simple one. To make it easier to see, I may just make a BIG W.V.

And then all day we'll have everyone asking us if we drove up all the way from West Virginia!

[ScottyK]

I'll wear some overalls and black out a few teeth for effect :D

You can make a call on the grill when you see it. It's a portable one that's less that 2' x 2'.

[ScottyK]

I'll be bringing the folowing. Any volunteers for chips, sodas and salads?

Barbecue
Mess of cheeseburger fixins
Big (2.5 liter) thermal caraffe of hot chocolate and cookies
plates, napkins and plastic utensils
Cooler with extra room and some beverages

[ingreevox]

HEY BUDDY, I WILL BRING THE CHIPS, AND THE STAR WARS PEZ....SALAD? I WIL LEAVE THAT TO SOMEONE ELSE
CYA AT THE SPRING!
TOMORROW!!!!!!

[grouchyturtle]

I'll load the cooler with tons of water, soda, snapple, etc.
I'll probably pick up some assorted snack type junk too.

[ScottyK]

Sounds good! I forgot to mention I have hot dogs too.

We also will, apparently, have plenty of Pez ;)

[ScottyK]

Hey, it was great getting together with everyone yesterday. How much more diving did you guys do after we left?

It's a good thing we left when we did. As I suspected, Jen was more sick than she was letting on. She wanted to dive some more and was trying to fight it off. The cold moved up into her head on the way home, and she's half dead and buried under a pile of blankets right now.

Still, we had a good time and are hoping to get out a few more times before the weather gets worse. I'll keep you posted and my open invite still stands.

Scott

[grouchyturtle]

Yeah it was a great little trip even though we didn't all get to dive together. Things looked much more organized here on the board than they wound up in the end.

Jen getting sick, me being late (with the West Virginia signs), all of our maybes being no shows, members stealing other member's equipment (mwilding's lift bag, who showed up later after his class, but didn't get to dive with any of us)! And of course "Where's the trolley?"

And we totally forgot to talk about any of the specifics of the club!

But hey we did find the little known telephone pole dive! Maybe that should be our logo ( the 3 states in perspective with a phone pole in the middle, with a dive flag hanging from it!)

Scott and Jen - thanks for the burgers and dogs, I owe you a mustard next time (sitting in my fridge)! I'm def into doing an LI dive next weekend. Saturday will be better for me, keep me posted.

Doug - forgot soup bowl and pot, got that too, (but it wouldn't be a normal day if Doug didn't forget something)

Martin - got all those books yesterday while I was gone (Jeeeeeeeeersey shore dive!)

Also someone left a sheet behind (I think it has leaves on it) (printed that is, not from the spring!)

We did 2 more (me, Martin, Doug, John, and Carl) did the, Commet, plane, crane, and a little loop around the island)

Then me and Doug did one last one along the wall towards the other side (where the school bus is) saw some of them fresh water mini-bugs hiding in the wall.

Hey at least now 6 of the founding members have dove together, though, not all at once. Hey are either of the Johns or Jen, on the board? I know JohnT from NJ isn't. Just trying to figure out who from the board was there.

XJae
ScottyK
grunzster
mwilding
docmartin
ingreevox
Jen and the Johns

We didn't even really take all those pictures we were talking about.

I'll start the official pictures thread soon, though I'm sure XJae has some much better shots, especially with my batteries dying, and forgetting to change that stupid little switch, when I put the new ones in! I really need that housing for the good camera!

[IzzyTahil]

Sorry I missed the get together at DS! Last minute trip to CT prevented that! Anyone up to diving this coming weekned at DS?

[XJae]

That was an awesome first get together.

I did get a lot of good photos, although most are from friday.
The vis was about 60-70', there were less than ten people in the water the whole day.
I'll try to put something together on the web tonight.

G- I hope that shot you took of john at the telephone pole comes out good. Turns out that the ~15-30 degree compass miscalculation brought us right to the pole up the ridge and then just beyond to the dynamite shack. The shot I have of the shack is really fuzzy, although you can almost make out the sandbags.

SK- Sorry we missed you at the trolley. I don't think that map is too accurate. I hope to get out to the isl. before you go.

