Captain Bobby Edwards
145 Intracoastal Drive
Beaufort, NC 28516
  252-728-6244   

nospamatlantis@atlantischarters.netnospam
The boat is located on the Atlantic Beach Causeway:
Behind the 2-story yellow " Harborside Mini-Storage" building.


8/26/10


7/26/10


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Archived dive reports:

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005  2006  2007 2008 2009 2010

2009 Dive Reports

Jan 14-15 2009: The day after it snowed enough to shut down the bridges here in Carteret County, 
we had the privilege of taking a group out diving! YES, it was cold! The icicles never melted all day!

Feb-Mar 2009
We hear that there is some really cold water on the bottom offshore- down by Wilmington, NC it was 44 degrees on the bottom! It must have been sudden, because there were dead fish and dead lionfish in the area. Reports off of Hatteras agree that the bottom for some reason is unreasonably cool.

December 2008
A bad dive report for someone. Likely that boat is worth over $200K. Sure, it's not likely to happen, but "what if?"
http://uwex.us

2009 Jump to month:
May June July August  September    October

April 2009

  Location Visibility Temp Comments  
April 4, 2009 Papoose 30-35 68/65 A bumpier day than we would have liked, but not everyone got sick! We chose to give a wide berth to some irritable commercial fishing guys... no need to wind up on the Jerry Springer show.
Never, ever say "I don't get seasick"

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April 5 Schurz
Spar
30-35, (less in the baitfish)

20-25
65


58

This Shreck hood is the coolest one we've seen in years!

Today is what yesterday should have been. Gentle seas and no barfing. Respectful indifference is the best way to handle those same fishing guys- our crowd came here to dive the Schurz!!

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Apr 18 Long Day Lobster Rocks 10-15 64/cooler A nice day to go long for lobster. The water was a bit chilly, and vis a bit low, but that didn't stop the hunters from bringing home dinner!
Apr 19 Papoose Rocks 35 66ish About a mile before getting to the dive site the water got nice and blue... but it also had a good current. Still do-able, just a bit more challenging.
Apr 25 Schurz
Sub
50/baitfish
50+
mid 60's A nice day on the ocean, and air temps are getting warmer! Tons of baitfish on the Schurz reduced vis on the wreck quite a bit. (didn't slow down the spearfishing, though!) 4-25-09 flounder.jpg (144952 bytes)
Apr 26 Papoose 70' on top, 40' 
on the bottom
mid 60's Even nicer ocean conditions today, as well as increased vis! A good number of sandtigers were hanging around the wreck, and divers saw a frogfish at the stern.

Now that's a badass purse! Every girl needs a spyderco...

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May 2009      Special Offer! Click for details

  Location Visibility Temp Comments
May 10 Papoose
Sub
40
30
72/68
70/68
Good shark activity on the Papoose, and the water is warmer than it would be up north!
May 11 Box Wreck
Hardees
35
30
73/69
72/68
Not much current today, and also not much wave action on the lingering swell. 
May 12 Aeolus
Spar
35 68/72 Somewhat warmer on the bottom...
              
May 16 Sub
Spar
35
40
71/69
71/68

 Ocean2 5-16-09.JPG (155820 bytes)---  Ocean3 5-16-09.JPG (127467 bytes) Ocean7 5-16-09.JPG (120572 bytes)
 there's some weather out there...

May 17 Aeolus Bow
Spar
40/20 72/69 That's not my dog...
What do you call a seasick Frenchman? Le'Spew!
        5/17 Video Clip
May 23 Schurz 60' on top, 35' on the bottom 74/73 Sunrise 5-23-09.JPG (642752 bytes) A beautiful sunrise- caught from the car at the top of the bridge this morning.
Seas were a little sloppy, but underwater it's always nicer. Some noticable current on the wreck.
We now offer valet parking for scooters...
May 24 Hardee's 45' 72 Who says Octopus don't bite? Friends don't let friends play with 8-legged creatures! Maybe the guys who dove with a Hall of Fame diver have let it go to their heads! ; ) 

Scooter Parking.JPG (143618 bytes)
Scooter parking lot.

May 25 Naeco/Papoose 100'+
70'
77 The wreck was visible at 45' and you could see the whole wreck at depth- clearer water on the bottom, one diver described it as 'high-definition' visibility! Every year the deck structure is getting weaker- storm swells are having an impact. A line of squalls pushed us in-shore to dive the Papoose. Somewhat less visibility, but sharks and rays kept things interesting. 
May 26 Spar/Aeolus 50' 73 Sharks are always interesting, and they usually cooperate on these wrecks!
         
