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Founded in May 2009 by Craig Muirhead the Weeknight Wanderers aka Schoolnight Scuba are a bunch of us who dive in response to Craig's proddings that you can read below.
To date the WW have had lots of fun and and many great dives, sometimes making it onto the Branch diary past pages.
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| 16 February 2010 |
"A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker." - Buddha
C'mon folks, it's time to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.
Civil twilight this Friday doesn't end until 18.10 so we'll soon be back to managing a dive after work on a Friday in daylight (hurray!) With the end of night dives for this winter almost upon us, get in now while you still can.
Cheers
C
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| 2 February 2010 |
"Winners compare their achievements with their goals, while losers compare their achievements with those of other people”
Diving Friday past at Ardgartan Reef brought the usual array of sea-life for the site (including the ubiquitous congers), as well as the odd one or two I hadn't seen here before including a large specimen of Homarus gammarus. Viz for the most part was better than expected and the cold had only just started to gnaw it's way through my gloves by the time we were getting out of the water, where we were greeted at the mirror-like surface by the luminous spectacle of a radiant glowing full moon just peeping over the hilltops at the head of the loch. A real cracker of a night to be out. The dive also brought a trio of achievements; congratulations go to Andy Smith for reaching his century, and to both Dave Davies and Derry Mathie on their first night dives. All-in-all a highly enjoyable evening rounded off with a celebratory pint in the Village Inn where all four of us confessed to feeling a definite post-dive high. Cheers lads.
Possible Wander this Friday for anyone interested (assuming my runny nose and sneezing don't manifest into something more congestive). As usual see me tonight if you fancy it.
Cheers
C |
| 26 January 2010 |
Cyclopterus lumpus
Last Friday's Wanderers were lucky enough to share some of the dive with a very striking and unusual wee beastie (for Finnart at least!)...a Lumpsucker. I'm told these shy creatures are normally found in much deeper water. This brightly coloured wee chappie stayed around for a while and made what would have been an otherwise cold and uneventful dive well worth the effort. Keep your eyes open for a photo on the next website update.
Glad to see that others have finally decided to pull their weight and arrange a wee Wander by themselves. Messers Macrae and Mathie are diving this Thursday afternoon (and I'm sure would be happy to have any other interested and available Wanderers join them). I only hope one of them remembers to tell the BDO of their plans as we all know what happens otherwise!! I've still got the bruises!
For those not able to attend Thursday (or just super keen and happy to dive two days in a row) I'm hoping for a dive on Friday evening as usual. So far it's me and Andy S and will likely be Conger Alley (aka Ardgarten Reef) in Loch Long followed by chips at Balloch on the way home.
Cheers
C |
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.... and here is a couple of Jim Anderson's images of him.
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| 19 January 2010 |
"Character is what you are in the dark"
No wander for me this week as a night dive without a decent torch is a bit of a stretch even for my insatiable diving appetite. Thankfully Sunday’s two dives have taken the edge off my cravings, otherwise I’d have been tempted to just go anyway and use my wee focus torch as a main light (and eat plenty of carrots between now and Friday).
Cheers
C |
| 12 January 2010 |
To try something and fail is better than to try nothing and succeed...
At extreme risk of being foolish, having no common sense, and placing an unnecessary burden on the emergency services who will struggle to cope when things go wrong....would anyone be interested in perhaps wanting to maybe perhaps have a wee think about maybe even just discussing a possible Wander this Friday perhaps, maybe?
I know it's a radical idea but please don't all bite my head off at once. I don't think even my almost unlimited enthusiasm could take it. A simple "yes", "no" or even just no reply will suffice. If you really must take me to task for having the temerity, the audacity, the gall, the impudence to even think about such folly, please see me at the pool/pub tonight where I will at least have the protection of a stout hardback rammed down the back of my jeans.
By the way, in case it may influence your decision in any way, please see attached pics for conditions on Sunday past (as a couple of people no longer seem happy to take my word for it, and suggested it was tantamount to suicide to go diving, although I am heartened by the fact that neither of them are Wanderers).
Cheers
C
 
 
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| 8 December 2009 |
Last of the year?
Weather/surf forecast for this Friday looks like being very calm. A final Wander of 2009 beckons. East coast could be a distinct possibility. A wee dip at Green Ends perchance?