DM- Thanks for reminding me that I need doubles. Besides, if you weren't a fish you would have never been able to rescue that missing diver.

I look forward to diving with all of you again soon.
Maybe a Jersey boat dive?

[ScottyK]

Chris- The sheet was mine. Don't worry, I buy them for $5 apiece at a liquidation place just to use for diving and the beach. You can keep it, or bring it out the next time you dive with me.

The mustard I want back though :D

Jen is not an enrolled Scubaboard member. She has too many snooping brown nosers in her office to surf during the day, and has school and homework at night. I do copy/paste interesting posts or threads for her to read though.

Xjae- Don't worry about the trolley, as you discovered the elusive telephone pole ;)

The map did suck. I actually took a chance and cruised a straight line right off the submerged rockpile. The map showed the trolley parallel to it, and my guess landed us almost right on top of it.

I'm glad you guys got some more dives in. As miserable as she felt, not getting in another dive was bothering Jen more than the cold.

[BOATS313]

Sorry I missed the first dive, sounds like it was a good time. I had some gear issues and I just couldn't bring myself to drive 3 hours each way without my own tanks. (check in tank valve forum for discription) Anyway I hope I can make it to a gathering soon. With my work schedual it my be a while though. Oh well nothing like diving in the snow.
Eric

[grouchyturtle]

Actually the telephone pole was right when my batteries died. I figured that was the road VTernovski is always talking about. I didn't see the shack though. Maybe next time.

We also probably weren't far off from that car in the far end.


I actually took a chance and cruised a straight line right off the submerged rockpile.that's kind of what I was thinking too.

[IzzyTahil]

Ah, the shack! Courtesy of Rick, who dives there like 120 times a year, showed Vadim and I the shack last week. as for the poles, there is a bunch of them standing and not. I like that dive, its kind of surreal plus thats right around where the deepest part of DS is.

Lets go diving this weekend everyone!

[ingreevox]

I TOO MUST CONCURR, THAT I HAD AN AWESOME TIME ON SAT! IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO JOIN YOU ALL AND MAKE SOME FRIENDS.
JENN, I HOPE YOU GET OVER YER COLD QUICK, FOR I TOO SEEM TO HAVE CAUGHT A CHILL FROM MY LAST DIVE.
SCOTT, THANKS FOR THE DOGS, AND THE USE OF THE GRILL FOR SOUP, WISH I COULD'VE GOT TO DIVE WITH YOU.
GRUNZ, MY WINGMAN, THANKS FOR DOING THE LATE DIVE WITH ME.
WHEN WE CAME UP FROM DIVE TWO, I WAS LIKE WHOSE THE LONG HAIR GOING THROUGH OUR STUFF? BUT IT WAS ONE OF THE BROTHERSFROM NJ. SORRY CATS, I HAVENT GOT AL THE NAMES DOWN YET.
EXCEPT FOR MARTIN, WHO PROVED HE IS THE ANAIMIABLE LUNG, SIPPING AIR FAR BETTER THAN EVERYONE. LOL...YOU CAN ONLY KEEP THE LIFT BAG IF YOU RUN FASTER...LOL...JUST KIDDING!
OTHERWISE, I CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT ALL AGAIN!

ADU'
WWW.DOUGMACKIE.COM
WWW.UUU.ORG

[VTernovski]

Ah Yes! I should be there again this Saturday. I now have my Tetra housing for my digital olympus, which I want to test before my trip to Bonaire the week after that. If anyone of you want to come join myself and Izzy this weekend at Dutch Springs,feel free to do so!

[clearwtr]

Sorry i missed you. I was at DS sat and Sun but was on the other side, near the cove. Didn't see any wreck valley banners during a walk thru. maybe next time.

[ScottyK]

To all of those we missed, hopefully we'll eventually get a dive in with you. Doug, it was cool meeting you too. Chris is making quite a living off of everything we forget :D

Xjae- I don't know if we'll be able to get in any more boat diving this year. The water temps are getting to the edge of what Jen can handle, especially at depth.

We'll be planning a shore dive for Saturday for anyone who wants to come out. This will leave Sunday free for Dutch Springs. Since the traffic is worse on Sunday, I'm figuring you Jersey divers would rather make the longer drive out here on Saturday.

