Capernwray Aug 14 - Old Trout and Limp Balloons

Force 4+ winds saw a last minute change from the Llyn Peninsula to our favourite standby of Capernwray quarry. Although we arrived in good time, our prefered spot to the left of the entrance had already been taken – no matter, we got the last laugh as the concrete blocks closer to the shore were available – result!

First lesson of the day – regular servicing of equipment is recommended! Nick’s octopus was making noises very much like a cow giving birth. Steve tried various combinations to fix the problem but to no avail, Nick headed off to the shop to hire a set whilst Wendy went through surface compass work with Dave. Comments of a Northway teaching navigation were quickly dismissed as Dave expertly found his way from the bin to the old oak tree, and back again!

2 x threes were the first dive – Wendy, Dave and Nick who were on a navigational mission to plot the quarry – well the helicopter and the horses. Dave undeterred by the rising terrain, carried on til he found his object. Some more successfully than others! The second 3, Steve Paul and Ron started their dive with a weight check for Ron who was now sporting a pony. Weights sorted, this intrepid 3 headed off towards the latest attraction of the plane. Paul, after locating the nearest exit illuminated by floor lighting (no, sorry, I made that bit up) made his way to the galley and started to serve 400 lunches for irate business class passengers (no sorry, made that one up aswell!)

2 teams had very enjoyable and successful dives. The compass team managed to find their way back to the shore and the fly-divers enjoyed their in-dive entertainment. After a quick bite to eat, Wendy and Dave learnt how to find their way around the car park using a distance line and plastic cones. This was then taken under water and he successfully managed to negotiate the paddock where the horses were. On a roll Wendy demo-ed how not to deploy a DSMB. Perfect student that he was, Dave imitated Wendy’s deployment to the letter. Both divers need to go back to school for this one – sorry Dave!  Paul dived again with Steve and had a good crack at navigation whilst the lads Ron and Nick just enjoyed a dive for the sake of it! Water temperature was a balmy 17°C with barmy Nick and Ron opting to go in without hoods.

A very successful day was had – several drills accomplished, a couple of divers who had not been in the water for a while managed to find their dive legs again, all divers continued to gain experience. The weather was lovely – sunny skies but not too hot and the day was rounded off back in the café with something chocolately – perfect end to a perfect day! Thanks for all attending without whom it would never have happened!

Wendy