September 1, 2016 – Thirsty Thursday Dive Day

September 1:    Results from the first Niles river dive of September.  The water is actually getting less warm and a wet suit hood is a very good idea. This dive would NOT have been enjoyable for the inexperienced because the current was fast even close to shore and you had to have a river stick or two to work the bottom.  After the dive the three of us went to the “Good Anuff Pub” to warm up and do a post dive debrief.

Three Wise Men or Wise Guys whichever.
Todays collection of finds

 

August 29, 2016 – Fly Day & Jump Day

Since the weather was gorgeous and the wind just right for flying  or jumping, flew up to the airport in Michigan City Indiana (KMGC) to see what was going on.  DId a two way with Joy and then headed back to Benton Harbor. Left just in time … the weather closed in at MGC and here’s a picture of a micro burst rain storm  I skirted on the way home.

  Jumping with Joy 🙂
After landing – sky still looks good.
See the micro burst?
Looking at downtown Benton Harbor and the airport at top right

August 25 – Thirsty Thursday Dive – Paw Paw Lake

August 25, 2016:   Another great day for diving Paw Paw lake in Coloma/Watervliet. Only had three other divers participate in today’s dive but all had a great dive even though the visibility was only 5 feet. The water has a brown look to it which may be from the decaying weeds that the chemical control spray has brought under control. Not very many treasures recovered but a good time was had. After the dive we went to the “Friendly Tavern” for refreshments and food.

 

 

Paw Paw Lake – Forrest Beach Pier – Watervliet side

August 24 – South Bend Cubs Baseball

August 24, 2016:  Today developed into a great day for baseball as the heavy rain showers by passed Four Winds Field in South Bend today and we got just a few sprinkles before the game. The South Bend Cubs are a class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and today they  are being called the Comeback Cubs as they beat the West Michigan Whitecaps 11-10 in extra innings.  Wow, what a game.

Four Winds Field – South Bend, IN

August 21 – MUD Club Picnic in Niles, MI

Sunday, August 21:  The Annual “Michigan Underwater Divers” (MUD) Club Picnic was held this afternoon in Niles. As usual we had more food than a Baptist Potluck and no one went away hungry. This was an unusual picnic for the Muddies in that we did not have a drift dive , regular grub dive or anyone kayaking due to very high water level and fast currents.

Ok, this was not our group but “they” were giving away free watermelons 🙂

August 18 – Oil Change and Fly Day

August 18, 2016:  Major fun activity today was to change out the Clown Plane engine oil so took her up for about 15 minutes to get things circulated and warm then  landed and changed out the oil. After the change out verified everything was squared away and tight, went backup for another 15  minute flight and a few touch an go’s.

The view when entering the down wind pattern for rw 28

Aug 16 – Berrien County Fair Week – Berrien Springs – MI

The fair was held from August 14 thru the 20th and I attended  on Tuesday the 16th. The fair was hammered by torrential rains during the week which reduced attendance significantly  and created exceedingly muddy parking areas. In spite of the  rains, the sun did get out and on those day the attendance was very good as evident by pictures of some of the kids attending.

          

 

  

August 15 – River Dive in the Rain

Today was a very cloudy and wet dive day. A bit of wind but no lightning.  Dove with Jim S today and did have a nice find to share.

Interesting vicks bottle, embossed soda bottle with rocks inside bigger than the bottle neck opening which proves rocks “grow”. Very nice brown long neck bottle on the right.

August 14 – River Grubbing

Another nice summer day in Niles doing a double dip, which means a two tank dive.

The river visibility was not too bad so decided to try and get some useable still underwater shots  so people could have an idea what a divers see’s in the river.

junky bottom
And some not so colorful fish.
We do have “some” colorful fish.
Bottle collection waiting to be checked out
Gravel bottom