Let me know who's interested, and if the forecast stays good, I'll post some times and site options around Wednesday.

Scott

[docmartin]

i had a lot of fun at our first outing although - as carl will probably agree - sat was a bit too warm for my taste. fri was better in that regard although having to cut a hole in the ice before the first dive was a bit of a drag especially since i only has sea snips. :D

i hope i can make it again next weekend. after all i have to use up all that air that's still left in my tanks. ;)

[TTSkipper]

Sounds like a good time was had by all who went, sorry I had to miss it. I will be at Dutch, this saturday the 1st. Hopefully some of you will be there then and we can meet up. Anyone have nay plans to be there Saturday?

Ben

[grouchyturtle]

Saturday LI beach dive sounds good Scott.

Also, anyone who will be there, Sunday I may be up for another day at Dutch. Probably not until later though 12-1.

[ScottyK]

Hey, the forecast for Saturday is temps close to 70 degrees :)

The shore dive is on Chris!

Everyone doing DS Saturday should have a great day as well.

Ben, we might be doing a night dive on Tues 11/4 if the weather holds out. You're welcome to join us.

Scott

[VTernovski]

Yes, we'll be there Saturday. Will be testing my new dry gloves and my new Tetra housing fo rmy digital. Still need to fill tanks, so I probably be there a bit late around 11am so.

We usually unload on the Peninsula side, on the right, at the benches under the trees.


TTSkipper once bubbled...
Sounds like a good time was had by all who went, sorry I had to miss it. I will be at Dutch, this saturday the 1st. Hopefully some of you will be there then and we can meet up. Anyone have nay plans to be there Saturday?

Ben

[XJae]

Did anyone get to meet on sunday?

[jerseydiver123]

VTernovsky:

You set up right across from me then. I'm on the peninsula side, on the left in the first tent. I'm there most weekends (working DM) if I'm not on a boat or off on a trip. I'll be there this weekend. If anyone else is going this weekend.

Oh, and the Wreck Valley forum is a great idea!

[grouchyturtle]

WOW 70 degrees, lets pray it holds out! That will be nice after the last few weeks at Dutch, freezing between dives.

[ScottyK]

Now it's supposed to actually reach 70 degrees on Saturday "and" Sunday.

We want to be in the water by 4:15PM Sat.

Chris, and anyone else who's coming needs to meet me around 2-2:30. It's going to be a "twilight" dive, so bring your lights.

If anyone who hasn't made the trip yet is coming, let me know if you need directions.

Scott

[BILLB]

Again, I will not be able to do a Saturday dive. I will be there on Sunday around 10:00AM. One of the dives will be a navigation dive to the dynamite shack. Temps are going to be in ther mid seventies.

I will be setting up on the penisular side. I will register under my company name of Pro Service.

[grouchyturtle]

Cool! I'm there.

2:30 at the Ihop that's not an Ihop, off exit 64?

Good thing I'm getting some clips at Home Depot tonight for those lights!

[VTernovski]

Change of plans... Izzy and myself will be in Cape Ann this weekend. sorry I won't be able to meet you guys at Dutch Spring this time, who ever is coming.

I'll promise to report on the Cape Ann diving; and since I have the new underwater housing, I should bring back some pictures.


jerseydiver123 once bubbled...
VTernovsky:

You set up right across from me then. I'm on the peninsula side, on the left in the first tent. I'm there most weekends (working DM) if I'm not on a boat or off on a trip. I'll be there this weekend. If anyone else is going this weekend.

Oh, and the Wreck Valley forum is a great idea!

[TTSkipper]

I just dropped by my LDS and they said they are not going to Dutch this weekend so i will be joining ScottyK and whoever else will be diving Saturday.

Ben

[VTernovski]

Ok, I got Saturday cleared for Dutch Springs... if anyone wants to meet at Dutch this Saturday, let me know. I'll be setting up on the Peninsula (on the right, by the benches under the trees) side about 10am or so.