May 28 Lobster Rocks 80'/60' 76 The boys from Charlotte strike again! Their lobster prowess remains unmatched. 
011 wooten lobsterbox.JPG (107414 bytes) 012 lobsters.JPG (82967 bytes) 013 wooten lobsters.JPG (101607 bytes)
May 29 Schurz/ Sub 60' 74 Pretty dives on both locations- lots of fish and blue, clear water. 
May 30 Naeco 
Sailboat
80'
60'
76-77

DSC06049-jacks.JPG (157712 bytes)

The DJ at Jack's just said what?
Somewhat swelly on the ride out, but after the first dive the wind and waves faded out to reveal nice, calm seas. Good conditions on both dives.
May 31 Box Wreck
Ledge
80'
70'
76

Another day of calm seas, and nearly no current. Lionfish are so abundant on the Box Wreck that it seems to be covered with them- on the wreck and in the sand. A few BIG octopus reside in the rocks. 
The BFDC website has an updated writeup on this wreck, it appears to be a schooner barge. 
We believe it sank in the hurricane of 1933, and that the Sailboat sank in the same storm.

 BobAtWork.JPG (756724 bytes)

June 2009         Special Offer! Click for details

  Location Visibility Temp Comments
June 1 Schurz
Sub
80' 75/74 DSC06041-calm.JPG (144855 bytes) A beautiful start to the week
June 2 Papoose
Spar
60
40
75/74

 Nice dives- with a bit of fishing in-between. Catching Mahi is always a treat on a dive charter!

DSC06043-homeward.JPG (149216 bytes)
June 3 Box Wreck
Hardees
80
50
77
76
A good current isn't unusual in this area, but the vis is good and the divers know, "don't let go of the down-lines!"
June 4 Papoose
Spar
80
50
77/76  Some new divers came down mid-week, and the Papoose/Spar are easy to repeat. Much less current on these southern wrecks.
         
June 6 Box Wreck
Hardees
80'
60'
76/75
74
DSC06056-garyfish.JPG (161127 bytes) Gary's big Mahi    
Treasures! The Hardees wreck is great for seashells. 
DSC06076-crab.JPG (868845 bytes)
DSC06059-shells.JPG (158857 bytes) 
DSC06080-fishman.JPG (28231 bytes) DSC06084-lionfish.JPG (14123 bytes)
Fishman John has quite a system for retrieving fish for his aquariums!
June 7 Schurz 60' 76/74 DSC06055-brufish.JPG (156036 bytes) DSC06071-seas.JPG (882919 bytes)
  Bruce's fishies
DSC06081-pineapple.JPG (803436 bytes) Mmmmmmm, pineapple.
6074seas
June 7 video clips
6086rolly June 7
        DSC06089-dockbroke.JPG (922864 bytes) 
Have the pilings really been here for 30 years?
June 13 Box Wreck 90-100 78 Since the lionfish rodeo put on by Discovery Diving, the population of lionfish on the Box Wreck is greatly diminished.
June 14 Naeco Stern 100', 80' on the bottom 78/77 DSC06149-lionfish.JPG (232107 bytes) Shaved Lionfish, pre-dinner.
An overheard comment: "that lionfish is kinda small... " 
And the response: "Well, I eat brim!"
DSC06157-look.JPG (145112 bytes) DSC06192-fishing.JPG (159961 bytes)
 LOOK! THERE! wow.  When we see mahi, FISH. 
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There's a frog in my stuff.
DSC06196-fins.JPG (148035 bytes)
That's a fabulous look, Fireball!
        Luke Jumping June 14 video clip
June 15 Naeco 80' 79/76 DSC06341-Achtner.JPG (908137 bytes) Achtner beckons. 
There is no better place to start a week of diving than the Naeco!
Ever wonder what kind of responsibility a group leader has?
June 16 Schurz 80' 79/77 As always, a good dive on the Schurz. Great visibility, despite the rainy, overcast conditions. 
         
