5 replies to this topic

[DivingGal]

Ok I admit it -- I am bushed!

My buddy and I left Ottawa at a decent hour on Friday, and headed to Tobermory to dive with the gang. Arriving at our friend's cottage (which by the way accommodated all 18 of us - so it wasn't small), we munched down on dinner, had a bit of a discussion of what would happen the next day, and the gang crashed.

Up the next day, we had a drive to actually get to Tobermory as the cottage was some distance away (note to self -- book into local accommodation next time). We did the check-in with the Marine Park folks (it's still only $15 Cdn for your pass), and then started loading the boat.

While loading the captain made a suggestion that instead of 2-dive, back for lunch and then head out againg, we could go for a 3-dive ride. The conditions were superb! Bright sun, no waves, and the shop offered us a tank for the cost of a fill rather than a day-rental (most divers had only brought 2 tanks). We all said sure thing!

Off we went to the Arabia, the San Jancitha and the City of Clevland. You best be prepared for the conditions, as temps on the first two wrecks 41-43F!!! The last wreck being so shallow, warmed up to 48-50F.

After a long day, we headed back, dropped off the tanks for fills and headed back to the cottage. My buddy and I cooked up a "gourmet meal" of salmon steaks, potatoes and veggies hmmmmmmmmmmm good. Then, although it was game 6 of the Stanley Cup and some of the gang wanted to watch it on the TV, I bowed out, headed to another TV (did I say this place was nice -- no one could call this roughing it!) watch a bit on the remembrance of D-Day and Canada's contribution, then crashed.

Day two dawned overcast, and with skies threatening. Once again we loaded the boat and headed out. This time we were headed to the Forrest City, Niagara II and "The Caves". I was only doing the first two (turned out to be a good choice) as my buddy and I had to return to Ottawa that night because of work committments.

We arrived at the Forrest with the rain, and having some wave action. Buddy and I hit the water and slowly descended on the wreck. I guess the order for warmer water was lost, because the water on this wreck was only 40F. We toured for a short time then ascended. A short boat ride later, and we were at the Niagara II -- now that's a wreck you need time to discover. I packed my gear up, thinking that perhaps I should have elected to do the third dive... that only lasted until we arrived. Due to how the boat was moored at the site, those that went in, had a loooooooooooooooooooong surface swim. Yuck!

Back at the docks, we unloaded the boat in quick time, and my buddy and I loaded up the car and headed home.

Close to eight hours later home.... I think I want to stay put for awhile! Hmmm well maybe

A more detailed trip report (and hopefully pics) will follow. I've got to catch up with work (sigh) and stuff...

For now.... I recommend Tobermory, but you must be ready for the conditions. The cold, current, depth and weather are MAJOR factors when planning diving here.

[Marvel]

Sounds like a great trip! 'Course, when you start talking about cold- not one that I will be doing!

[Diverlady]

Yep, Toby's cold!!

Good trip report DivingGal!

Diverlady

[DivingGal]

Be brave girl.... the wrecks are worth it!

[DivingGal]

Here's info on the wrecks/sites we went to (from one of the local Dive Charter ops up there)
Arabia (Depth 110 ft)
Sank in 1884 – when took on water and sank in heavy seas. The hull is intact with the exception of the back 100' of the deck and the transom, which have collapsed. The bow is very impressive with the jib-boom still in place (the jib-boom is often mistakenly called the bow-sprit). The windlass, bilge pump and 3 anchors are still in place on the bow. Deadeyes, pulleys and pinrails are still present on the sides. The masts have fallen but lay across the deck. The afterdeck has broken away and lies to the port of the stern. The steering gear and ships wheel lay on the starboard of the afterdeck. A commemorative plaque has been placed next to the ships wheel.

City of Cleveland (Depth 30ft)
Sank in September 1901. The City of Cleveland was destined for Midland with a cargo of iron ore when it was forced off course by a Southwest gale. This wreck is a photographers delight. The bottom of the hull is intact from stern to bow but the deck and sides have collapsed on top of it. The massive steam engine, boilers and 12' propeller are the most impressive sites on the wreck. There are many small pieces of debris (such as pottery shards) buried in the sand and silt beside the wreck.

San Jacinto (Depth 80-90 ft)
Sank in June 1881. The San Jacinto floundered enroute from Milwaukee to Collingwood in June 1881. It is the most recently discovered natural wreck in the Tobermory area. It is a schooner which was discovered in the late 1980s by Paul LaPointe. It is located outside Fathom Five Park just west of Yeo Island. Both the port and starboard sides have collapsed but the deck is intact. The bow railing is still attached to the sides. The windlass, hatches and keel box can be seen on the deck. Many deadeyes and pulleys are also laying on the deck. The mast with crows-nest still attached is a unique feature. Although the deck has collapsed, this wreck is probably the most complete wreck in the Tobermory area.

Forest City - propeller steamer (Depth 155 ft -- the good stuff is around 120-130 though)

1904 - rammed Bears Rump Island in a heavy fog. The badly broken bow begins in 60 feet of water and steeply drops to a relatively intact stern in 150 feet of water. The most interesting part of the wreck lies between 100' and 150' and should only be attempted by very experienced divers equipped with dive computers and a redundant air supply. The smoke funnel and boilers are in place located at 110 to 130 feet. The stern is reasonably intact and the name Forest City can still be seen on the transom. The stern can be penetrated and much debris can been seen. This wreck provides an eerie environment due to low light, cold water and nitrogen narcosis

Niagara II - Steel sand sucker. (Depth 100 ft)
In 1998 the Tobermory Maritime Association was formed with the objective of obtaining and sinking a new wreck to enhance the diving opportunities in Tobermory. After an extensive search the perfect ship was found - The Niagara II. This exciting wreck was sunk in May 1999, and offers a wonderful diving experience for all levels of certification. The Niagara II lies perfectly upright in approximately 100 ft. of Georgian Bay's crystal clear water, just east of Little Cove. The top of her wheelhouse is at a depth of 45 ft. and both the bow and stern decks lie in the 65 ft. range.
In 1999 - sunk as a dive site

The Caves (Depth 20 ft)
This site is obviously not a shipwreck. However, it is one of our most popular sites. Although the site is called "The Caves", it is really a cavern. There are two underwater and one above water entrances. It is located at the base of a tall limestone cliff. You will often see snorkelers swimming in the cave. They get a real thrill out of seeing real scuba divers!

Edited by DivingGal, 07 June 2004 - 08:33 AM.

[Walter]

I'm jealous. Sounds like a great weekend! Thanks for sharing.