Cheers
C
P.S. FAO Website Readers: If you are good boys and girls, and make the effort to attend more than one Wander from now until next year's Christmas bash, Santa could be making another appearance on the night. He tells me that next year's gift will be even more special as, now that the recession is receding, he'll be taking on some cheaper, harder-working, east European elves to boost production down at the grotto. So, if you missed out at this year's doo (and didn't think to lift someone else's!), you can either hone those pilfering skills, or get along to a couple of Wanders next year and bag yourself something money can't buy. The mailing list is always open to new additions and to have your name included (or removed if you've had enough of my weekly wittering) is only a couple of mouse clicks away ( cm@lgeprocess.com).
Ho ho ho |
| 1 December 2009 |
This week's Wander...
Date: 04/12/09
Time: 19.30 until late
Venue: The Fairway Hotel, Bathgate
Plan: Enter venue at large rectangular opening, navigate carefully to the long wooden reef, dive down into pocket (if it's your round), sink inebriating liquid to induce narcosis, repeat process until tissues are saturated.
Cheers!
C |
| 24 November 2009 |
Quotes are nothing but inspiration for the uninspired
Lesson's from last Friday's night-time wander at Finnart, Loch Long:-
- Always check your camera BEFORE starting the dive as it's very difficult to clear fog on the inside of the housing when underwater.
- The heat from a 50W xenophot torch bulb, even when pressed against the housing port for prolonged periods, doesn't really help clear the fog either.
- It's very difficult to see where you're going on a night dive if attempting to use your torch to de-mist your camera housing.
Lesson's from Sunday's day-time dives at Dunollie Castle, Oban:-
- It is possible to collect scallops and tow an inflatable Tennents Lager can at the same time.
- It is not possible to collect scallops and still navigate effectively in a moderate current to pass dive leader assessment at the same time.
I won't be available this Friday evening but that of course shouldn't stop the rest of you (in fact it's probably an added incentive).
Cheers
C |
| 10 November 2009 |
Superstition is the religion of feeble minds
No Wandering for me this week as it's Friday the 13th and I'm a superstitious feartie (or maybe it's because I'm already committed Saturday (SSAC conference) and Sunday (diving from MV Scimitar) and her indoors would be distinctly miffed if I chanced a Friday frolic as well).
Last week's Wander was at Conger Alley and, as it was well past both civil and nautical twilight by the time we entered the water, it has been chalked up as a successful nightdive in my book.
The intrepid team of adventurous souls (Jim A, Andy S, David S and me) all made it in and out alive and despite a slightly delayed start, less life than expected, poorish viz, a strange downcurrent near the top of the reef, the annoying rain when packing up, and the best part of the night being the excellent chips at the Lomond Fish Bar in Balloch, it was still an enjoyable experience. For the remainder of the winter however I'm inclined to be a bit more choosy weather-wise as it's hard enough dealing with the extra difficulties of night-diving without the additional hindrances of rain, wind, cold etc. Regular weekly Wanders for me therefore will probably be curtailed until the sun comes back over the equator. I intend to pick and choose my nights based around weather and sea conditions. I will continue with the weekly witter just to keep things ticking over, but it will more often than not be to say I'm going to the pub instead.
Cheers
C |
| 2 November 2009 |
The only thing that stops God from sending another flood is that the first one was useless.
The planned nightdive last Friday went the same way as the planned daydives on Sunday, and was postponed due to us all being underwater anyway without the hassle of a drive to the coast. I stayed home and built an Ark instead.
Looking on the bright side, the drive to divesites in the future will be much shorter if it keeps raining like it has as the sea will be practically on our doorsteps. On an even brighter note the waters around Scotland will become a tropical paradise and we won't have to haul ourselves to the Red Sea or the Maldives (aka the next Atlantis) for some warm water diving. And who said global warming was a disaster? Get all those lights on now and let's make St Abbs the new Sharm!
More good news is that those of you who couldn't manage last week still have the chance to be part of the Wanderers first nightdive. Early surf/weather indications suggest an east coast trip could be a possibility this Friday. Who wants to be part of history in the making (before the Big Man decides to have another go anyway)?
Cheers
C |
| 27 October 2009 |
Charge those torches, dust off your sense of adventure, and blow away those clock changing blues!
The moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived, as this week will hopefully bring the inaugural Weeknight Wanderers Nightdive.
Last Friday's dive at Finnart was perfect prep as again it was fairly dark and a wee tad spooky. Terrific fun. An even bigger thrill than "ordinary" daylight dives and some of the more timid creatures venture out into the open under the cover of darkness. Thanks to buddies Andy S and Dave D.
I'm sure I'll be inundated with offers for a buddy for this special event so apply early to avoid disappointment. Site yet to be chosen and if you have a preference get in now with your suggestion. East coast looks likely to be out again so only west coast sites with easy entry and simple nav should be considered. Maybe something like Conger Alley or any of the usual spots down the east side of Loch Fyne.
Don't all rush at once now...
Cheers
C |
| 20 October 2009 |
"The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit."
Another new venue for those Wandering last Friday. Conger Alley (Ardgartan) provided the evening's entertainment for yours truly and willing victim Andy Smith. A lovely calm autumn evening saw Loch Long like a millpond. Plenty of life subsurface to keep the interest going and the 50 minutes or so we had underwater absolutely flew by. Yarrell's blenny, a very pale butterfish, BIG conger, BIG wrasse, dragonet(s), and even a gnome or two just a few of sights on offer. A much better dive than anticipated and undeserving of the bad rep it seems to have. Weeknight Wanderers dresscode was correctly observed on the evening, as proudly demonstrated in picture 1. Sartorial elegance has also been evident on previous Wanders as shown in picture 2.
The light hadn't quite gone by the end of the dive and, as the clocks don't change until Sunday, one final daylight(ish) Wander beckons for this Friday. East coast would have been nice but the surf forecast doesn't look good. With this in mind it's likely to be west again. Who's up for it this week?
P.S. If any Wanderers are interested in a dive or two over the Christmas holidays there are a few spaces on the Little Blue on the 28th and 29th of December. If you are interested in either/both days please let me know before COP this Thursday (22/10/09). Cost likely to be £30 per day (two dives).
Cheers
C
 
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| 13 October 2009 |
"Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together."
A highly enjoyable dive for the Wanderers last Friday at Finnart. Very dark - blacker than black at the bottom of the pier legs;  but strangely this made it an even better, "atmospheric", dive.
Plenty of life around with Yarrell's blenny, butterfish, dogfish, dragonet, small scorpionfish, loads of dogwhelks (and egg masses), anemones of various types, peacock worms, the ubiquitous squatties, velvets, urchins and numerous other echinoderms.
Also one very obliging hermit crab which sat patiently for it's portrait while I tried to get to grips with my camera kit.
Thanks to Jim A once again for the intro to what was a new site for me.
This Friday could well be the last daylight Wander this year. Any takers? Any suggestions for a site?
Cheers
C
Images above by Craig Muirhead and below by Jim Anderson.
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| 6 October 2009 |
"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
The nights are fair drawin' in. Anyone up for a Wander this week before we're reduced to night dives?
Tick...tock...tick...
C |
29 September 2009 |
"The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators"
The title of this week's witter could easily have been "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".
After my last midweek mumble about not getting lost, and the dangers of using "error learning" as a method of self improvement, what happens? Sod's Law I suppose. It is reassuring to know however that I haven't lost my touch and can still show others a thing or two when it comes to getting it wrong.
...and here's me thinking the trajectory of my learning curve was starting to move off the vertical.
Pearls of wisdom discovered on last Friday's dive that I'd like to share with you all are:-
- Trust your compass, but remember to factor-in any leeway from a cross current.
- Never assume that the surface layer of water, when being pushed along quickly by a strong wind, is travelling in the same direction as the current lower down.
- Always take your buddy with you when popping up to have a look where you are, as expecting to be able to find him on the bottom again is overly optimistic!
No wander for me this week as I'm away on the Mary Doune trip on Friday. I'd be thrilled to hear that some of you managed to get a dive in my absence though...
Cheers
C
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22 September 2009 |
"Sometimes a wrong turn can take you in the right direction..."
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 Notate Bene (Primus)
The name "Wanderers" was derived by judicious use of alliteration and licentia poetica, and was never intended to be taken literally.