June 18 Papoose
Sailboat
100'
80'
78/77 WOW. Great vis on the Papoose. Some swell and wind kept the boat unsteady, but it was still a great day.
6339bob June 18 video clip
6348swell June 18 video clip
June 19 FarEst Tnkr
Duhamel
80'-50'
15'
77/74
76/74
The Far East Tanker is still quite sharky. It's amazing to see how large the engines were on this ship. Diving the 'Due" is gambling with vis- this time it was good enough!
June 20 Naeco Stern
Sailboat
90'-70'
80'
79/76 A huge school of about 20 cobia were following a big stingray cruising the wreck. Did anyone see that pink bird?
While hanging over the Sailboat, the divers were buzzed by both a small blacktip shark and a small sandbar shark. There were also a couple of Wahoo off in the distance.
June 21 Papoose
Sub
90'
80'
79/75

 Albacore- catch and release. Nice dives on both wrecks.

  6368mahiIN June 21video clip

DSC06376-fishing.JPG (152316 bytes)
June 22 Papoose 100', dropped a bit on the 2nd dive 78/75  Getting in that last early-morning text... The first dive of this week was great- not perfect seas, but fantastic vis on the wreck. A few sharks hanging around the big break area. DSC06386-harry.JPG (151908 bytes)
June 23 Normannia
Cassimir
100'
80'
79/77
80/77
DSC06391-calm1.JPG (131515 bytes)   Calm seas on the way out, and on the way home. Great vis on both wrecks- scooters made it easy to tour both of the wrecks. The Aquatic Safaris boat was also anchored on the Normannia- with a few Atlantis Friends (Diehards!) on board- we'll see them in August on the pink boat!
June 24 Proteus
Caribe Sea
Duhamel
100'
5'
10-5'
80/78
 
78/77
DSC06403-calm2.JPG (136629 bytes)  Again, calm Seas. A great day to travel to the Proteus! Some breeze picked up on the way home. The Caribe Sea had poor vis, so we moved on to the Duhamel- also poor vis, but we dove it anyway. While very different from the Proteus, still an interesting dive.
June 25 Naeco Bow
Schurz
100'
100'
FANTASTIC
VISIBILITY- 
like hi-definition! The blue water went all the way to the bottom!
80/77  DSC06408-mahi.JPG (149093 bytes) DSC06410mahicooked.JPG (155708 bytes)
Before and after. Yummy!
 DSC06412-rachel.JPG (155325 bytes)
Little Rachel is excited about the NC wrecks!

6387calm1 June 25 video clip
6405calmleaving June 25 video clip

June 26 Schurz 80' 80/76  DSC06428-jimmyscomputer.JPG (154834 bytes) Look! The first wrist-mounted dive computer... who says the 'edge' is the oldest dive computer in use today?
A good dive today, but the seas were somewhat sloppier than the week has been so far. Anyone ever been beat up by a spadefish?
        6415notcalm June 26 video clip
June 28 Cassimir
Ledge
80' 80/74   DSC06155-horns.JPG (147002 bytes) It's not lost, Gina! 
The WR2 was really pretty again today. Calm seas made the ride simply fantastic! A few lobster were collected on the ledge- there's more to NC diving than just shipwrecks! 
June 29 Schurz
Sub
99'
60'
80/76 A sloppy start to the day made the ride out a bit restless, but as the day went on, the wind petered out and waves diminished substantially. Excellent underwater conditions persist. 
Idea of the week: if prone to seasickness, bring mouthwash to freshen up after chumming! Fantastic! 
June 30 Naeco
Papoose
99
60
80/76

fresh.jpg (155505 bytes)  

It's one thing to know they're out there... yet another to have the evidence in the palm of your hand. Yes, that's a White Shark tooth- probably the upper left front- likely the 3rd tooth from the middle. No kidding. This is likely from a 15' shark.
 DSCN1376-shark.jpg (81494 bytes)
Within a week before finding the above tooth, this photo was said to have been taken by a fishing boat out near the Papoose. Uncanny.

July 2009   Special Offer! Click for details

  Location Visibility Temp Comments
July 1 Box Wreck
Hardees
80
70
81/76 Choppy seas made a course to the Box Wreck an easy ride- moderately strong current, but great vis and lots of action on both wrecks. 
         
July 3 Schurz 80 81/78 A bluespotted coronetfish is hanging out on the wreck. Some big lionfish still remain after a recent rodeo event. The water is nice and warm!
Did someone lose a nice stainless anchor with the chain attached?
July 4 Lobster Wrk
Cassimir
80
40
81/76
83/73
Beautiful conditions on the Lobster Wreck- frogfish, lionfish and lobster! On the WR2, the bottom conditions were rather different- cool and lower vis. Who needs a refresher course in navigation?
July 5 Papoose
Spar
70
40
80/76   
Sharks hanging out above the wreck posed for photos- but more were seen on the Spar! 
A nice Mahi got in the boat....
DSC06444-Mahi.JPG (145026 bytes)
            
July 7 Schurz
Spar
60
40
80/76 Lots of fish on the Schurz- but bigger schools- not the baitfish that can hide the wreck. 
  
