Windermere Sunday 15^th January 2012

Yet again another very successful trip to Windermere, this time it was a bit cold but very clear. The air temperature did not get above 4.0ºC with the water temperature at a cool 2.0ºC. With everyone well wrapped up and insulated against the cold it was bearable. We had a different team consisting of Warren, Steve, Alan W, and Matt; this was to be Matt’s first boat dive. So the intention was to give him a good dive for his first dive from a boat and I think we achieved that. We also had me, Andy and Warren’s son James as boat handlers and surface cover though James just came along for the ride using Karen’s dry suit. It is surprising how quick kids seem to grow up these days or is it me getting older.

You see from the pictures how cold it was from the way everyone is wrapped up, this picture of Steve just makes you feel cold. The smile is more of a grimace or one of anticipation on the chance of a good dive. Andy said he had a cold and had not brought his kit but when he got to Windermere and saw the conditions after the previous outing he wished he was diving. So we again went to Blake Holme which seems to be popular with everyone and would give Matt a chance to see a few Perch and perhaps a Pike.

This picture off Matt on the surface says it all is that a smile or a grimace after his first dive in Windermere. I would say it’s a smile as he said he had an excellent dive thanks to Warren. In fact he performed very well on his first boat dive with no problems. It might be down to the good training he has had. Windermere is an excellent place to do your first small boat dive as it is usually calm, there are no tides and you can take your time kitting and getting sorted. We managed to get him signed up for a small boat dive towards his Sports Diver. Looks like we might have got another convert to Windermere diving?

So here is the group picture after the dive I think it speaks for it self in that everyone had had a great day out. We had a very leisurely ride back to the slip taking in all that Windermere has to offer on a cold winter’s day. The diving had been very good with at least 6 meters visibility and they had seen the Perch again. When I find them I have some pictures of those Perch on Blake Holme. Next time I think Wray Castle will be on the agenda, perhaps in a fortnight we will keep you posted. The day was rounded off by lunch in the Gateway as good as ever.

Peter January 2012