[BOATS313]

Have fun everyone, once again I will not be able to be there. I have to go to Rhode Island for the weekend. Maybe next time.
Eric

[NJDiveGirl]

Have fun a Dutch! You are going to have a perfect weekend for it! I've gotta work Saturday and the sit thru the Jets game sunday - Hopefully the team that showed up for the Buffalo game shows up this week! SIGH!!!!

Again, have a blast!!!:D

[ScottyK]

Ben- Cool! I'll PM you some details later tonight.

I hope everyone else has fun with their various plans.

NJDG- I'd rather count on the tides coming through than the Jets :D

Good luck!

[NJDiveGirl]

ScottyK once bubbled...
NJDG- I'd rather count on the tides coming through than the Jets :D


:(

At least tailgating will be fun!

[ScottyK]

NJDiveGirl once bubbled...


At least tailgating will be fun!

To quote Belushi in Animal house..."My advice to you is....drink heavily" :D

Chris and Ben- PM me some phone #'s sometime today. Jen made a good point to me about the fact that it's harvest season. We might need to meet earlier due to the fact that traffic might be heavy out by the dive site.

[XJae]

sk- perfect moon, is that good for a double?
vt- good luck testing the camera. if ur going to ds you should try to be the first one in the water. you wont regret it.

i myself will be hanging with the kids.
a hike out back if the weather turns out as predicted.
we go treasure hunting...
thears gold in dem thear hills.

[IzzyTahil]

hope everyones diving goes well today. make sure you post a report! Vadim or I will do the same. DS today and Cape Ann tomorrow.

dive safe

[grouchyturtle]

Great shore dive last night with Scott and Jen at Secret Beach. Water was like a sheet of glass and wasn't too cold, saw lots of critters, camera crapped out again at the perfect shot.

Duh Scott, what happened was I ran out of film! Almost took a pretty big Hermit Crab home by mistake too. "Hmm that shell moved from where I put it on top of the cooler!"

Got to Dutch today kind of late, buddy decided to dive on the opposite side, couldn't remember who else was going today or where they were setting up. By the time I checked messages and emailed, trying calling (he cell not working) and did a lap to look for buddy, everyone was in for their last dive or leaving.

I drove over an hour to get an air fill!

[ScottyK]

grunzster once bubbled...
Almost took a pretty big Hermit Crab home by mistake too. "Hmm that shell moved from where I put it on top of the cooler!"


LOL- You should have seen the look on your face when your "artifact" started walking away :D

We had fun too. I was surprised that we actually saw a tropical Spotfin Butterfly still clinging on in 57 degree water.

I have reports from TTSkipper and my LDS guy that there are still good amounts of tropicals left at Beach 9th street. I think we'll try to head there this weekend. The way the weather's holding out I think we'll still be good.

Xjae- How was exploring with the kids??? Am I going to be able to tempt you out next weekend with the promise of seeing some tropicals in November???

[TTSkipper]

Sorry I did not get out with you guys on Saturday, but I did a night dive on friday at Beach 9th which was awesome except for my issue with vertigo which came back. I had it once before at Dutch Springs. We saw a lot of life, tons of stars, 3 or 4 butterfly fish, a few blue crabs big enough for dinner, more spider crabs thatn you could imagine and so many silversides that when you swan through them it felt like you were being hit by hail :) Unfortunately due to the vertigo I cut the dive short.

I did not get out with you guys saturday because I was still fealing a little queasy from the vertigo, so I decided to stay local and just hang out with some friends.

Sunday morning I went back to beach 9th and tried out some Doc's Proplugs for my ears and had no problems with the vertigo again. The life was the same but I was able to take my camera with me this time and get some small video clips and some photos. Unfortunately the photos came out crappy. The video was pretty cool. I can send it to someone if they want it in the gallery on the website, there are 3 small MPEG clips about 1.5mb each. THey are just some fish swimming right in my face, a blue crab, and some of the butterfly fish.

The water was about 57deg. I also tried out a Halcyon BP/Wing which I rented and really liked it so I think I am going to buy it. It is pretty much the same setup as DocMartin's.

