I've talked to a few people who claim that they never saw what I wrote about a possible Sand Dog 2016. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone besides Bryan and myself actually READS THE FORUM!!!
So here it is one more time. There will be a dive get together at Fortune Pond, Crystal Falls Upper Michigan AUGUST 19th - 21st. AUGUST 19th - 21st..... I will be there. If I have to solo dive and then enjoy frosty beverages made in Milwaukee and perhaps Puerto Rico, so be it. He is what I wrote up...
How about this. Fortune Pond, mid to late July. The Sand Dog event would be held at Fortune Pond itself Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday Morning. July is the one time of year where you have a better then average chance on getting out on lake Michigan and/or Superior. Just like Sand Dog in Florida, a lot of the divers come a day or two early and dive other places other then the main event. Perhaps those interested could do a charter out of Milwaukee and dive the Car ferry S S Milwaukee, ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Milwaukee ) or the Prince Willem, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16bM3uWDJAk ) .
The water will be cold. No getting around that. Surface, low 60's Fortune Pond, anywhere from the high 40's to the low 60's on Lake Michigan. At depth, low 40's either way. The viz at Fortune will be the worst of the year. That being said, it will FAR surpass any other quarries best viz period. Lake Michigan on the deeper wrecks should be at least 50 feet. Viz of 100 or better in not uncommon.
Base of operation would be in Iron River Michigan about eleven miles from Fortune pond. Crystal Falls where Fortune Pond is located offers little in amenities. There's a nice Mom and pop motel in Iron River that is about $50.00 a night. For those who would like to camp there is Bewabic state park, http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrai ... &type=SPRK . Iron River has a decent bar that offers burgers and pizza for Friday night and a Italian place called Alice's restaurant for Saturday night. Alice's does a good Ribeye too, although it's been a bit pricey lately. The service is generally good though. There's a good breakfast joint too just over the hill from the motel. it's not fancy, but it's all there. The midwest is bratwurst country and I could bring a grill and do some for a "shoreline lunch" on Saturday. Maybe I could bring a batch of chili along as well. Anyhow, if there is interest, we'll fill in the blanks and throw something together.
So there you have it.
Jim