hey there canada,

been hearing a lot about the diving out of tobermory...i'm looking at a trip mid-august - can someone comment on accomodations and diving arrangements?

and expected water temp (brrrrrr....)

thanks,

A group of folks from Diverlink went there last year. I can't find the thread to the info where they stayed and who they dove with but here is a link to Tobermory. It lists accomodations, diving, etc. Hope it helps.
http://www.tobermory.org/thingspage.htm

Hi Bob, did you say brrr? Double it in spades! The description of the divers is #*#!* cold.....
Average mean water temp below 50' at Tobermory is....I'll say it in F° it sounds better...39°F or 4C. Tobermory is wreck diving, and the cold water along with the lack of salt keep even the wood vessels of 100 years ago in better condition than more recent ocean wrecks. Do you have an address for me to send some u/w photos and diver logs and info. NOT MINE...I only sound nuts. You'll need FULL thermal stuff. There are sites for all levels, but these wrecks still kill. Sorry, but straight up, that's the truth. Couple of the wrecks give a distorted pic of how much air you'll need. I know that sounds weird, but read the dive log I send. Lots of people like it......

Sandra Price..if you're still around, click on Gail's thread and you'll see some pix and info on those Canadian Orchids I was telling you about....

ok so far...

checked out the website, single tank and two tank dives are available from boats, depths ranging from 20' to 155' ...something for everyone...

as far as 39F goes...i know i can stay toasty in 47-52F water, this should be an experience ;-)

sounds like a nice drive up, and pretty when you get there as well...if it really is too cold to dive it should be a good weekend anyway...

(my birthday present)

thanks for the info. yes kerri, i think i would like to see a couple of dive logs...the email address is valid for this account...

thanks again,

Let me know when you get 'em. A couple more things I could send...dive shops,equipment and such. The second log lists a couple, along with details of the dive and requirements for diving Ontario. Have you been to Canada before? A couple of things to mention if you haven't......Kerri

hi kerri,

gotta wait til i get home to check your email...i have not been to canada recently, once i went to toronto on business and the sales guy i was with was real concerned about computer hardware/software we were carrying...i guess you'd better mention anything that comes to mind as i am essentially a "newbie"...

i'll start getting used to canadian beer this evening

(is labatt's blue still a good beer?)

and thank you kerri,

Depends who's doin' the drinkin'.(didn't we have this conversation once before.) Don't forget, pretty sure our beer (at home) is higher alcohol content. You can get Amstel,too, not sure which version, and lots of others Can., Draft on tap at any pub. Plus some neat home grown micro-breweries and imports. Beers and hard liquor are bought from Government stores...no supermarket or private stores. Not sure if parks have different regs..maybe. Have to be careful with drinking outdoors! Biggest thing: No guns. They'll be consfiscated by the Border people, local police and/or RCMP. If you're carrying alcohol, should be in the locked trunk of your car.Unopened. They'll check hi-tech stuff just because of 'unspecified' threats. Should be no biggies I can think of except those. Besides, I guess I can vouch for you.... .I guess....oy.....por nada....Kerri

tropical???

Hi Bob,

We do a short Tobermory trip at least once a year, during August or September.
I highly recommend G&S Watersports (http://www.gswatersports.com) for your boat diving and fills, and Grandview Motel (http://www.grandview-tobermory.com) for your room.
The "Tugs" shore dive is great, and right outside your room.
Food is no problem, there are plenty of restaurants all a short walk away.
Enjoy your visit,

John

thanks john!!!

what have you seen for water temps?

thanks again,

(we're doing the weekend aug 10-12th)...

Hi Bob,

It is chilly.
The thermocline is at 20 ft. Above that expect low 60's F.
Shallower dives, less than 50 feet, and close to the mainland shore, will be around 50 F. Deeper, open water, dives will be around 40 F.
A drysuit is nice, but you can use a 1/4 inch (7mm) suit with full hood and booties.
We have done as many as five consecutive dives in a full day with G&S in 7mm two-piece suits, 5mm hoods, 5mm booties, lycra skins.

It sounds cold, but the clear water and amazing old wrecks are worth it.

John

john,

good info...thanks,

your accomodation recommendation seems right on as well...

gotta be better than diving a school bus in a muddy quarry ;-) ...bonaire has to wait til january

i think your "positive" temperature info cinches the deal!

thanks,

Wow! Great memory, Kerri. Not any close ups of the orchids, but pretty pictures & interesting facts. Thanks fer thinking of me.

ok...i ended up reserving a room at the princess motel and will dive out of the diver's den...scheduled for an afternoon dive to the carolina rose and the caves (my birthday present)...maybe a shore dive somewhere in little tug harbor...lots of film for orchids and bluebirds...and rocks :-)

i think it will be neat...

Bob, please forgive me. I forgot Webster misses mail, and I didn't see this last note. I'm usually a better hostess to visitors to our shores. You will have a wonderful time! And you'll be here to enjoy the blueberry harvest,too, I think. If you like blueberry pie...you're in luck! Peach pie,too. Calling for temps of 31° to 33° all this week, so the water should be a treat. I've spent a lot of time swimming those waters, and I hope you'll have as much fun as I have had. Happy Birthday! They say Canadians are a small group of people, perpetually drunk on their scenery! You'll be around some of the best.