Ben

[XJae]

ScottyK once bubbled...
Xjae- How was exploring with the kids??? Am I going to be able to tempt you out next weekend with the promise of seeing some tropicals in November??? We cancelled the hike / treasure hunt. Too many leaves to find anything.
(Our finds are mostly old glass and pottery - a couple of nice hand blown, blue glass, raised letter, cork topped beer bottles). Hopefully we'll get a metal detector in the spring. (an underwater one of course)

We went to the park instead.
BTW, Don't bring three little girls to a park by yourself unless you want a date for Saturday night.

I'll see what I can work out for this Saturday.
What is the tide timing?

[IzzyTahil]

Sounds like everyone had good times diving!

TT - re Beach 9, you guys know that its going to close (the prop has been bought by developers! Man, you guys had 57? At Cape Ann the water was 46 COLD! Time for me to get dry gloves like my buddy. On Sat we were at DS, Sunday at Cape Ann diving
http://www.state.ma.us/czm/ua-cap.htm at one of the pieces at 100 ft.

I think Vadim will be posting some pics on the websie

[ScottyK]

XJae once bubbled...
.
BTW, Don't bring three little girls to a park by yourself unless you want a date for Saturday night.



LOL- I have the same problem when I take my three mini Dachshunds out with me. I always tell Jen that if she leaves me I'm keeping them :D

Saturday will be a 10:10 AM high tide on the North Shore. You can get out early and the roads will be empty. Tell your wife I'll have you home for lunch!

I need to look up the tides for beach 9th street as well. That might even work out better, and be a shorter drive for you.

Ben- I haven't been south shore diving in Nassau for several years. Do you know which tide table I need to look at for B9Th St ???

Izzy- 46 degrees :eek: I hope you guys enjoyed yourselves as well!

[XJae]

ScottyK once bubbled...
Saturday will be a 10:10 AM high tide on the North Shore. You can get out early and the roads will be empty. Tell your wife I'll have you home for lunch!

I need to look up the tides for beach 9th street as well. That might even work out better, and be a shorter drive for you.
Cool, the earlier the better for me.
And you're right, my wife will like that too.

Also, I still have about 2 days of fall clean up to do.

[ScottyK]

XJae once bubbled...

Also, I still have about 2 days of fall clean up to do.

That's what the long Thanksgiving weekend is for :D

Come diving!

[TTSkipper]

ScottyK - I have not found a better site, but the closest tide table is Tides (http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/newyorksites.html#southmontauk) Use the East Rockaway Inlet choice.

XJae - I spoke to the owner of Almost Paradise at Beach 9th and he did not seem to have a firm idea of when it is going to close. He is apparently still waiting for an agreement to be signed and for him to receive his $$$.

To both of you, I would be more than happy to go with either of you to the park to take some of the burden of what you have to deal with when you are there :D

TTSkipper

[grouchyturtle]

I should be out either way. If we do 9th St. Doug may even make the trip.

Speaking of Halcyon - Who carries them around here. I'm looking to replace my wing, and that's one of the one's on my list.

[ScottyK]

TTSkipper once bubbled...
To both of you, I would be more than happy to go with either of you to the park to take some of the burden of what you have to deal with when you are there :D


Thanks Ben- You're a real team kinda guy :rolleyes:
(PS- glad the vertigo is feeling better)

The weekend tides are below. We can do an "early" morning /evening Beach 9 or a mid morning/evening north shore. I'll try to accomodate your schedules, and will probably dive both days if the weather holds out.

Beach 9-

Sat..... 7AM and 7:18PM
Sun.... 7:30AM and 7:56 PM

North Shore-

Sat.....10:11AM and 10:37PM
Sun.... 10:47AM and 11:13PM

[TTSkipper]

Grunzster,

I picked my rig up at Village Divers in NYC, they are on 4th Street between 1st and 2nd Aves. Cal is the guy who owns the place, he was really helpfull. I had called him earlier in the week to tell him I wanted a rental for Friday, wen I got there on Friday he did not have any rentals in that were exaclty what I wanted so he gave me the brand new setup off his wall. He took a credit card impression for the whole setup and said take it and return it on Monday, if I liked it just call and say I wanted it and he would run the charge through otherwise when I brought it back he would rip up the imprint and just charge me for the rental. Well I just called him about an hour ago and told him he is not getting it back. :)

TTSkipper

[mwilding]