                                
Who would rather fish from the boat than dive with sharks on the Spar?
 
DSC06472PaulStinky.JPG (149691 bytes)
 (we let the stinky go). 
DSC06445-Half.JPG (143756 bytes) 
How uncommon is it to catch the Back half of an albacore while trolling around the Spar?      DSC06447-RobHalf.JPG (160505 bytes)   
The USS Nassau- a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship passes us by offshore. She is the last of that class of ships, and has been in service since 1979. See more photos, facts and history on its official website.DSC06475-Nassau.JPG (108180 bytes) DSC06479-LeroyNassau.JPG (143791 bytes)
July 8 Papoose
Sub
50
50
80/75 DSC06496-RobWahoo.JPG (147700 bytes)   DSC06497-cutWahoo.JPG (148341 bytes)
A noticeable current ran across the Papoose, stirring up the vis a bit. Less current on the Sub-both good dives. A good size wahoo was caught while fishing between wrecks.
            
July 10 Spar 40-45' 78   DSC06504.JPG (124979 bytes)     DSC06502.JPG (144526 bytes) 
The little guy on that bow is what Larry must have been like as a kid.... and the SNACKTABLE this week has been phenomenal!
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Harry can fit 3 week's worth of dive gear in the Porsche- he travels well!
July 11 Proteus
Caribe Sea
50-60'
40'
80/76
78
 A fantastic day to the Proteus- especially with Jade's cookies (some people get very possessive with Jade's cookies!) Great conditions as well on the Caribe Sea- nice big sharks hanging around and a small frogfish was filmed- in HD no less! DSC06523.JPG (151505 bytes)
         
July 14 Papoose
Schurz
50' 79/73

DSC06586 CanadaCookie.JPG (157948 bytes)  

Our first Canadian group has arrived, and they brought Obama's souvenir cookies from the Moulin de Provence bakery in Ottawa. Although the forecast for the week seemed dire, the first day was fantastic- both on the surface, and below!
July 15 Caribe Sea 35-40' 80/78 BobCaribeSea 7-15-09.JPG (414266 bytes)    DSC06593 Clouds.JPG (156344 bytes)
Another 'against the forecast' beautiful day. Lots of shark's teeth were found on this wreck, and it was worth making 2 dives on. Mike from the Midnight Express snapped this picture of Bob in front of the boilers while diving. 
"Hey, honey- will you pick up that shark's tooth for me?"  
July 16 Spar 40-45' 78/76 DSC06603 7-15-09.JPG (125884 bytes) Breathtaking conditions on the Spar today- not only is is a fully intact wreck, but the marine life is spectacular. Multiple bait-balls seemed to block out the sun, and there were too many sharks to count.
July 17 Spar
Indra
50'
45'
79/76
80/78 
DSC06868-dredging.JPG (140089 bytes) The Spar dive was worth repeating, and we once again foiled the forecast by making it out and back before the weather arrived. The Indra has become a much different dive in recent years- with the stern superstructure pushed off into the sand, and a new sailboat/reef put down by Discovery Diving in June leans against the starboard side midway down the wreck.
DSC06873-PlanB.JPG (144695 bytes)  Although the food is good here, no one wants to end up at breakfast!
July 19 Naeco Bow
Naeco Stern
70' 80/76 DSC06870-lionfishBucket.JPG (152135 bytes) LEAK lionfish.JPG (1958313 bytes) 
What a great system the boys have developed for spearing lionfish!
"L.E.A.K." (Lionfish Extractor Apparatus Keeper)- awesome!
July 20 Box Wreck
Hardees
45-50' 80/75 DSC06875-leaving.JPG (139472 bytes) DSC06881-cookies.JPG (149229 bytes) DSC02034-CalmOceanWeather.JPG (141056 bytes) 
A shot of the causeway as the boat departs in the morning, (and we all love Tammy's cookies!) 
                    We left the afternoon weather behind when going home. 
DSC06886-OceanWeather.JPG (120174 bytes) DSC06891-squallFront.JPG (120527 bytes) DSC06903-spearless.JPG (151688 bytes)
There was a touch of weather offshore today, but off in the distance. The dives were good- not much current and lots of marine life. 
                                          Don't they call that a 'spearless' gun? ; )

DSC06893-fishing1.JPG (156859 bytes) DSC06894-fishing2.JPG (141299 bytes) DSC06895-fishing3.JPG (135422 bytes) DSC06896-fishing4.JPG (141354 bytes) 
This Mahi came home for dinner!