I do nonetheless regard it as a compliment that some of the newer Wanderers have decided to maintain the tradition I so enthusiastically began of "learning by mistakes". However, having used this as something of a personal creed in my diving career so far, I feel it is incumbent on me to point out that learning to dive by this method can present some significant challenges. Although I am a great advocate of this style of education, in some circumstances, and believe there is no faster or more acute way to build experience than by getting it wrong and living to tell the tale, I would vigorously dissuade any others from attempting this system of development.
Notate Bene (Secundus)
It has come to our attention that not all Wanderers are adhering to the correct dress code. This breach of discipline is unacceptable. Please see the attached illustration for guidance on suitable attire expected on all future dives.
Now...who'd like to take up the challenge this week?
You've gotta ask yourself one question..."Do I feel lucky?".
Well, do ya, punk!?
C |
15 September 2009 |
"Good taste is the excuse I've always given for leading such a bad life..."
Last Friday's dive at Dunbar was fairly enjoyable for three of the four Wanderers who went along. Unfortunately the air in Jim Anderson's tank tasted like a goat's armpit and his highly developed NO gene kicked in with a wise decision not to dive. All tanks filled from club compressor in the last couple of weeks should be checked before using.
This Friday's diving was provisionally planned on the drive home from Sunday's outing at Dunollie, and was intended to be east coast again with Green Ends the prime candidate as Dave D has yet to experience the pleasure. The forecast however is for the wind, albeit very light, to have some north and/or east in it all week. We'll keep an eye on the webcams down St. Abbs/Coldingham way as the memory of what happened last time I decided to ignore the signs is still quite fresh. Options for west coast are limited only by distance people are willing to travel for just one dive. Suggestions?
Cheers
C
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8 September 2009 |
"Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
Here's a cheery thought for you...we're now losing the light in the evenings at the maximum rate.
Currently it's around 3 minutes per night (20 minutes per week) and it's only 7 weeks until the clocks go back. I reckon the latest we could safely be getting out of the water this Friday and still be able to see what we're doing is 7.40pm. That means next Friday it's 7.20, 7 the one after and so on. By my calculations this would make 16th Oct the last Friday we could realistically manage a dive after work in daylight.
So with the sun on the steepest downward part of the sine wave and travelling away from our hemisphere as fast as it can (yes I realise it's us moving and not the sun but you get my drift) there are only a potential 6 more daylight wanders left (weather permitting). Wouldn't it be a good idea then to find a couple of hours for a wee evening dive? I'll certainly be doing my best to be out every week (except Friday 2nd Oct as I'm away on the Mary Doune) and would like as many buddies as possible.
Now for the good news...the weather this week is forecast to improve significantly after today's rain and high winds, and Friday should be warm, clam and perfect for some late summer diving.
Who's up for it?
C |
1 September 2009 |
“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Hello again Weeknighters...Dr Frankenstein here!
What started off as an attempt to spark some life into something has become a monster (any smart remarks about the new arrival will be passed directly to his mother...you have been warned).
I am of course talking about the Wanderers. I choked on my porage this morning when I saw this month's WLSAC website update. For those who haven’t yet noticed, the Webmaster has very kindly seen fit to include us on the branch website. Once I recovered from the shock I realised this newly ordained legitimacy can only be a good thing. The more people know about our activities the more might join in. As you’ll see so far it's just my inane ramblings but I’m sure the Webmaster would be happy to accept contributions, words and/or pics, from anyone. I should also stress again that this is NOT, and was never intended to be, a one-man show (although it sure feels like it at the moment) so any help would be welcome.
Despite finally getting my eagerly awaited lottery win at the weekend, those chancers among you holding off until I buy the boat before deciding to come diving with me will have to wait a bit longer I'm afraid as the big win has already been spent. Most of it went on booze, women, and fast cars...the rest I just squandered (amazing how far ten quid goes).
Thanks to Jim A for stepping up yet again for buddy duty last week. The man deserves a medal. Isn't it about time some of the rest of you made it on a Wander before the summer has gone completely?
Last Friday's dive was at Lephinchapel as our intended site at Finnart was looking a bit brown and murky due to the run-off from the hills. As it happened Lephinchapel was also a bit brown and murky! Viz practically nil in upper few metres but cleared below this to give 5m(ish) and a weird yellowy/browny taint to the water (like diving in weak tea). This made for a fairly dark but unusual and enjoyable sepia-toned dive. Good prep for forthcoming night dives (watch this space...)