TTSkipper once bubbled...
Grunzster,

I picked my rig up at Village Divers in NYC, they are on 4th Street between 1st and 2nd Aves. Cal is the guy who owns the place, he was really helpfull. I had called him earlier in the week to tell him I wanted a rental for Friday, wen I got there on Friday he did not have any rentals in that were exaclty what I wanted so he gave me the brand new setup off his wall. He took a credit card impression for the whole setup and said take it and return it on Monday, if I liked it just call and say I wanted it and he would run the charge through otherwise when I brought it back he would rip up the imprint and just charge me for the rental. Well I just called him about an hour ago and told him he is not getting it back. :)

TTSkipper I have spoken to people at that shop over the phone and they have always been very helpful. I would have considered taking some classes with them but they are SSI and I am going the PADI route.

[grouchyturtle]

Cool I have off Wed. and I'm probably going to be toy shopping. Maybe I'll stop by there.

Now if i can only find a housing for my Canon!

[XJae]

TT- Does Village Divers normally rent Halcyon gear?

G- That's one expensive housing. But, one nice camera.

[TTSkipper]

XJae,

I am not sure if they normally do althought they pretty much sell Halcyon, Oxycheq and I think OMS. I do know that when we went to look at the rental stock he had another manufacturer's BP, which is not that big a deal and he had a smaller Pioneer wing which is no longer made, I think it was 19#.

TTSkipper

[mwilding]

http://www.villagedivers.com/rentals.html

Their basic rental BC is a Sherwood Silouette $10/day

A Zeagle Ranger or Trans Pac II can be had for $15/day

A bp/wings rig is $30

They have a huge range of gear for rental including doubles and stages, DPVs, Canister lights, etc...

[VTernovski]

Yeah, that's where I've been getting my stuff latelly - from Cal at VillageDivers. He now carries a full line of OxyCheq wings! nice!

Anywah, back to Dutch Springs and my new camera:

check out the latest gallery that shows Dynamite Shack:

http://gallery.wreckvalley.com


I will be posting the Cape Ann images soon, although they are not as nice as the Dutch Springs since the viz was kinda bad (about 10ft at most).

I also have a video clip of Izzy gruising the Trolley at DS (48MB):
I have temporarily placed it at
http://www.beneaththesea.org/tram.mov

But I'll need to find a way if I Can upload it to the wreckvalley gallery instead since I have limitted space on the BTS server.

[IzzyTahil]

Another LDS in NYC (Brooklyn) is http://www.stingraydivers.com/ I go here for most of my dive stuff. Ask to speak to Pablo and mention my name.

[XJae]

Very nice pics.


VTernovski once bubbled...
Yeah, that's where I've been getting my stuff latelly - from Cal at VillageDivers. He now carries a full line of OxyCheq wings! nice!

Anywah, back to Dutch Springs and my new camera:

check out the latest gallery that shows Dynamite Shack:

http://gallery.wreckvalley.com


I will be posting the Cape Ann images soon, although they are not as nice as the Dutch Springs since the viz was kinda bad (about 10ft at most).

I also have a video clip of Izzy gruising the Trolley at DS (48MB):
I have temporarily placed it at
http://www.beneaththesea.org/tram.mov

But I'll need to find a way if I Can upload it to the wreckvalley gallery instead since I have limitted space on the BTS server.

[mwilding]

XJae once bubbled...
Very nice pics.

VT, I love this B&W one (http://gallery.wreckvalley.com/Dutch-Springs-11-01-2003/PB010078?full=1) !

[grouchyturtle]

G- That's one expensive housing. But, one nice camera.Yeah, that's why I'm holding out for the Ikelite. Not cheap, but much better than the prices on the ones available now.

VT - love the bubbles shot!

[jetblast00]

XJae once bubbled...
TT- Does Village Divers normally rent Halcyon gear?


Yes.

Village Divers rents just about everything they sell, including halcyon, oxycheq, diverite, etc... wings, BPs, canister lights, singles rigs, doubles rigs, regs, cameras...

Also, check out their rental policy. your rental fees can be applied towards buying that item: so, say, rent 3 differnet models of whatever, find what you like, and then you can make an informed purchase based on your own experience/liking minus the rental fees you've already paid!