July 21 Naeco
Schurz
80'
60'
80/76 DSC02031-BruFishing.JPG (143722 bytes) DSC02025-TammyFishing.JPG (137445 bytes)
                                  But this wahoo got away...
Great sea conditions for day 2 of the week- both above and below the surface.
July 22 Caribe Sea 25-30' 81/77 Lower vis than we're used to, but everyone made 2 good quality dives. MANY sharks teeth were brought up, and at least 8 LARGE sand tigers were cruising around just under the hang line. The guys in that center-console fishing boat took our advice and headed in-shore just in the nick of time... that storm cloud enveloped the wreck just after we left!

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DSC06908 Leave Caribe1.JPG (141973 bytes)

July 23 Naeco
Schurz
50'
60'
80/79
80/76
  
 An overcast day, but we still made it to the Naeco. A moderate swell kept the boat somewhat rolly. Vis was a little better on the Schurz...
DSC06906-T Lemoncookies.JPG (144919 bytes)
Mmmm... lemon Tammy cookies!
July 24

A turnaround day... this is the wrong view for so early in the morning!

DSC06923 TurnBack3.JPG (135204 bytes)
July 25 Papoose
Sub
50' 80/77
80/75
A light swell remains from yesterday, but the vis was good and there were a few sharks around. The engine room area of the Papoose is very interesting. Great dive on the Sub!
July 26 Aeolus
Spar
50' 80/76 The Aeolus is a wreck-lover's wreck- one of Rachel's favorites! That bait-ball with the sharks in it is still hanging over the Spar.
         
July 28 Spar 50' 80/79 Unfortunately, the weather has NOT been cooperating this week! But our dive on the Spar was quite memorable. It's a good thing that there is so much else to do while staying here at the beach!
         

August 2009

  Location Visibility Temp Comments

DSC06979 bummer.JPG (146518 bytes)
Moping around at 6:45am

DSC06980 Bud1.JPG (147744 bytes)

DSC06982 Bud3.JPG (147508 bytes)
August 1 Schurz
Spar
60--40
50--20
80/75
79/74
A rather interesting day! We delayed departure (unwittingly inviting a swoop down cookie snatch from Bud!) while the weather cleared somewhat, but then before reaching the inlet... the Coast Guard requested we let them perform a 'Safety Check!" (and who could turn down that invitation?) After another 1/2 hour, we were off to the deep.
 

DSC06984 USCG 1.JPG (142130 bytes) DSC06985 USCG 2.JPG (149379 bytes) DSC06986 USCG 3.JPG (147630 bytes) 
Leave it to Bruce to have the Coasties pose for a photo before casting off... 
they found no safety concerns and we thanked them for stopping by!