Usual script this week; probably Friday (although I'd be available before that if it suited anyone), and happy to go anywhere.
Cheers
C
P.S. Now that this thing has gone beyond a simple weekly e-mail and crossed into the public domain, I should maybe mention for the benefit of those not on the mailing list and reading this on the website that we're a small but keen and hardy band of WLSAC members who try to manage a dive each week in the evenings (usually a Friday). I'm sure there must be more members out there on the fringes of the branch who can't/don't want to dive on a Sunday, but could perhaps fit in an evening session occasionally? To expect Gordon and the team (who already give more than enough of their time and effort) to also cajole people into weeknight diving as well as organise the Sunday trips is a bit much to ask, but as I was desperate for a weeknight buddy or two I decided to ask around the branch. Although we now have a pool of about 11, most weeks there's usually only 3 or 4 who can make it (and a few who have never showed up). Anyone within the branch is welcome to join us but, as there may not always be willing instructors available, I'm afraid it's qualified divers only. Also, any newly qualified or long term inactive divers should obtain the BDO's permission as his approval is required for ScotSAC insurance (and it's good manners).
If you're interested drop me an e-mail (cm@lgeprocess.com) or better still come along on a Tuesday night and buy me a beer. I'll add your name to the mailing list and you can pick and choose what suits.
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25 Aug 2009 |
"After all is said and done, more is said than done."
OK Gentlemen, I'll keep it brief this week.
Those who missed last Friday (that'll be all of you except Jim A and Andy S) really missed last Friday. The water at Green Ends was as high as it probably ever gets which meant minimum walking and maximum diving. As well as being mega high it was also about as clear as it gets too with viz over 10m and, with the white sandy bottom in some parts, made for a very bright, vivid dive. 65 minutes of pure pleasure.
Despite the best efforts of Hurricane Bill (and I mean the meteorological event working it's way across the Atlantic, not the new addition), I'm available for evening buddy duty as usual. The wind and rain is forecast to pass over tomorrow so hopefully conditions will be fine for Friday. Last Sunday's second dive off the North Star was at the entrance to Weasel Loch on a site known as Conger Reef. It would be a definite candidate for me for this week's wander but as always I'm happy to go anywhere so long as I'm getting wet. I probably won't be able to dive on Sunday this week so if I get no offers for weeknight wandering I may have to take my life in my hands and head out on the Pegasus again. Now you wouldn't want that on your conscience would you...
Cheers
C
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18 August 2009 |
"If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not as an example..."
Dear, dear, dear....what a curmudgeonly crew! Despite hoping that some other idiot brave soul would step up to the mark, it seems that not one of you lazy lumps could be bothered to arrange a weeknight wander during my enforced absence. Either that or maybe it was the pressure of having to come up with amusing/annoying (delete as appropriate) quotes every week which have at least a tenuous link with the subject matter? Whatever the reason I guess I'll have to grasp the shitty end of the stick once more (makes a change from nappies I suppose) if I want to find any buddies for schoolnight scuba, especially as Sunday diving for me will no doubt be coming under increasing pressure.
Best day for me this week is Friday afternoon. I'm available from 2.30 onwards and high water on the east coast is around 4ish. There's still enough light up to around 9ish so there should be time for two dives if you're as keen as I am. As an added incentive, and as I'll be in Grangemouth on Saturday morning anyway, I can take tanks to FYM for filling for those wishing to dive on the Sunday and worried about not getting re-fills in time if they dive on Friday.
I'll be at compressor/pool/pub as usual tonight if anyone is interested.
P.S. Welcome to our newest Wanderer Dave Davies. Fingers crossed he can actually find some time to dive with me (unlike those of you who said they would but have never actually bothered).
Cheers
C
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9 July 2009 |
The Bump resolved.
Congratulations to Claire and Craig Muirhead on the birth of their son William.
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1 July 2009 |
A friend in need...is a pest.
Bump dependant plan this week is :-
Venue: Green Ends Gully - Eyemouth
Date: Friday 3rd July
Time: ETA on site 15.30-16.00
Ankle biter permitting it'll be me & Andy S, with Jim A and Andrew M down as "probable". At least two of us will likely be hanging around for a second dive if anyone wants to turn up later in the evening. This could be my last schoolnight splash for a few weeks but I'm hoping someone else might step up and keep the momentum going. By the way, if you've had enough of my verbal diarrhoea and/or have no intention of ever turning up for a dive and would prefer to have your address removed from the mailing list, please just ask. I wouldn't want to be a bigger pest than I need to be.
