Photos of the Ophelia Brian: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiswango/tags/ofeliabrian
Don't get your hopes up about the photos, they are pretty bad. The ocean was flat black oil as we cruised out around light house at Key Biscayne.
Ophelia Brian
The current was running about .7 knots as we ran over the new artificial reef, the 210ft freighter Ophelia Brian formally the Sea Taxi. I was diving with Kevin Carby and as we planned I explained that is a good skill to learn to drop down 100ft in under 1 minute from getting off the boat.
The boat captain gave us a good 100ft drop and we hit the water. A quick ok and we swam down. I landed right on the stack and saw that we were getting blown off fast so I grabbed the rail and got out of the current. Kevin landed next to me and relaxed. The vis was about 20ft.
The right side of my new mask was fogging up making it hard to read my depth gouge and watch. I kept clearing it and took a quick look around the stern. The wreck is bare rusty metal and spray paint marking the groups that help make the new reef possible. I fired up the camera to document a few of the markings.
A section has been cut out making access to the engine room easy. We didn't do any penetration on this dive. The cut out has some very rough edges that could do a number on my dry suit. On the main deck the door to the interior has large screws still in place that could easily puncture a dry suit or a wing bladder. Please be aware, I took a pic just in case you don't believe me!
We dropped down into the cargo hold and swam for the bow. There were a few pieces of concrete culvert in the cargo hold, but not as much as say the Princess Brittney. I would have liked to have seen more concrete in the cargo hold as otherwise there is no shelter for the fish. When the wreck collapses the concrete will hold up the sides and make a great habitat for a longer period of time.
The bow a large mast supported by three cables so it should last a while. I was sad to see the bow winch was removed before sinking. Hopefully it raised some money towards the sinking of the ship. Usually the bow winch is home to the juvenile fish and is one of the most interesting areas of a artificial wreck reef.
We then swam back to the stern, low on the deck to stay out of the current. The main deck offers access to what is left of the gallery and the windless is still on the stern. I'll wait for a calmer day light dive to penetrate the inner sections of the stern.
All in all its great to have another large freighter in recreational depths off Miami. The last ship was the "Dema Trader" sunk in 2003 in honor of Dema being held in Miami.
Emerald Reef
As we were gearing up, we were looking at the four new mooring balls with a 1.5mil handheld light. The fish were jumping out of the water in a big boil. Something big was down there!
We dropped in on the 20ft reef to check out the new morning balls and play with the scooters. Rick didn't have a chance to buzz around on a Gavin in a while. Rick's primary light failed. It was flickering on and off which seemed to me to be a cord issue. We surfaced and the boat came up and we exchanged the lights in the water and dropped back down to play some more.
A school of small tomtates went flying by and then I saw what was causing all the concern. 5 4-6ft greater amberjacks were feeding on the reef fish. The lights didn't phase the fish at all as they charged all three of us. I used the Gavin as a sheild, but the fish came right at us. I was hit in the chest, legs, and back several times. Rick and Jody were as well. We tried to go back to back to defend ourselves, but is hard to fend off a fish that is faster, more agile, and has three dimensions of water to swim in. After a few minutes they took off and left us alone.
We cruised up and down the reef. Found several spotted and spiny lobster out for a walk. We surfaced after an hour and headed it.
The air temp was 55 degrees. I puffed up my dry suit and was quite comfortable on the way home. Every one else bundled up to stay warm. Overall we still had a great time even with the bad vis and high currents! I really enjoyed watching the moon seen in a blood red color after midnight as we came back in across the bay.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
It was beautiful trip out to the Ultra Freeze. Jody and David jumped in to find the anchor. They had a nice reef dive as they didn't make contact with the wreck. They did make contact with some kite fisherman on breaking the surface. :)
Matt, Mike and Lee has a slow descent, hit the wreck. Searched for a good 20 minutes but with no luck. Lots of anchors and rope, but none of them usable.
Jody and David made a second trip down. No luck from them either.
On the way in we had a crash course on the use of radar. We had a Bogey at close range that could not be seen until we stopped and searched without looking thru the curtains. We found a 22-25ft boat with no stern running lights and only the bow navigation lights on. After finding the boat we approached slowly. During the first attempt to over take them, they turned and cut us off causing a second full stop. After zigging, we zagged past. Clear sailing after that. Mike mentioned that it was too bad the boat didn't have a horn. I found the button and gave a few blasts. Then I couldn't remember the official blasts. I looked it up on line for fun.
I understand that a stupid boater isn't going to have the foggiest what the horn blasts mean?
Sound Signals
There are five basic sound signals a boater should know. I will briefly outline them. Should you require more information on sound signals and the Rules of the Road, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary recommend that you take an appropriate safe boating course. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides several courses, which include this information, as well as our Boat Crew program for members of the Auxiliary.
