In Lake Michigan (where
@Marie13 and I both dive), bottom temps are typically in the range of 5-10ºC (41-50ºF), although it's not wildly uncommon to experience temps of 1-3ºC (35-38ºF) when the currents are in a mood.
Marie...others...
Kelly at Divers Den in Tobermory does not bank premix...no blend stick...filled by math...and ''very'' accurate...
All NITROX fills are partial pressure fills...cylinders/valves need to be oxygen cleaned...you need self analyze your mix and complete your entry in the shop's NITROX logbook...you can use the shop's analyzer or use your own...I always carry my own...
To dive the Arabia and the Niagara II your best mix is 30%...to dive the Forest City...in order to visit the top of the stern railing your best mix is 28%...the stern of the Forest City at the keel rests at approx 150 ft...the Forest City lies on a very steep incline...almost a ''wall dive'' with a ship wreck attached to it...
30%@ 1.4 ATA = MOD 120.9'......32% @1.4 ATA = MOD 111.3'......28% @1.4 ATA = MOD 132'
The main deck on the Niagara II is just shy of 100'...the Arabia is in the 119 ' range...the top of the stern rail on the Forest City is approx. 130'...
Advanced dives are conducted in the AM...Arabia/Forest City/Niagara II...shallow OW dives are conducted in the PM...Sweepstakes/City of Grand Rapids/W. L. Wetmore...etc...
In Little Tub Harbor...there is a ''walk-in'' shore dive area called the ''Tugs''...of which there are four...''the Alice G''... is certainly worth the visit...dropping down along the ''canyon'' on the swim to the Alice G. is quite beautiful...the pock-marked ''dolomite'' is very impressive if you've never seen it before...
Last season was unusually warm...temperatures on the Arabia and the Forest City were almost 60 degrees F...July through the middle of September...because of its location...due to a cold bottom water down wash...the Niagara II remains frigid...only 6-8 degrees above freezing all season...
Is NITROX ''recommended'' on the advanced wrecks...absolutely...I also strongly recommend slinging bailout...filled with either 21% or your MOD mix...remembering to re-calculate your ascent stop times if your breathing from bailout with a blend other than your MOD mix...
If you're renting steel tanks from Kelly...her supply is limited...reserve ahead of time and specify valve needs as some of the steel tanks have non-convertible yoke valves...
I don't dive open circuit...my bottom times on the Arabia...Forest City...and Niagara II are usually in the half hour range...
Tobermory lodging...I highly recommend ''Adventure The Bruce Inn''...
Hope this helps all who may be interested...
Happy New Year...
Warren