Cheers
C
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29 June 2009 |
"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get."
Despite getting four dives over the weekend the more I get the more I want. Enough is never enough is it and, as the Bump seems quite happy where he/she is at the moment, I'm available as usual for some schoolnight scuba this week.
As my learning curve still shows no sign of flattening out the fun just goes on and on (another snapped reel cord and a lost buddy being just a taster of the weekend's highlights). Andrew M has already indicated Thursday or Friday would maybe suit him but the question is...who else is up for the gamble??
I'll be at the compressor/pool/pub tomorrow night as usual if any of you feel lucky.
Cheers
C
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23 June 2009 |
"Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought; our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks."
Last Friday's dive at Green Ends Gully in Eyemouth was excellent, made even more so by the fact I didn't think I'd be getting one at all. Thanks to Jim A for providing my fix (and rescuing my weekend). The circuit from Green Ends and round to finish in Nest Ends was superb. The beautiful natural light, 10m viz, and over an hour underwater made this one of my most enjoyable dives for ages.
Wandering for me this week will have to be either Wednesday or Thursday if anyone is interested, as I'm off on the Little Blue on Saturday and Sunday.
As always I'm open to suggestions for venue etc
Cheers
C
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16 June 2009 |
"Blessed is the man who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed"
Another roaring success for the weeknighters on Friday evening with victims/buddies Andrew Macrae and Callum Wonfor.
So much for the Caves having great viz though! Above 10m it was pea soup with viz @1-2m. Below 10m the clarity gave @4-5m viz with torches but virtually no ambient light by around the 25m mark due to the heavy sediment in the upper layer. Underwater we saw gnomes (!?), the "christmas tree", big swarm of moon jellies, dragonet, loads of peacock worms and the usual suspects like squatties etc..Interesting enough but given the poorish light we felt it wasn't quite worth a second dive so nipped along the R&BT to Loch Fyne and had another splash at "North Gortein" instead. A few clams each then it was feeding time for the midges. It must be fairly slim pickings for them in that part of the world as the poor wee souls were obviously famished and set about devouring their banquet of soggy divers with some gusto. Only wee lownote of the evening was getting back to the Village Inn in Arrochar just after they had stopped serving meals FOR soggy divers!!
Schoolnight Scuba for me this week depends on whether the gossamer thread that the SoM trip is hanging from manages to hold or not. If it does it'll be the Hispania et al for me, but if it snaps I'll probably be looking for a buddy or two for Friday evening so all volunteers gratefully accepted (especially those among you who agreed to be on the mailing list but haven't yet found the courage to venture underwater with me).
Cheers
C
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9 June 2009 |
Another week, another lesson...
Having been cruelly duped into a false sense of optimism by the warm sunshine last Friday evening, three of your intrepid Wanderers ventured down the coast to our chosen site of Green Ends Gully.
Conditions were absolutely perfect!....…unfortunately however we weren't there to surf or film an Old Spice advert and the rather large crashing waves, thick foam, and churning white water everywhere consigned any thoughts of diving to the "suicide" bin. Plans B & C (Weasel Loch and Dunbar) were much the same and the harbourmaster had raised the bridge at Dunbar to prevent any foolhardy folks with a poorly developed "NO" gene from giving him a busy night. Plan D (a bag of chips then a drive home again) went very smoothly.
Flushed with this success (as defined by Churchill's old maxim "success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm"), the preliminary plan for this week is...
Site - The Caves, Loch Long
Date - Friday 12th
Time - ETA at site 16.30
Apparently this site is offering some great viz just now according to a report we were given outside the Pitstop on Sunday morning from a diver from Cumbernauld branch. At the moment the only willing victim is Andrew Macrae (to be confirmed this evening). I will of course be actively recruiting at the pool/pub tonight and as always would like to have as many others to share my humiliation fun as possible.
Cheers
C
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3 June 2009 |
Well folks word must be spreading about my "vertical learning curve" (either that or I need to wash more often) as so far the only brave souls who have agreed to some Schoolnight Scuba with me this week are Andy & Shona Smith.