         
August 3 Schurz
Spar
50-60'
30-40'
79-75 A little rainy today, some wave action and a slight current, - all in all a great day to go diving!  
August 4 Naeco Stern
Schurz
60'
50'
80/75 One of those days where the top half is murky, then the vis clears up on the bottom. (We'll take that any day!)
August 5 Spar 40-50' 80/77 The Spar is such a crowd-pleaser these days, let's do it again!
August 6 Hutton 50--30' 79/70 Conditions in-shore were too good to pass up today. A bit cool on the bottom, but decent vis and -wow- great bottom time!
DSC06997 turtle 8-6-09.JPG (145922 bytes) DSC07017 8-6-09.JPG (139980 bytes) DSC07030 8-6-09 tammy.JPG (143415 bytes)
  The "Hutton Turtle", "Wave Action," and "Fishing back to the dock!"
August 7 Papoose
Aeolus
20-25'
30'
79/77 The vis is stirred up on the Papoose, seems that an upwelling is coming around again. The Aeolus was relatively clear compared to the Papoose.
August 8 Lobster Wrk
Ledge
15-20'
20-30'
79/68
79/73
Oh No! It IS an upwelling! Rumors that it was cold and murky down SouthWest were correct. A distinct layer of thick murk was mid-water, and on the bottom were those particles we call 'rusticles'. Layers of varied vis kept the descent very suspenseful. But despite all of that, the Lobster wreck was a good dive! We even saw a sea-snake slithering around on the engine, out in the open.  DSC07043 8-8-09 Pat Joel.JPG (156967 bytes)
And the Spearfishers could still see far enough to bring home dinner...
August 9 Box Wreck
Duhamel
30
5-7'
80/73
74
A significant current on the Box Wreck combined with lower vis made it a more challenging dive. We took a chance that the Duhamel might be decent, but it wasn't quite what we would have wanted. But the advantage on the Duhamel... it's small and shallow and hard to get lost!
August 10 Schurz
Spar
35
50
80/76 A conundrum- less vis on the wrecks further offshore! The Spar was much more clear than the Schurz. Go figure!
DSC07053.JPG (135294 bytes) DSC07054.JPG (133784 bytes) DSC07071 8-10-09 MExp.JPG (135096 bytes) 
"The photographer" in action... and views of the MExp crew at work!
August 11 Hutton
Indra
40' 80/77 We heard that the vis on the Schurz was only 5' today, so... if the vis is better and the bottom time is longer... dive in-shore! But do be sure to dodge the jellyfish. Those 3-5' tentacles can really sneak up on you. 
DSC07168 therapy1.JPG (148501 bytes) DSC07170 therapy3.JPG (156593 bytes) DSC07171 therapy4.JPG (151339 bytes) 
August 12 Spar 50' 80/76 Such a crowd-pleaser! The vis is great out to the Spar, but beyond that, it's significantly less. Those sharks know how to pose for photos!
August 13 Papoose
Aeolus
80--15'
35
80/76
80/75
DSC07176 AMcalm1.JPG (114814 bytes) DSC07177 AMcalm2.JPG (140038 bytes) 
The day started out slick-glass calm when we left the dock.
Still not much better vis offshore yet. When getting ready to leave the Aeolus, a front was approaching- as it passed the clouds were rather impressive. So that's what the back of a front looks like. It was truly mesmerizing. Not much wind in it, but it looks very intimidating.
DSC07179 freaky.JPG (105903 bytes) DSC07186 freaky.JPG (658062 bytes) DSC07196 freaky.JPG (126669 bytes)
 Now we know... when it's eerily calm in the morning... remain aware.
August 14 Suloide
Titan
35-40
15-20'
79/73 Again some intimidating clouds approached, and again not much wind in them. In-shore is still full of those long-tentacled jellyfish!
DSC07201-dolphins.JPG (141071 bytes) DSC07207-inshore front.JPG (112332 bytes) DSC07206-inshore front.JPG (103570 bytes)
August 15 Ledges 60--25' 80/71 The Charlotte boys are back, and they want more lobster! Lower vis on the bottom doesn't slow them down, and these particular ledges are rather easy to navigate. Dinner at Island Grill- don't miss it!
August 16 Ledges 40--15' 82/70 We tried some newer areas, and the guys haven't lost their touch!
August 17 Indra 40' 79/73

DSC07234 slick.JPG (163013 bytes) DSC07237 slick.JPG (136493 bytes) DSC07242.JPG (133358 bytes) 

This might have been the slickest, glassiest day of the year so far. Fantastic conditions in so many ways... looking off the edge of the boat, you could see the wreck and divers on the bottom. A big stingray with an entourage of cobia was cruising around and around...

renateRay[1].JPG (244047 bytes) DSC07251 snickyDay.JPG (149169 bytes) DSC07261 NCSU.JPG (136428 bytes)
Photo by Cindy Burnham 

               
"Bill" is cruising up the eastern seaboard...large swell and deep surge has made the visibility not worthy of diving.

DSC07280- Bill Sunset.JPG (141785 bytes) DSC07291 Bill waves.JPG (152026 bytes) DSC07300 Bill waves.JPG (148464 bytes) 
Pics from the pier at the Sheraton on Friday night, August 22, when Bill was approaching. 
Here's a video clip showing the swell touching and splashing though the pier. MOV07285--.MPG

         
August 26 Sub
Hardees
50' 82/82 WOW! Thanks, Bill! Vis has recovered quickly offshore, and the water is WARM from top to bottom. A noticable current, but that's OK!!
  
"Danny" is cruising up the eastern seaboard... how strange- 2 storms, same track! We got more rain from this one.
         
Aug 29  Aeolus/Spar  0-1'  Reports have it that the morning of/after Danny passes by, there's no vis. 
         

