Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22

***debersole*** · 23rd August 2008, 15:34

I just got back from our CCR North Carolina trip. Walt Stearns of Underwater Journal (www.underwaterjournal.com) organized a group of 16 CCR divers and chartered the Midnight Express from Olympus Dive Center (www.olympusdiving.com) for Wednesday through Friday, August 20-22. It was the first CCR-only trip that Olympus had done and they were great! Very accommodating and George and Bobbie really bent over backwards for us while still trying to increase their comfort level for this number of CCR divers – most of whom they did not know.

On Wednesday we dove the Carib Sea (approx 90 fsw). The feeling was that this would be a good wreck as a “warm-up” for everyone and allow Olympus to see that we were all safe divers. We compromised on a run time of 90 minutes for the first dive and then 60 minutes for the second. In retrospect everyone felt (including Captain Bobby) that we could have done two 90 minute run times. Again, this was a new experience for Olympus and I agree whole-heartedly with them for safety first! The water temp was about 81 degrees on the surface with about 60 foot viz but there was a significant thermocline at the wreck down to 71 degrees and poor viz (about 15 –20 feet). There were lots of sand tigers in the wreck but the best photo ops were in mid water. The sharks were actually swimming around the hang lines at 15 fsw!

Wednesday night we had dinner at Floyd’s – reservations for 15 please! It was a big group but they also were very accommodating and the food was great. The highlight was the “Seafood Tower” – layers (bottom to top) of eggplant, filet mignon, more eggplant, feta cheese, crab, and shrimp.

Thursday the seas had picked up and, unfortunately, we had to go to an inshore wreck – the Indra (spelling?). This was a nice 300 foot wreck that allowed you to penetrate all the way from the stern to the bow. The water was 81 degrees top to bottom and viz was pretty good. In fact, a lot of the veteran North Carolina divers thought it was some of the best visibility they had seen on the wreck. Walt and I, being more interested in marine life than old steel spent a lot of time playing with an octopus and photographing the schools of fish. The seas started picking up so after a first dive of 90 minutes the second dive was shortened to 30 minutes so we could get back to shore before the seas got really ugly.

Thursday night we had about 10 of us at Raps for dinner and conversation. Another great evening spent with old and new found friends.

Friday morning we all showed up at 6am to find that the trip was cancelled as the buoys were reading 10 foot seas. So I packed up and drove through the teeth of Tropical Storm Fay on my way back to Florida!

All in all it was a great trip. I had several great dives and met a lot of new friends. I’m sure this is the first of many CCR trips with Olympus. They are already considering how to be more CCR-friendly. There is talk of carrying small cylinders and sorb. Maybe even benches to aid in setup and breakdown of the units. They can already provide any gas fills you need.

Thank you Walt and all the staff at Olympus Dive Center! Check out the photos below from the trip. For any of you who were on the trip that would like copies of photos, PM me with your email address and “snail-mail” address and I’ll send you a CD.

More photos from the trip are on my website (www.debersole.com) under the “Gallery”.

Doug

Sand Tigers on the Carib Sea

Our Fearless Leader, Walt Stearns, photographing the sharks in mid-water

Various divers from the trip (if you recognize yourself and want a photo – let me know!)

Photos from the Indra

Small Octopus

**sfldiver** · 23rd August 2008, 16:10

Despite the weather setbacks, looks like you all had a great trip!

I have yet to dive North Carolina and see the Sand Tiger Sharks, so I hope I can make the next trip.

Thanks for the great trip report and pics Doug!

Adrian

PacketSniffer · 23rd August 2008, 16:14

Great pics, as usual, Doug!

gerstl_ossi · 23rd August 2008, 19:34

Wow, nice pics, and nice report. Is Nord Carolina far from Italy?

If not, put me on the list for the next trip.

Cheers Ossi

Hyper-limits · 23rd August 2008, 20:31

Great pictures and dive report. Man! those sand tiger shark look mean.

Al

UWshutterbug · 23rd August 2008, 21:42

Thanks Doug! I would also like to thank John Barton, Spence Green, Michael Scammon, Bob & Amy Ferguson (eanxdiver), Tim Owens (netimage), Fergus Butler, Tom Kean, John Katerenchuk (jkaterenchuk), Bryan Harris (zoo_diver), Patrick Vigeant, Ian MacKnight, Jim Jones (keylargojimy), and Mark Dellinger (human) for taking part in the first all rebreather charter with Olympus Dive Center.