For those among you who have up-to-date life insurance (or a poor sense of smell), and who would like to tag along, the provisional plan as of last night in the pub was:-
Site - Green Ends Gully/Ness Ends Reef (Eyemouth)
Date - Friday 5th
Time - ETA at site 15.45
For some details of the site for those who've never been see the following guide http://www.congeralley.com/sites/Eyemouth1.htm
Due to time constraints Andy & Shona can only manage 1 dive, but I would be willing to stick around for a 2nd if anyone else wants to turn up later in the evening (and lets me know before Friday).
Please feel free of course to suggest an alternative site if this one doesn't float your boat.
Cheers
C
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1 June 2009 |
Greetings Wanderers,
Who's up for some weeknight wetness then?
Friday's dives at Dunbar were pretty decent, especially considering the larger than expected swell. Any/all suggestions for date/venue this week greatly appreciated. Due to distance (and traffic) East Coast is the only realistic possibility Mon-Thur, but there is at least two of us who are available on Friday afternoons which opens up the West Coast for any who are interested.
East Coast tide times this week mean evening diving will be near LW, however wind is expected to have a bit of east in it all week so shore diving might offer poorish viz, and entry/exit points will need to be carefully chosen if larger waves breaking onshore.
There are some spaces available on East Coast boats this week too and the options I know of (so far) are:
Friday 5th June
MV Pegasus out of Dunbar
Ropes off 18.30
£18 for 1 dive
Site to be determined on the night based on weather, tide etc. but likely spots are Bass Rock, Craigleith, Sicar Rock, River Garry (wreck in sport diver territory), St Abbs Head etc
Briefing from skipper won't be up to much but we'll have our own buddies anyway and boat has a lift for those who don't do ladders.
This boat also has spaces Sat 6th @£35 for 2 dives.
Saturday 6th June
MV North Star out of Eyemouth
Ropes off 08.30
£30 for 2 dives (25m max)
Sites to be determined on the day based on weather, tide etc., but won't be too far afield so with RO time at 08.30 should be back on dry land relatively early on Saturday afternoon.
This boat also has a new lift fitted so again no ladder to deal with.
I'll be at the Community Centre/Compressor Room/Pool/Pub tomorrow night for anyone who wants to chew over what we can do this week.
Lets make the most of the good weather while it lasts...
Cheers
C
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27 May 2009 |
 Calling all armchair/barstool divers in the biggest branch in ScotSAC
This is a bit radical folks but here goes...
...who's up for actually doing some diving??
Yes I know it's a terrifying notion but before you all go running for cover muttering various, and no doubt perfectly valid excuses reasons not to, hear me out.
I realise many people are just too busy on Sundays and have family commitments etc (none more so than me) but what about some midweek evening diving? With the light nights now here surely a short drive down the east coast and quick shore dive with a buddy or two after work could be squeezed in occasionally? Wouldn't you rather be doing that than cutting the grass, washing the car, or watching Eastenders? After this weekend the footie season is over too so what else are you going to do for kicks? Zimmer-frame racing? For the more adventurous or those who've seen and done it all there is even usually an odd space or two on a boat out of Dunbar, St Abbs etc on weeknights which can be booked at short notice. I was out last Friday night on Pegasus to the Bass Rock and, although I was paired with a buddy from hell, it was a glorious night with blue sky, flat calm sea, and 4 dolphins escorting the boat back into harbour after the dive. I made it home before it was dark and even had time for a quick pint. What's not to like? This was all arranged just the day before. I'm open to all suggestions for alternatives and I'm happy to dive with anyone (well...once at least).
It's a scary idea right enough but isn't wasting your summer nights slouched in front of the TV a far scarier one? Plenty time for that when you're at pipe and slippers stage and wishing you'd dived a bit more.
All I need is a buddy or two who actually wants to dive. I don't bite and I'm fully toilet trained. I'll even help you on with your gear. What more could you ask for?
Don't worry, you won't have to arrange anything or even phone anyone (and you might even be able to cadge a lift there and back). It's simple: all you have to do press the "reply" button, type "YES", then hit "send". Go on, I dare you.
Who knows...you might even enjoy yourself?
Cheers
Craig
P.S. Please pass this on to anyone I've missed or who you think might be interested.
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