Sound signals are broken into two types, long and short blasts. Short blast lasts for 1 to 3 second and a long blast from 4 to 6 seconds.
You will normally hear these sets of sound signals:
1 short blast and 2 short blasts which signify intent and acceptance in overtaking situations.
Three (3) short blasts signifying a vessel in astern propulsion (as when a boat is backing out of a slip)
Five (5) short blasts, which signifies danger or disagreement.
One long blast, which is meant as a warning that I am about to move from a position, which may be blind to you. You’ll use/hear this signal when your about to leave a slip (either in forward or astern propulsion), where the master of the vessel is blind to possible approaching traffic from the main waterway or as you are about to round bend in a waterway (like a river).
Matt, Mike and Lee has a slow descent, hit the wreck. Searched for a good 20 minutes but with no luck. Lots of anchors and rope, but none of them usable.
Jody and David made a second trip down. No luck from them either.
On the way in we had a crash course on the use of radar. We had a Bogey at close range that could not be seen until we stopped and searched without looking thru the curtains. We found a 22-25ft boat with no stern running lights and only the bow navigation lights on. After finding the boat we approached slowly. During the first attempt to over take them, they turned and cut us off causing a second full stop. After zigging, we zagged past. Clear sailing after that. Mike mentioned that it was too bad the boat didn't have a horn. I found the button and gave a few blasts. Then I couldn't remember the official blasts. I looked it up on line for fun.
I understand that a stupid boater isn't going to have the foggiest what the horn blasts mean?
Sound Signals
There are five basic sound signals a boater should know. I will briefly outline them. Should you require more information on sound signals and the Rules of the Road, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary recommend that you take an appropriate safe boating course. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides several courses, which include this information, as well as our Boat Crew program for members of the Auxiliary.
Sound signals are broken into two types, long and short blasts. Short blast lasts for 1 to 3 second and a long blast from 4 to 6 seconds.
You will normally hear these sets of sound signals:
1 short blast and 2 short blasts which signify intent and acceptance in overtaking situations.
Three (3) short blasts signifying a vessel in astern propulsion (as when a boat is backing out of a slip)
Five (5) short blasts, which signifies danger or disagreement.
One long blast, which is meant as a warning that I am about to move from a position, which may be blind to you. You’ll use/hear this signal when your about to leave a slip (either in forward or astern propulsion), where the master of the vessel is blind to possible approaching traffic from the main waterway or as you are about to round bend in a waterway (like a river).
Monday, March 16, 2009
STS-119 Discovery Launch Sunday 3/15 at 7:45 PM. We were driving North of Krome Ave, almost to the Casino when we saw a fireball in the sky. A quick google on my cell phone confirmed it was the shuttle launch 200 miles away. The night was clear and the sun was amazing! The sun was setting to the top of the trail is lighter than the bottom. There was a big white cloud where the shuttle punched thru the atmosphere. It looked like a whole was ripped in the sky and bruised from the penetration of humans leaving their home to venture to where they know not of.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
At the Beach in August
I was looking thru Ana and Charlie Gamba's photos and found this one of us at the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Since swimming lessons, the boys have gotten much more comfortable in the water. The love splashing and playing now. I can't wait until next summer!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Bodhisattva Vow
The Four Great Vows:
I vow to liberate all beings, without number (Green)
I vow to uproot endless blind passions (Red)
I vow to penetrate dharma gates beyond measure (Blue)
I vow to attain the way of the Buddha (Yellow and Black)
Posted a moment ago.
I read this in the latest book from the Dali Lama and decided to paint it. This is how it made my feel.
I vow to liberate all beings, without number (Green)
I vow to uproot endless blind passions (Red)
I vow to penetrate dharma gates beyond measure (Blue)
I vow to attain the way of the Buddha (Yellow and Black)
Posted a moment ago.
I read this in the latest book from the Dali Lama and decided to paint it. This is how it made my feel.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday Night Bike and Dine
So how else can we use the bikes? How about going for dinner? Humm, that's a crazy idea that just might work. After picking our range and what was available we decided to try the new Japanese buffet that replaced the IHOP next to Sedanos on 58th and 107th.
We loaded the boys up for the 15 minute ride over there. One spot the street is missing the curb so Andrea had to help lift the boys trailer back on the side walk. The sling they sit on doesn't have any padding. I took them off a curb one and Ev started crying. It was too much of a jolt for him. I thought he would like it?
We got there and I found a tree to tie up our rides. There were no bike racks. The boys love the noodles and rice. Nathan and Everett both managed to eat some food with chopsticks. Then our server gave us the kiddie version with rubber bands and spacer. They did well eating and stabbing the food.
We loaded back up and headed home. There was some brief crying before they passed out and went to sleep. We road past the house to the frontage road behind our house and to the Doral Meadows park for a quick lap to look at the little league games.