September 2009

  Location Visibility Temp Comments
Sept 5 Papoose 60' 82/80 Beautiful conditions on the Papoose, 82 degrees, 80 on the bottom. 60' vis on the wreck, but looking into the engine room was a treat~ the vis inside was crystal clear! A northeast breeze made the ride home a bit less comfortable but we took it slow until getting closer to shore. No current to speak of, with a few sharks, plenty of baitfish and lots of lionfish. DSC07578-9-5 moon.JPG (139212 bytes)
Sept 6 Papoose 20' 78  DSC07584-turtle.JPG (135009 bytes) DSC07604 9-6 fork.JPG (125488 bytes)  DSC07646-waves.JPG (155295 bytes) 
Turtle: in the center of the first photo above
That weather system which popped up offshore of NC has generated a sporting amount of wind! We elected to visit the Hutton today, the water was warm, still, 78 from top to bottom. Visibility was less than we wanted, but good nonetheless. 20' on the wreck, much better near the surface. On the 2nd dive there was a bit of surge noticed on the bottom. 
The "Hutton Turtle" is still there, it was seen both on the bottom, and at the surface near the boat! 
There are new video clips from today, posted under the Videos tab.
With the air temp of 77+wind chill, the near 80deg water seemed downright warm! Today was our first taste of fall weather- a marked change from the 90+humidity we've had since June!
    DSC07579 9-6 sunrise.JPG (140061 bytes)     DSC07593-transom.JPG (140195 bytes) DSC07636-CaptStacy-.JPG (129258 bytes)
Sept 7 4C A "non-tropical" system has moved in and sat down on us- wind & rain all day long
         
Sept 11 pre-dive report

Today a few other boats went out and the conditions were favorable. Some swell in the morning, but diminishing all day. Great vis on the Aeolus/Spar: 50-60' with tons of marine life. Tomorrow's forecast is good, and we have planned to dive the Proteus.
After all the rain we had earlier this week, the tide today was extremely high, and the water in the sound looks like coffee. Our finger pier was 6" from being underwater. Good thing it's not a full moon

Sept 12 Proteus 90' 82 9-12 Sunrise.jpg (34233 bytes)    Proteus_turtle.jpg (64102 bytes)
     Sunrise                           and over the Cape                           Proteus Turtle
What a fantastic day to head to the Proteus! Left the dock at 6:30 and divers entered the water at 10am. A long ride, but well worth the trip. At 40' the wreck came into view, the vis had to be 90' or more. On descent it was easy to get a good idea of what the wreck looks like. A moderate current went all the way to the bottom, so everyone held fast to the lines. WARM water- over 80 degrees all the way down. No thermocline, just warm warm warm. On the 2nd dive the current had picked up a bit. That turtle surfaced numerous times while we were anchored. A light southwest breeze picked up in the late afternooon- just enough to show some whitecaps on the surface.
TheGuys.jpg (57576 bytes)  ReturnWake.jpg (74637 bytes) 
         The guys, pre-dive                            Close to home
           
Sept 13 Naeco 100+ 84 9-13 sunrise.jpg (35889 bytes)  off boat.jpg (60230 bytes)
The diving today is why NC has such a good reputation!
Unbelievable conditions on the Naeco Stern: the wreck was visible soon after starting the descent because of 100+ foot visibility. Even for veteran divers the underwater conditons today were worthy of any 'top ten' list. From our tie-in spot the forward break and the stern were both visible. Not only that, but the warm water- 84degrees, went all the way to the bottom: no thermocline whatsoever. Despite bumpy seas topside, the group did 2 dives here because it was simply impossible to leave.
Some scallops were collected as well as a nice sized grouper.
There have been repeated overly-high tides lately, so there could be something amiss in the underwater world... but since the recent storms brushed our coast we are enjoying the warm, clear conditions.
blue.jpg (56790 bytes)  blue2.jpg (49959 bytes)  A4 hi tide.jpg (63131 bytes)
         
Sept 19 Spar
Indra
80+
40
82
77
With a half-new-to-Atlantis group of divers we set out to dive the Sub & Spar, but there was no room on the Sub for the first dive so we dove the Spar first. Predictably fantastic- the sharks were hanging out on the starboard side (in the lee) and interacting well with our divers! Visibility was great- at least 80' with 82 degree water top to bottom.
Unfortunately the seas picked up a bit so we elected not to go further offshore, and headed in to the Indra instead. A wise choice! Vis was a solid 40' on the bottom, and 79/77 degree water still feels warm to nearly anyone! Lots of bottom time for the 2nd dive. A stingray with cobia was circling the wreck, and divers who had not seen the Indra in a few years were commenting on how much it has changed recently.
Overall, a fantastic day!
9-19 diver.jpg (70533 bytes) 9-19 Indra.jpg (54092 bytes) 9-19 Ft Macon.jpg (24686 bytes)
         
