Over Memeorial Day weekend a group of us went diving out of Milwaukee with Shipwreck Adventures. We went out on their new boat the "Alma." The Alma is a nice sized roomy boat with a large cabin and spacious deck. Inside the cabin there is a booth where you can sit and enjoy a meal, make dive plans or just sit and relax. There's ample room for storing your drysuit bags or any belongings you wish to keep dry. Outside there are two benches on either side for gearing up. There is plenty of space underneath the bench to stow tanks and gear. They've place commercial grade rubber mats on the deck. There is a wide door on the transom that opens to a large swim platform. The ladder provides a very nice exit point as you do not have to remove your fins to board the boat. Simply slide your feet into the rungs and climb out! Captain Bob and his side kick Brett were very personable and right there to aid you in anyway! They provided insight into the history of the wrecks, and gave dockside and divesite breifings.
Saturday morning came early after a long day of travel. We met at the dock in the historic 3rd ward and loaded up the Alma with tanks, gear and we were underway. The weather was in the mid 50's to mid 60's and the lake was flat.
The first dive of the day was on the Prins Willem V better known as the "Willie." There was no noticable current and the visibility was about 30 feet. We had a few divers in our group that were new to Great Lakes diving. Everyone enjoyed the double dip on the "Willie" especially those new to diving shipwrecks on the Great Lakes! Some enjoyed the huge prop others mentioned the cargo and wheelhouse. Over all everyone was excited and enjoyed themselves. Between dives Captain Bob and Brett provided bottled water and pineapple which made for a great between dive snack.
The Second wreck of the day was on the No. 6 Dredge. Lying capsized where it's held off the sandy clay bottom by large crane booms, it's essentially one large swim through. There is large cable reels and huge pieces of machinery including the scoop large enough to pick up a car! We enjoyed poking around the Dredge and viewing the artifacts that litter the bottom surrounding the Dredge.
Saturday evening we reconvened at the Milwaukee Ale House. There we enjoyed each others company and tasty brews and delicious food. It was a good call by Capt. Bob! Following a good meal and a great day of diving I was ready for a good night of sleep. We stayed at the Amabassador Inn which came recommended by Greg Such and they offer an affordable rate for those diving with Shipwreck Adventures! The building is older but the hotel has been renovated. The hotel and rooms were clean and modern and the bed was comforatble. The elevator was tiny but was neat as it kept with the older feel of the building. I enjoyed the open spiral stairway. Across the street is the Ambassador which you're allowed to use their amenities as well. The parking lot is right outside or you can us the Ambassador's parking lot.
Sunday morning we made two dives on the Car Ferry Milwaukee. We had a blast diving this massive ship and pointing out the old rail cars that are still aboard the ship. As many of you may or may not know the wheel house blew off when the "Milwaukee" went down. The wheelhouse came to rest right side up about 30 feet from the side of the ship. You can dive this ship time and time again and still find new things to see every dive!
I would like to thank Shipwreck Adventures and Captain Bob and Brett for everything they've done! Again, they were very hospitable and did a marvelous job! One of the divers in our group lost her mask as she surfaced and they said they would find it and they came trhough! Two weeks later she is being reunited with her bright yellow mask! She was very excited and grateful as she thought it was a "goner!" Everyone especially the three divers new to the Great Lakes can not wait to go back!
Saturday morning came early after a long day of travel. We met at the dock in the historic 3rd ward and loaded up the Alma with tanks, gear and we were underway. The weather was in the mid 50's to mid 60's and the lake was flat.
The first dive of the day was on the Prins Willem V better known as the "Willie." There was no noticable current and the visibility was about 30 feet. We had a few divers in our group that were new to Great Lakes diving. Everyone enjoyed the double dip on the "Willie" especially those new to diving shipwrecks on the Great Lakes! Some enjoyed the huge prop others mentioned the cargo and wheelhouse. Over all everyone was excited and enjoyed themselves. Between dives Captain Bob and Brett provided bottled water and pineapple which made for a great between dive snack.
The Second wreck of the day was on the No. 6 Dredge. Lying capsized where it's held off the sandy clay bottom by large crane booms, it's essentially one large swim through. There is large cable reels and huge pieces of machinery including the scoop large enough to pick up a car! We enjoyed poking around the Dredge and viewing the artifacts that litter the bottom surrounding the Dredge.
Saturday evening we reconvened at the Milwaukee Ale House. There we enjoyed each others company and tasty brews and delicious food. It was a good call by Capt. Bob! Following a good meal and a great day of diving I was ready for a good night of sleep. We stayed at the Amabassador Inn which came recommended by Greg Such and they offer an affordable rate for those diving with Shipwreck Adventures! The building is older but the hotel has been renovated. The hotel and rooms were clean and modern and the bed was comforatble. The elevator was tiny but was neat as it kept with the older feel of the building. I enjoyed the open spiral stairway. Across the street is the Ambassador which you're allowed to use their amenities as well. The parking lot is right outside or you can us the Ambassador's parking lot.
Sunday morning we made two dives on the Car Ferry Milwaukee. We had a blast diving this massive ship and pointing out the old rail cars that are still aboard the ship. As many of you may or may not know the wheel house blew off when the "Milwaukee" went down. The wheelhouse came to rest right side up about 30 feet from the side of the ship. You can dive this ship time and time again and still find new things to see every dive!
I would like to thank Shipwreck Adventures and Captain Bob and Brett for everything they've done! Again, they were very hospitable and did a marvelous job! One of the divers in our group lost her mask as she surfaced and they said they would find it and they came trhough! Two weeks later she is being reunited with her bright yellow mask! She was very excited and grateful as she thought it was a "goner!" Everyone especially the three divers new to the Great Lakes can not wait to go back!