In spite of the weather starting to turn sour on us for day two and nixing all diving for our last day on day three, the trip over all was still fruitful. In addition to meeting few new faces, we also learned a lot about what we can do in the future. As most are not aware, this was the first full rebreather charter ever conducted with Olympus Dive Center. Although they were eager to work us, there were a few uncertainties they needed to over come working with rebreather divers as a group, rather individuals among a group of recreational divers on a sport charter. To use a euphemism to put it in perspective, it’s hard to get the full measure of a lone oak in forest of pines.

This event allowed them to have that opportunity, seeing that we are a confident group and fun group to work with and look forward to doing it again with us, or anyone else (shop, club, etc.) interested in this type of charter.

As Doug mentioned our initial run time on the Caribsea wreck was 90-minutes the first dive, 60-minutes the second, talking it over with Bobby Purifoy about trips of this nature in the future, he feels quite comfortable with run times being longer on extended day charters (which typically cover U-352, Papoose, Schurz, Caribsea, etc.) with those run times 90-minutes each for both dives.

As such I have begun orchestrating next summer’s North Carolina's Rebreather Week Trip by reserving July 15, 16, 17 & 18 on Olympus Dive Centers 2009 calendar.

Walt Stearns

Below a few images from the Caribsea.

UWshutterbug · 23rd August 2008, 21:44

A few more from the Caribsea, and some from the Andro wreck on day two.

Walt Stearns

UWshutterbug · 23rd August 2008, 21:46

Almost forget these!

Rubis · 23rd August 2008, 22:38

Quote: (Originally Posted by gerstl_ossi)

Wow, nice pics, and nice report. Is Nord Carolina far from Italy ?

Hi Ossi, yeah, it's far far ... SIGH !

(Missing Fontanazzi, Oliero and the Haven ... and the Focaccia too

)

Doug, great pics !!! Caverkevin and I still need to get the breathers salted !

So great you can get that close to the big puppies

keylargojimy · 24th August 2008, 16:35

Walt & Doug Thanks For A Great Nc Ccr Trip Experience. I Learned A Ton Here This Week And Met A Lot Of Great People.. Count Me In For Next Year For Sure...hopefully Next Year The Weather Will Be Much Better? But Then Again It Is North Carolina Diving, Right? Take Care And I Will Be In Touch Soon.. Jim Jones

23rd August 2008, 15:34	#1 (permalink)
*debersole* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Azimuth Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 253	Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 I just got back from our CCR North Carolina trip. Walt Stearns of Underwater Journal (www.underwaterjournal.com) organized a group of 16 CCR divers and chartered the Midnight Express from Olympus Dive Center (www.olympusdiving.com) for Wednesday through Friday, August 20-22. It was the first CCR-only trip that Olympus had done and they were great! Very accommodating and George and Bobbie really bent over backwards for us while still trying to increase their comfort level for this number of CCR divers – most of whom they did not know. On Wednesday we dove the Carib Sea (approx 90 fsw). The feeling was that this would be a good wreck as a “warm-up” for everyone and allow Olympus to see that we were all safe divers. We compromised on a run time of 90 minutes for the first dive and then 60 minutes for the second. In retrospect everyone felt (including Captain Bobby) that we could have done two 90 minute run times. Again, this was a new experience for Olympus and I agree whole-heartedly with them for safety first! The water temp was about 81 degrees on the surface with about 60 foot viz but there was a significant thermocline at the wreck down to 71 degrees and poor viz (about 15 –20 feet). There were lots of sand tigers in the wreck but the best photo ops were in mid water. The sharks were actually swimming around the hang lines at 15 fsw! Wednesday night we had dinner at Floyd’s – reservations for 15 please! It was a big group but they also were very accommodating and the food was great. The highlight was the “Seafood Tower” – layers (bottom to top) of eggplant, filet mignon, more eggplant, feta cheese, crab, and shrimp. Thursday the seas had picked up and, unfortunately, we had to go to an inshore wreck – the Indra (spelling?). This was a nice 300 foot wreck that allowed you to penetrate all the way from the stern to the bow. The water was 81 degrees top to bottom and viz was pretty good. In fact, a lot of the veteran North Carolina divers thought it was some of the best visibility they had seen on the wreck. Walt and I, being more interested in marine life than old steel spent a lot of time playing with an octopus and photographing the schools of fish. The seas started picking up so after a first dive of 90 minutes the second dive was shortened to 30 minutes so we could get back to shore before the seas got really ugly. Thursday night we had about 10 of us at Raps for dinner and conversation. Another great evening spent with old and new found friends. Friday morning we all showed up at 6am to find that the trip was cancelled as the buoys were reading 10 foot seas. So I packed up and drove through the teeth of Tropical Storm Fay on my way back to Florida! All in all it was a great trip. I had several great dives and met a lot of new friends. I’m sure this is the first of many CCR trips with Olympus. They are already considering how to be more CCR-friendly. There is talk of carrying small cylinders and sorb. Maybe even benches to aid in setup and breakdown of the units. They can already provide any gas fills you need. Thank you Walt and all the staff at Olympus Dive Center! Check out the photos below from the trip. For any of you who were on the trip that would like copies of photos, PM me with your email address and “snail-mail” address and I’ll send you a CD. More photos from the trip are on my website (www.debersole.com) under the “Gallery”. Doug Sand Tigers on the Carib Sea Our Fearless Leader, Walt Stearns, photographing the sharks in mid-water Various divers from the trip (if you recognize yourself and want a photo – let me know!) Photos from the Indra Small Octopus __________________ www.debersole.com Last edited by debersole : 23rd August 2008 at 16:05.
(Online)