Sept 26

Waaah

   

DSC06873-PlanB.JPG (144695 bytes) 

October 2009

  Location Visibility Temp Comments
Oct 2 FISHING! 10-2 fishing3.jpg (48235 bytes) 
What a day! Beautiful sea conditions and just enough of a bite to keep the day interesting. Hooking up more often than landing, the Wahoo were biting!
You'll never eat tuna salad again once getting a taste of grilled Wahoo salad!
Oct 3 Spar
Hutton
70'
40'
80 
78
After nearly a week of doom&gloom forecasts and a terrific thunderstorm Friday night, Saturday morning arrived and not a breath of wind! The flag at Ft.Macon was limp as we headed out the inlet.
However, the ocean was sloppy- for lack of a better word, and the 'Naeco Express' stopped short at the Spar. Delightful conditions greeted us underwater: with the marine life putting on a great show. Sharks weren't as abundant as usual, but were found on the bow and off the starboard side of the wreck.
   Near the end of the dive, an impressive bait-ball passed the boat near the surface-a perfectly round ball of baitfish about 15' across with barracuda darting through it. As it passed, the barracuda (one in particular) remained agitated and invaded the personal space of divers hanging under the boat.
   Moving to the Hutton for the 2nd dive got us out of the sloppy sea conditions while also continuing the great underwater conditions. The underside of the Atlantis IV was clearly visible from the bottom! The extended bottom time of a shallower wreck allowed everyone to hunt and explore at leisure.
   Since the Seafood Festival is this weekend, the inlet/waterfront was more active than usual- we all were able to enjoy the action later that evening!

Calmer seas inshore                      WITN TV at the Seafood Festival
         
Oct 3 Schurz 70' 80 deg
Full Moon      Sunrise                         Avid Photographers!
 
OMG! A Boat!                Bruce+Ice=trouble!!   "Not on my dry wetsuit!!"
Today's ocean was much less sloppy than yesterday's! So if at first you feed the fish... dive, dive again!!
Making way out to the Schurz allowed some good quality nap-time. A noticeable current was present, but didn't slow anyone down. More warm, clear water- from the rear set of boilers one could nearly see the ends of the wreck!
Conditions were so good we stayed right there for the 2nd dive... allowing the devilish Bruce time to stir up some cold, cold trouble. If only we had a picture of the ice-sculpture he designed on Paul's bone-dry and warm wetsuit... messing with a dry wetsuit before the 2nd dive is crazy!!
As the Mutiny dive boat arrived and anchored up, we heard that they saw a spotted eagle ray on their dive- that's awesome!
Making a stop at the fuel dock allowed for a little more Seafood Festival time... just enough to get a funnel-cake, "to go"! Then to celebrate a great weekend, we got together and grilled Friday's Wahoo for dinner! Music by Otis and Mark kept us entertained, and perhaps one day in the future we'll have a genuine theme song!
    10-4 Concert.jpg (50286 bytes)
Mmmmm funnel cake!       Live Concert tonight!
      
Oct 10 "Plan B" Fishing Hazy Hot
Evidently the front that should have already passed has not... so that pesky SW wind persists. It also has brought back summer-like weather, nearly 90 degrees and 90% humidity. We bagged diving today, but rode around for a few hours fishing for Spanish near the inlet instead. Who says you can't drink beer at 8am?
 Oct 12  Spar3x  80' 78  Today we were on a mission: to dive the Spar and get good pictures! With professional photographers on board, we stayed on the Spar for 3 dives: looking for "the" shot with sharks, bait balls, wreck... the esscence of a typical NC dive. By the time the dives were done, the wind had picked up from the North, and we had to beat our way back to the inlet, somewhat slower than usual. Hopefully the dives were productive enough, though there are more photos to be shot if the weather allows us out again in the near future. 
John pic1 2009.JPG (839686 bytes) John pic7 2009 R-J.JPG (3443317 bytes) Renate0147 7-09Snick.jpg (735863 bytes) renate28 7-09Snick.jpg (176144 bytes) SnickyReny.jpg (106060 bytes)

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Captain Bobby Edwards    145 Intracoastal Drive    Beaufort, NC 28516    252-728-6244