On the way there we were riding into a thunder head with a beautiful lightening going from cloud to cloud. I thought of the songs written in Black Elk Speaks. I just finished reading the book.
On the way home, the heat lightening turned to crackling ground to air lightening with thunder 10 seconds behind it. We picked up the pace and headed home. We got everything packed up before it rained. It felt like it was going to be a big rain, but it sputtered a little bit and then nothing. Just like the end of Black Elks book.
We loaded the boys up for the 15 minute ride over there. One spot the street is missing the curb so Andrea had to help lift the boys trailer back on the side walk. The sling they sit on doesn't have any padding. I took them off a curb one and Ev started crying. It was too much of a jolt for him. I thought he would like it?
We got there and I found a tree to tie up our rides. There were no bike racks. The boys love the noodles and rice. Nathan and Everett both managed to eat some food with chopsticks. Then our server gave us the kiddie version with rubber bands and spacer. They did well eating and stabbing the food.
We loaded back up and headed home. There was some brief crying before they passed out and went to sleep. We road past the house to the frontage road behind our house and to the Doral Meadows park for a quick lap to look at the little league games.
On the way there we were riding into a thunder head with a beautiful lightening going from cloud to cloud. I thought of the songs written in Black Elk Speaks. I just finished reading the book.
On the way home, the heat lightening turned to crackling ground to air lightening with thunder 10 seconds behind it. We picked up the pace and headed home. We got everything packed up before it rained. It felt like it was going to be a big rain, but it sputtered a little bit and then nothing. Just like the end of Black Elks book.
Riding Shark Valley 10/5
Sunday we loaded up our gear and food for a picnic at Shark Valley. Its a 17 mile one lane road that makes a loop in the Everglades. 8 miles in there is a 4 story observation tower with no civilization in site. Several months ago we paid the $15 per person for the 2 hour tram ride with 20 minutes stop at the tower. It wasn't long enough and I dreamed of riding the trail.
Driving there was cloudy with the threat of rain. We were ready to call the ride before we got started. The park road was flooded with 6 inches of water flowing across. The park ranger said the tram was closed due to flooding for 4 days and we could ride 6 miles in on either side of the loop to where they had to close the trail.
We arrived 10 minutes late and cell phones were useless so we couldn't contact Lee and Carmen who were supposed to join us. We loaded up and headed out.
The water was right up to the road. Creatures would jump back into the water as we road past. We saw several groups of baby alligators knowing mom was not far away even if we couldn't see her. One 6 foot gator was laying on the side of the road. He was completly unimpressed with my new bike! I left the camera in the car fearing a big downpour.
1 hour later at 3 miles in the boys started crying. Andrea didn't pack the diaper bag or picnic food as we were going to come back to eat. But that also left the milk bottles back in the car. We tried one some water and turned to head back.
After some crying they both passed out and went to sleep. I parked the bike and trailer and ate while they slept. 10 minutes later Lee and Carmen came off the trail!
They had rented bikes and went to the end and back. There were ahead and behind us. They ate with us and Andrea and I got to know Carmen a bit. She is a new member of SFL-DIR.
The boys woke up and ate. We shared some stories and loaded up again to ride the other side. There were more herons and egrets on this side. We went 2 miles in before turning aorund due to time. Lee and Carmen had to get the rental bikes back or pay a late fee.
We parted company and headed back to civilation. Were nutes, but I love going on these weekend adventures!
Driving there was cloudy with the threat of rain. We were ready to call the ride before we got started. The park road was flooded with 6 inches of water flowing across. The park ranger said the tram was closed due to flooding for 4 days and we could ride 6 miles in on either side of the loop to where they had to close the trail.
We arrived 10 minutes late and cell phones were useless so we couldn't contact Lee and Carmen who were supposed to join us. We loaded up and headed out.
The water was right up to the road. Creatures would jump back into the water as we road past. We saw several groups of baby alligators knowing mom was not far away even if we couldn't see her. One 6 foot gator was laying on the side of the road. He was completly unimpressed with my new bike! I left the camera in the car fearing a big downpour.
1 hour later at 3 miles in the boys started crying. Andrea didn't pack the diaper bag or picnic food as we were going to come back to eat. But that also left the milk bottles back in the car. We tried one some water and turned to head back.
After some crying they both passed out and went to sleep. I parked the bike and trailer and ate while they slept. 10 minutes later Lee and Carmen came off the trail!
They had rented bikes and went to the end and back. There were ahead and behind us. They ate with us and Andrea and I got to know Carmen a bit. She is a new member of SFL-DIR.
The boys woke up and ate. We shared some stories and loaded up again to ride the other side. There were more herons and egrets on this side. We went 2 miles in before turning aorund due to time. Lee and Carmen had to get the rental bikes back or pay a late fee.
We parted company and headed back to civilation. Were nutes, but I love going on these weekend adventures!
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