23rd August 2008, 16:10	#2 (permalink)
sfldiver S.C.R.U.B.'S Photographer Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 819	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Despite the weather setbacks, looks like you all had a great trip! I have yet to dive North Carolina and see the Sand Tiger Sharks, so I hope I can make the next trip. Thanks for the great trip report and pics Doug! Adrian __________________ *Currently piloting & shooting...* Dive Rite O2ptima FX Rigged w/ a Dsix Custom Aluminum Frame, Nomad Wing, Transpac Harness and VR3 Computer w/ VPM-B/E & a 4th Cell Sensor Link.* Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera *Rigged in a Patima-PDCH 2008 G9 Aluminum Housing w/ an Inon UWL-100 Achromat Wide Conversion Lens, 2 Inon UCL-165M67 Close-Up Lenses and 2 Inon Z-240 Strobes.
(Offline)

23rd August 2008, 16:14	#3 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Great pics, as usual, Doug! __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.
(Offline)

23rd August 2008, 19:34	#4 (permalink)
gerstl_ossi RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: RB80 / Clone Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet RB80 / Clone Home Build Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 345	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Wow, nice pics, and nice report. Is Nord Carolina far from Italy? If not, put me on the list for the next trip. Cheers Ossi Last edited by gerstl_ossi : 23rd August 2008 at 19:37.
(Online)

23rd August 2008, 20:31	#5 (permalink)
Hyper-limits Al Delisle Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Victoria BC Canada Posts: 166	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Great pictures and dive report. Man! those sand tiger shark look mean. Al __________________ "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear. And the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown" H.P. Lovecraft
(Offline)

23rd August 2008, 22:38	#9 (permalink)
Rubis RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Broadway, North Carolina Posts: 66	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Quote: (Originally Posted by gerstl_ossi) Wow, nice pics, and nice report. Is Nord Carolina far from Italy ? Hi Ossi, yeah, it's far far ... SIGH ! (Missing Fontanazzi, Oliero and the Haven ... and the Focaccia too ) Doug, great pics !!! Caverkevin and I still need to get the breathers salted ! So great you can get that close to the big puppies __________________ CK # 341
(Offline)

24th August 2008, 16:35	#10 (permalink)
keylargojimy New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ohio Posts: 34	Re: Trip Report and Photos from North Carolina CCR-only trip -- August 20-22 Walt & Doug Thanks For A Great Nc Ccr Trip Experience. I Learned A Ton Here This Week And Met A Lot Of Great People.. Count Me In For Next Year For Sure...hopefully Next Year The Weather Will Be Much Better? But Then Again It Is North Carolina Diving, Right? Take Care And I Will Be In Touch Soon.. Jim Jones
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode