View Full Version : CA Port Napier trip
Reet ho.
Looks like I'm it!
I'm thinking it would be better to wait until after the New Year now what with pending celebration of the birth of Christ.
In typical Regthing fashion I'll ask you to pick your preffered month. Multiple choice so pick as many as you want at we can take it from there.
how many rounds are there going to be with this poll?
fav month... fav week... fav day... fav hour... :rolleyes:
(I'm just jealous) :eek:
April would be best for me, or March, Feb or Jan in that order. :D
http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=2091&sc=1026&ac=d&an=2091:Wreck+Tour:+12,+The+Port+Napier...
Sound like a nice dive
Lizardland
12-11-07, 20:04
I've cocked my vote up! What I meant to put was Feb, Mar or April. I can do January but it's not ideal as I'll probably be skint... ah the joys of public holidays and being paid by the hour... bah humbug :D
I've cocked my vote up! What I meant to put was Feb, Mar or April. I can do January but it's not ideal as I'll probably be skint... ah the joys of public holidays and being paid by the hour... bah humbug :D
Oh FFS! :D
Changed the count to reflect.
I'll give Neil McCrae a try first. He's been recommended (http://www.congeralley.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10534&postcount=12) before and he was very helpfull when I spoke to him when I was up that way and trying to get a dive.
The bunkhouse sounds handy as well. Sleeps 20 and near the pub!
April is popular...
It's my 30th on Sunday 13th :D But I will be castrated if I make it that weekend :eek:
Well Pre Birthday or Post Birthday Bash then :D
should be up for that a long as it's a sunday
Probably head up early on a Saturday, couple of dives then pub pub pub. Nurse ourselves home on the Sunday....
Probably head up early on a Saturday, couple of dives then pub pub pub. Nurse ourselves home on the Sunday....
So much for that plan then :o
Lizardland
12-11-07, 21:54
April is popular...
It's my 30th on Sunday 13th :D But I will be castrated if I make it that weekend :eek:
If it's round the 18th then I'll be similarly operated on, it's my girlfriend's birthday.
Definitely has to be a Saturday to partake of filthy alcohol!
at the moment any of those months would be good :D
dive granny
12-11-07, 22:53
Our club usualy does the Napier as a weekend trip. It is good. April 25th is my hubby's 60th! Must be a popular month for birthdays;) Last time we stayed in chalets. Cant remember name off hand.
If we can get air, we could always dive on the way back down - maybe the Slates or something.
I voted March, but have no real problems this period, apart from the ski trip school week and some others. Just choose a date and we'll say yes or no - please don't pick a bad week for me!
I wont make it as it's one hell of a drive home....
am easy id love to tag along if poss
just missed out on the one this weekend with aquatron :(
sounds like a great dive.
kyle.
Airmonster
13-11-07, 08:49
I'd be up for this. Sound good.
Anytime February, March or April would suit me.
/Colin.
Not fussy really, any month, although if we are only diving Saturday seems a bit of a waste, lets do some on the sunday also and make a weekend of it.
Not fussy really, any month, although if we are only diving Saturday seems a bit of a waste, lets do some on the sunday also and make a weekend of it.
have to agree there with chris - only dived the napier once, so happily do 2 dives on it. But for the sunday is there any decent other ones near by?? even dare i say it....scenic??
have to agree there with chris - only dived the napier once, so happily do 2 dives on it. But for the sunday is there any decent other ones near by?? even dare i say it....scenic??
Or shore dives....................
alexmaclennan
13-11-07, 23:46
Not the WE of the 18th as I'm out of Tarbert on Little Blue.
What about the WE of the 11th of April? I agree that we should try and get Sat and Sunday dives - need to think about possible shoredives coming back.
alex
Not the WE of the 18th as I'm out of Tarbert on Little Blue.
What about the WE of the 11th of April? I agree that we should try and get Sat and Sunday dives - need to think about possible shoredives coming back.
alex
It's my 30th bday on Sunday the 13th!... I was thinking the first weekend 5th and 6th?
Any month would do me, though I would prefer making a weekend out of it. What about Easter weekend and could a non diver tag along?
It's my 30th bday on Sunday the 13th!... I was thinking the first weekend 5th and 6th?
Sounds good to me.
Lizardland
14-11-07, 10:47
Sounds good to me.
I'm happy with 5th/6th too. Easter is out for me.
5th 6th of April is okay for me
5th and 6th are good for me
5th and 6th April sound ok for me too, but a bit too far out to confirm!
alexmaclennan
15-11-07, 00:12
I'm not sure I can make that weekend, but if it suits everyone else then organise it for then.
alex
im in, dates permitting...
i dive this every year in August but happy to tag along if i can make it.
dive granny
15-11-07, 23:30
5th and 6th sounds good to me. I will need to find a nice chauffeur;) Think Bubblemaker and Urchin might be interested as well.
Good good. Shaping up to be a cracking trip :D
dive granny
16-11-07, 00:22
Could end up with more Conger members than locals in Kyle of Lochalsh at this rate;)
Lizardland
16-11-07, 01:46
Could end up with more Conger members than locals in Kyle of Lochalsh at this rate;)
Just thinking that... Anyone keeping count? :rolleyes:
this could-in the end- beat the number of posts on the 'hodges close' thread...:rolleyes:
this could-in the end- beat the number of posts on the 'hodges close' thread...:rolleyes:
Interesting thought, what the confirmed diver to post count v's cancelations ratio would be?
so hows the decision making process going on this one?? any dates decided?? please dont let it be first week of april - thats the only other dive booking i have so far
2008 calendar looks v bare.... :(
The fisrt week in April looks popular.
But I will need to wait until after the new year to firm things up. As I've mentioned it's my 30th birthday and I might be off to Mozambique :D :D :D
When I know what's happening I'll let you know ;)
30th in Mozam, Party Party. Can we all crash that trip ? :D
can I go?
anywhere?
any nice cool breeze will be nice.
Has anything been arranged yet ?
Has anything been arranged yet ?
Nope.
I should really start shouldn't I.
Can I have a "Aye" from all those still interested in the 3rd and 4th April
Lizardland
14-01-08, 17:13
Nope.
I should really start shouldn't I.
Can I have a "Aye" from all those still interested in the 3rd and 4th April
Aye! 3rd & 4th are Thurs & Fri in my diary though, is that right? No problem, should be able to do it.
Aye! 3rd & 4th are Thurs & Fri in my diary though, is that right? No problem, should be able to do it.
thurs & fri i can do :)
5th & 6th i cant as diving lochaline
Nope.
I should really start shouldn't I.
Can I have a "Aye" from all those still interested in the 3rd and 4th April
no can do sorry...
My appologies. 5th and 6th NOT 3rd and 4th :o
Lizardland
14-01-08, 18:06
My appologies. 5th and 6th NOT 3rd and 4th :o
It's still an aye from me.
Will need to check, kids are off school, might be going somewhere, non diving related.
5th and 6th of April is a yes for Mrs Robertson and Myself :D
I doubt I can plan to do a trip in the school easter hols
im out.... canny make that weekend..
The port Napier is a cracking dive, done it a coupla times...
Stewart has a good vid on youtube.
Would love to come, but Iam afraid I will be in Sharm
on the 6th:D
I've wanted to do the Port Napier for years since first reading about in Rod MacDonald's book on Scottish Wrecks.
However, I'll have to pass on this one - out of the country skiing!:)
Dave
I'm pretty sure GG and I are ok for 5/6th April.
Hi Scott
Got space for one more? 5th &6th would suit me fine.
Shaping up nicely. So far we have:
Me (that's the weather guaranteed then ;))
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
7 spare livers
Might have another 2 wanting to join us
The more the merrier.
The wreck is only 5 mins from the slip apparently so we shouldn't need to worry about boat space.
I personally would like 2 dives on the Napier on the Sat then a shore dive or two on the way home on the Sunday.
Lizardland
16-01-08, 12:44
Sounds good! Are you sorting out accomodation too? Well, it's worth a try... :D
Sounds good! Are you sorting out accomodation too? Well, it's worth a try... :D
Would you prefer a Canvas or Nylon tent ;)
There was mention on a bunkhouse used my a group. I'll look into that. If you want something more posh your on your own.
I'm not staying in a tent or a bunkhouse, what's the nearest village ?
Lizardland
16-01-08, 14:04
Are there no Travelodges? :D
Where are we based i.e. which pub are we getting rat-arsed in? Might have a look for a B&B, I don't mind a bunkhouse but there's nothing worse than trying to put a tent up in the rain while pissed. Except maybe for trying to do it sober :)
Aye i would want a B&B as well, Bunkhouses are for Scouts and Criminals :D
I just spoke to Cuchulainn's Backpackers Hostel
The have a twin room at £15 a head, a 6 bunk and a 4 bunk room for £12.50 a head
And it is NEXT DOOR to the pub! ;)
Left a voicemail for Neil MacRae for the boat.
Dive Tramp
16-01-08, 14:24
Nice BIG bar in the Balmacara Hotel, 4-6miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, there's also the caravan/campsite at the rear of the hotel, so everybody could be located in one spot! Incidently, there is a launching slip (Highwater(ish)only) just opposite the hotel...and then you can see the dive site from there too.
My Buddy and I used the Campsite (We used EDNA, the campervan) and bar a couple of years ago, when we dived the PN, we used the Kyle slip tho, coz its accessible at all tides heights. Harbour Master is ok with you leaving the cars and trailers by his office which is by the RailwayStation. Sometimes he takes money for the launch other times he doesn't (I think it was only a fiver anyway...).
count me and the shmeeg in for the 5/6th, will arrange own accomodation as i have to bring the dug and shmeeg.
Shaping up nicely. So far we have:
Me (that's the weather guaranteed then ;))
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
9 spare livers
I just spoke to Cuchulainn's Backpackers Hostel
The have a twin room at £15 a head, a 6 bunk and a 4 bunk room for £12.50 a head
And it is NEXT DOOR to the pub! ;)
Left a voicemail for Neil MacRae for the boat.
GG and I have no problem with a hostel (though preferably the twin room for us cos I can't handle guys snoring!). Beginning of April is still a bit chilly for the dive trip with a tent option.
Lizardland
16-01-08, 16:14
Much as I like the comfort of a B&B, £12.50 for the bunkhouse means I have drinking vouchers for a good 4-5 pints to spare. That is, of course, assuming that I drink. Which obviously I don't :D
Count me in, I'm a tight git.
Shaping up nicely. So far we have:
For the trip
Me (that's the weather guaranteed then ;))
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
9 spare livers
For the hostel
Me
Ernie (don't even think of telling me you won't stay in a hostel :p)
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
5 pairs of ear plugs
Add me to the list of divers.
I may have to opt for the B&B as the wife is tagging along, and there is no way she's sleeping in a hostel.
I'll let you know when her majesty has made her mind up.
Forgot to mention, that i spoke to john tonite, and he's pretty eager.
So were is the bunkhouse ???? what village is near ?
Could I put my name down for this trip too!:confused:
Got a call back from Neil tonight. He should be OK for the 5th. He's away from home at the moment so will confirm later. The boat only takes 12 divers. We're at 13 now but the wreck is only 10-15mins from the slip. Don't see why we couldn't go in 2 groups (or squeeze 13 on board if we don't get any more takers)
Shaping up nicely. So far we have:
For the trip
Me (that's the weather guaranteed then ;))
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
John Pimm
Gonk45
Loudy331
13 spare livers
For the hostel
Me
Ernie (don't even think of telling me you won't stay in a hostel :p)
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45?
Loudy331?
John Pimm?
8 pairs of ear plugs
The hostel is right on the main street through Kyle of Lochalsh (map (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|IV40%208AE)) only 5ish mins from the slip. Apparently the bar manager owns the hostel ;)
Still to confirm the price of the boat.
P.S. Baggsy in the water first :p
me and Helen could be up for it if there's space / two runs ...
I take it the diving is just on the saturday and then maybe slates on way home ...?
(we'd probs b&b it)
me and Helen could be up for it if there's space / two runs ...
I take it the diving is just on the saturday and then maybe slates on way home ...?
(we'd probs b&b it)
The more the merrier. I'll speak to Neil about doing 2 runs but I can't see it being a problem. I might have a few more interested as well.
The plan is for 2 dives on the Port Napier on the Saturday. The Sunday is a free for all. But the Slates seems a good one.
For the trip
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
John Pimm
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
15 spare livers
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45?
Loudy331?
John Pimm?
8 pairs of ear plugs
I'm only coming if we agree to leave the boat unattended while we're diving:D
maybe we could just surface swim out to the wreck ;)
Could bring the sea beaver but it's a fair old jaunt :)
crap, I wont be in UK until the 17th :confused:
Could bring the sea beaver but it's a fair old jaunt :)
Is Sea Beaver in the water yet?
Is Sea Beaver in the water yet?
No yet,she'll be undergoing sea trials next month lmao :D
Update on Hostel confirmations.
I'll be looking to book this ASAP to ensure we get. I'll confirm prices hopefully next week and I'll be taking 50% deposits.
Estimated costs £10 per dive, hostel £12.50 (£15 twin room) - £32.50 (£35.00)
Price of the boat may change depending on how many trips we need to make.
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
John Pimm?
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
15 spare livers
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
John Pimm?
8 pairs of ear plugs
Update on Hostel confirmations.
I'll be looking to book this ASAP to ensure we get. I'll confirm prices hopefully next week and I'll be taking 50% deposits.
Estimated costs £10 per dive, hostel £12.50 (£15 twin room) - £32.50 (£35.00)
Price of the boat may change depending on how many trips we need to make.
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
John Pimm?
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
15 spare livers
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
John Pimm?
8 pairs of ear plugs
Are you booking the hotel for one night or two? It's quite a drive for a Saturday morning.
Lizardland
18-01-08, 11:47
Are you booking the hotel for one night or two? It's quite a drive for a Saturday morning.
Yeah, I was thinking that too. I'd be up for staying on the friday night as well.
My itinerary would be:
drive u p on friday afternoon (take a half day off work);
PN on Saturday
Slate on way back on Sunday
My itinerary would be:
drive u p on friday afternoon (take a half day off work);
PN on Saturday
Slate on way back on Sunday
Yep, same with us, except the half day holiday bit - I've allocated all my hols for this year :eek: We'd drive up Friday after work.
I was thinking of driving up on the Friday night as well. Bit of a treck.
I'd be happy to book the Friday for those wanting it.
shmeeg and i were looking at driving up Friday night as well.
Lizardland
18-01-08, 13:46
I've got no choice but to do a half-day, I've got a 200mile drive before the long trek even starts! I'm not kipping in my car in a layby this time!!!
Mine's a pint of Tenants Ember BTW, might as well get all the orders in now :D
We would drive up friday too. Mines a stella with vodka shooter
Were going to stay at The Lochalsh Hotel and travel up Friday Morning. NO BEERS TILL SATURDAY !
http://www.lochalshhotel.com/index.html
What's the boat like Hard Boat or Rib ?
dive granny
18-01-08, 19:43
It's a hard boat. If I recall you geta cuppa after your dive. I assume a bunk house is pretty basic. I have never been in one. How basic?
It's a hostel. They're will be shared toilets, showers etc. Bedding should be included. I'll check when I book.
If there's any space on this I'd be interested, please let me know.
Steve
Does anyone know if you can get fills up there?
If there's any space on this I'd be interested, please let me know.
Steve
I'm sure we can squeeze you in. I think we're going to need two runs on the boat now anyway so it would be good if we could fill both runs as much as possible.
I've seen air fills advertised on the road up there, and I'm sure it's not far from Kyle. At a caravan park I think. I'll check when I speak to Neil again.
alexmaclennan
19-01-08, 07:54
Does anyone know if you can get fills up there?
I know that when Aquatron did their PN trips they said bring 3 tanks - implying that there was no readily available air.
There is a compressor at Dive and Sea the Hebrides at Waternish - but it is a fair distance away.
alex
Does anyone know if you can get fills up there?
I done this trip a few years back now and you could get fills from the
local fire station through Neil Macrae's. Cost was a donation to the station.
Dont know if this is still the case as it was a while ago. Hope this helps.
Martin from Aquatron organised a trip oct'06 if I recall correct, ask him he might know.:)
I'm sure we can squeeze you in. I think we're going to need two runs on the boat now anyway so it would be good if we could fill both runs as much as possible.
I've seen air fills advertised on the road up there, and I'm sure it's not far from Kyle. At a caravan park I think. I'll check when I speak to Neil again.
Great,
I think I'll just bring some spare bottles and decant across into my twins.
If there's not enough people for two full loads on the boat why not spread them across each trip, a bit more space for kitting up?
My plan would be to come up on Friday, and stay in the hostel Friday and Saturday nights.
Aye, less people on the boat would be a better idea so two trips makes sense. You need to cap the number going though or were going to end up with 3 trips and 1 dive each. Were at 15 now, should make it 16 max
Oban is your closet place for fills
or Skye dive centre (thats just as far away)
no longer allowed to fill at the station HSE etc,.
we also tried fort william again not allowed
thus best to tank enough tanks with you
Oban is your closet place for fills
or Skye dive centre (thats just as far away)
no longer allowed to fill at the station HSE etc,.
we also tried fort william again not allowed
thus best to tank enough tanks with you
Stewart said he still gets fills from the fire station - maybe different selling to the public than commercially.
I can bring 3 x 15l and 3 x 12l and twin 12l (I'll use them for 2 dives) and Lindsay will use 2 x 12l so will have spare air.
dive granny
19-01-08, 23:54
Don't forget I'm on too:)
Stewart said he still gets fills from the fire station - maybe different selling to the public than commercially.
last year we got fills no problem, shark boy is right, the fire service isnt allowed to fill anyones tins other than their own.
the station is generally un-manned, most are part time firemen
so, we used to make a donation to them, we didnt pay for fills ;)
OK. That is us up to 17 now with one to confirm. The boat holds 12 divers so a group of 8 and 9 should be comfortable. I might have one or two more folk interested so I'm going to close it at that.
10 in the hostel. Only 2 spare beds left now so I'd imagine we'll have it to ourselfs. However is there any objection to booking the extra 2 beds and splitting the cost so that we do have the place to ourselfs? That would take it to £15 a head assuming we're all staying 2 nights. (But we might even get a discount...)
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
John Pimm?
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
Hickdive
Dive Granny
17 spare livers
For the hostel
Me (Fri and Sat)
Ernie
Lizardland (Fri and Sat)
Claire (Fri and Sat)
Gas Guzzler (Fri and Sat)
Gonk45
Loudy331
Hickdive (Fri and Sat)
Dive Granny (Fri and Sat)
John Pimm?
10 pairs of ear plugs
However is there any objection to booking the extra 2 beds and splitting the cost so that we do have the place to ourselfs? That would take it to £15 a head assuming we're all staying 2 nights. (But we might even get a discount...)
No objection from me.
On a more serious note, I can recommend these folk - you'll need them with me :o
http://www.snorestore.co.uk/index1.html
The Hostel is now booked for the 4th and 5th of April. I have just went ahead and booked the whole place (12 beds) Comes in at £150 a night.
Bedding is included. There are 2 showers, toilets and a kitchen (beer fridge ;))
There is a twin room which is reserved for Claire and D.G. the rest is a free for all.
Waiting for Neil to phone me back with a price for the boat
Lizardland
24-01-08, 16:22
showers
Steady, let's not go overboard with the luxury levels!!! A sink to wash the beer/curry drool off in the morning is more than generous :D
Do you need a deposit yet?
Steady, let's not go overboard with the luxury levels!!! A sink to wash the beer/curry drool off in the morning is more than generous :D
Poof :D
Do you need a deposit yet?
Once I have the price from Neil I'll poke you for deposits.
It should be £10 a dive but I just want to make sure he's happy doing 4 runs.
Lizardland
24-01-08, 20:54
Once I have the price from Neil I'll poke you for deposits.
It's alright, thanks for the offer but I don't mind paying like everyone else :D
I also will pay without a poke
It's alright, thanks for the offer but I don't mind paying like everyone else :D
:eek: :o :D
Neil just phoned, That is the boat booked for the 5th.
Price is £10 per head per dive so £20 each.
Total price for weekend:
Diving - £20
Hostel - £15 per night
To keep it simple (and to make sure Neil gets paid) I'll take deposits of £20.
Cash, Cheques or Paypal. PM me with your preffered method and I'll give you the details of how to get it to me.
Are you going to the Scottish Dive Show
Are you going to the Scottish Dive Show
Probably not make it, unless the Dunoon ferries are off :(
Just a wee reminder for deposits (£20). There are a few who haven't got in touch with me yet. I'll give you a bit more time before I name and shame ;)
I've left a few spaces open on the trip to try and fill the hostel.
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
JP
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
Hickdive
Dive Granny
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
Hickdive
Dive Granny
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
save me searching back 100+ posts...:o
what was the final confirmed date for the trip?
save me searching back 100+ posts...:o
what was the final confirmed date for the trip?
FFS! :rolleyes:
Diving on Sat 5th April.
We're all traveling up on the Friday night, staying Fri and Sat then a bit of shore diving on the way home on Sunday
Steady, let's not go overboard with the luxury levels!!! A sink to wash the beer/curry drool off in the morning is more than generous :D
I normally just lie in the gutter and let a passing stray dog lick the curry/drool off. Sometimes I get lucky and its the day the roadcleaning machine comes along. Sometimes I get unlucky, especially in the countryside, and its a badger instead.:mad:
;
FFS! :rolleyes:
Diving on Sat 5th April.
We're all traveling up on the Friday night, staying Fri and Sat then a bit of shore diving on the way home on Sunday
:o ok calm down man... i only asked..:D
cant make it... i will be unpacking my bags from my africa return or packing my bags for egypt around then...;):p
Cash, Cheques or Paypal. PM me with your preffered method and I'll give you the details of how to get it to me.
Do you except empty Irn Bru bottles?
Wow....who would think the day would come when you could remove all the teeth from your head, turn your urine orange, and pay for a dive trip all for the price of a few hundred bottle of Irn Bru.
Lizardland
29-01-08, 15:09
Wow....who would think the day would come when you could remove all the teeth from your head, turn your urine orange, and pay for a dive trip all for the price of a few hundred bottle of Irn Bru.
I used to run a recycling centre when I lived in the US. The state I was living in (Massachussetts) had a law that every carbonated drink container (inc. beer) had a 5c deposit on it and we were a collection depot. We used to get regulars in who would go round the streets collecting beer bottles and coke cans, it wasn't unusual to be paying out $2000 a week to some of the them. Most of them were on the dole, the deposit money was tax free and I did see a few fights break out over a bin bag. Not a bad living though, nice easy money :D
dive granny
29-01-08, 16:57
Just goes to show there is a lot of truth in the old saying 'where there's muck there's brass'.:D
Do you except empty Irn Bru bottles?
Wow....who would think the day would come when you could remove all the teeth from your head, turn your urine orange, and pay for a dive trip all for the price of a few hundred bottle of Irn Bru.
If I can spend it I'll take it :D
Just noticed that paypal are now taking a fee for payments received http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa140/regthing/disg15.gif
So all paypal payments will be subject to buying me a pint ;)
Just noticed that paypal are now taking a fee for payments received http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa140/regthing/disg15.gif
they always have done... around 4% + 25p-30p? or so per transaction.
costs nothing to send money.
costs the user £4 i think to remove funds under £50.
£50 and over is free to transfer to your account.
Just a reminder that there is still some space on the Port Napier trip if anyone else fancies it or knows someone else who might.
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
JP
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
Hickdive
Dive Granny
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
Hickdive
Dive Granny
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
--Spare place--
I should just recap the arrangements,incase anyone missed them, as they are now burried quite deep in the thread.
Diving the Port Napier (http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=2091§ion=1026&action=display&show) on the Sat 5th April.
Cuchulainn's Backpackers Hostel booked out for the Fri and Sat night, 3 spaces left £15 a night.
Shore diving on the way home on Sunday, probably the Slates.
Sampling of local and worldwide beverages optional on the Fri and Sat night.
We may have two more people interested - will let you know in the next week or so.
Mr Flibble
14-02-08, 23:16
Ok, got Mrs Flibble drunk tonight and she has agreed that we can go. Thats 2 for the Hostel and 2 for the Boat please. Shog it's your round. :D
Two more for the trip :D
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gedan
Shmeeg
Okto-bear
JP
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
Hickdive
Dive Granny
Mr Flibble
Mrs Flibble (Snorkeling)
--Spare place--
For the hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
Hickdive
Dive Granny
Mr Flibble
Mrs Flibble
--Spare place--
When do you want cash ????????
When do you want cash ????????
Two weeks a go :rolleyes:
Wednesday will be fine :D
Is anyone planning on using nitrox? Perfect wreck for it. I'm filling my 12's with the good stuff for two looooong dives, lots of photies :)
yeah eanx40 :D
I was thinking that :D
But doing the sums I'd run out of air before I ran out of ND time. I think 32% will be fine ;)
Yeah but who cares, it's not as if Eanx40 costs anymore than Eanx32 so nice rich mix for me
Lizardland
12-03-08, 23:11
Is anyone planning on using nitrox? Perfect wreck for it. I'm filling my 12's with the good stuff for two looooong dives, lots of photies :)
If I can get them in for test in time then I'll be on my 12's as well, probably EAN21 :D
Was there any more progress with air fills or is the fire station the only option?
Was there any more progress with air fills or is the fire station the only option?
Good question. I'll check.
Yeah but who cares, it's not as if Eanx40 costs anymore than Eanx32 so nice rich mix for me
Unless you shop in Edinburgh Dive Centre, where they charge you by the litre!
Yes True but i never use them anymore, as the parking is a killer
And they don't serve Trailer Trash :D :D :D
Lizardland
13-03-08, 09:47
Unless you shop in Edinburgh Dive Centre, where they charge you by the litre!
Shop near me used to charge by the kg. They filled your cylinders on a set of scales and they used to mix gas by weight. It was a great system, you could get fills very quick because overheating made no difference to the final fill.
Sorry for Hijacking this thread...but
Yes True but i never use them anymore, as the parking is a killer
Shog, given you live 10 minutes from me, where do you get your fills of air and Nitrox?? As I use EDC.
Yogi Diver
14-03-08, 14:57
have to agree there with chris - only dived the napier once, so happily do 2 dives on it. But for the sunday is there any decent other ones near by?? even dare i say it....scenic??
You could dive off the point South of Balmacarra. (Ru Scarabhaig) N57.16.250 W5.35.630. (Don't think there is shore access so it's still done from a rib.)
Lovely slope to the South of the point and a sheer wall to the West down to 70+ metres with loads of life.At least there was a couple of years ago.:)
Sorry for Hijacking this thread...but
Shog, given you live 10 minutes from me, where do you get your fills of air and Nitrox?? As I use EDC.
I take my cylinders to work and go to Aquatron.
http://www.lochalshhotel.com/index.html
Booked in here for the weekend, how far away is this from the Hostel ?
http://www.lochalshhotel.com/index.html
Booked in here for the weekend, how far away is this from the Hostel ?
5 minutes drive away from Kyle harbour.
http://www.lochalshhotel.com/index.html
Booked in here for the weekend, how far away is this from the Hostel ?
Not far. (I think)
Just booked into the Ardenlea B&B in centre of Kyle. :)
Meant to say when i was in Krakow i met the head chef from the kyle hotel and we had a few bevvies :),hopefully going to meet him at some point when we head up.....hopefully a few scallops accidently fall into my goody bag first :D:D
Were staying at the Kyle Hotel :D
Were staying at the Kyle Hotel :D
I'll fone Martin and make sure your well looked after ;)
Just don't be flogging him your scallops
Just booked a much better and CHEAPER place for myself and my good lady to stay at during our little trip next weekend. While you chaps are smelling each others farts, we will be staying here.
http://www.kylehotel.co.uk/hotel.html
Bargain - £76.00 Bed and Breakfast all in for both of us for the 2 nights. thats £19.00 a night each with breakfast.
BARGAIN BARGAIN BARGAIN. The other place we had booked wanted £160.00 and no breakfast.
Just booked a much better and CHEAPER place for myself and my good lady to stay at during our little trip next weekend. While you chaps are smelling each others farts, we will be staying here.
http://www.kylehotel.co.uk/hotel.html
Bargain - £76.00 Bed and Breakfast all in for both of us for the 2 nights. thats £19.00 a night each with breakfast.
BARGAIN BARGAIN BARGAIN. The other place we had booked wanted £160.00 and no breakfast.
That's where he works...........nowt wrong wi smelling each others farts :D
That's where he works...........nowt wrong wi smelling each others farts :D
You haven't smelled mine...yet:o
You haven't smelled mine...yet:o
LMAO.... it's gonna be like school camp all over again :D:D
So is that the Hotel the chap you meet at Summer Island works at ? Nice big bag of Scallops for him then
Oh and think your all lucky that you won't have to smell mine :D
After the Lake District Trip with Loudy and Regthing, I never want to wake up to 3 lads worth of beer farts again :D
So is that the Hotel the chap you meet at Summer Island works at ? Nice big bag of Scallops for him then
Naw guy i met in Krakow works there the one who made me miss my flight home.....hic :rolleyes:
Don't you be cutting ma grass wi the scallops :mad::D
Mmmm Free Toyota Auris with Tank of Fuel :D
Mmmm Free Toyota Auris with Tank of Fuel :D
Ok you talked me into it,sell him the scallops :D
Yeah, got to gather them first mate
After the Lake District Trip with Loudy and Regthing, I never want to wake up to 3 lads worth of beer farts again :D
You'll never know how lucky you were that night after you crashed out,me and regthing hunted for a black magic marker to write DIR on the back of your napper :D:D
Well you guys will never know what i did to your tooth brushes when i got up 2 hours before you :D
Well you guys will never know what i did to your tooth brushes when i got up 2 hours before you :D
Hmmm and sneaked out leaving me and Scott to foot the bill :eek:
Oh the lies the lies :D LMFFAO :D
After the Lake District Trip with Loudy and Regthing, I never want to wake up to 3 lads worth of beer farts again :D
And that was only Loudy :eek: :D
And that was only Loudy :eek: :D
Ye did no bad yersel big fella :(,i better get to bed some of us are diving in the morning 06:30 in the forth :eek:
Ye did no bad yersel big fella :(
I must of floated enough air biscuits for 5 folk :o :D :eek:
dive granny
29-03-08, 00:32
Oh my God! was I wise to book this trip:eek::eek:;)
dive granny
29-03-08, 00:34
ps at least I'm sharing with Claire:) Oh and I don't drink beer, nice wee lady like G&T for me, LOL;)
Oh my God! was I wise to book this trip:eek::eek:;)
As an ex-nurse you'll have heard worse.
What am I saying, as an ex-nurse you'll have done worse! :eek:;)
dive granny
29-03-08, 00:47
That would be telling:D:D
Serious suggestion:
Shouldn't we have a contact sheet with mobile numbers.
Also, a schedule for the diving on Saturday: where do we meet? when?
Serious suggestion:
Shouldn't we have a contact sheet with mobile numbers.
Also, a schedule for the diving on Saturday: where do we meet? when?
Good idea, but probably best to do it by PM, perhaps to the trip organiser?
Don't worry. It's all in hand. I had left a message with Neil last week but finally spoke to him this morning.
Ropes off for the first lot will be 9am at the old ferry slip (map to follow) we've still to discuss the specifics of how the trips will go.
If you can start posting who's diving with who and I'll split the group. If anyone is planning anything funky let me know and I'll keep you on the same boat.
Neil MAY be able to arrange air fills but there are NO guarantees. Please make sure you bring all the air you need.
If you all PM me your mobile numbers and email address I'll make sure everyone get a copy of "the plans"
OK Scott. I've PM'd you my mobile and Helen's. She's with Orange and I'm on T-mobile so hers is likely to work better up north.
I've just been looking at John Liddiard's guide to the PN: http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=2091§ion=1026&action=display&show
Has anyone been thinking about how they might dive it?
There basically seem to be two choices: serious penetration or deck-bimbling ...
I can see myself having a leisurely deck-bimble, with a wee dip into the superstructure and stern cabins, and obviously the open holds. I've heard that the railway line is a very long dark swim in a narrow corridor ... so I'll take a look at that on the day. For me it would depend on how much green light I can see along the way ... :rolleyes:
07917350872 when you get there for a pint ?, and yes anyone can get my work mobile from AC website anyway :D
Yogi Diver
30-03-08, 19:46
Has anyone been thinking about how they might dive it?
There basically seem to be two choices: serious penetration or deck-bimbling ...
I can see myself having a leisurely deck-bimble, with a wee dip into the superstructure and stern cabins, and obviously the open holds. I've heard that the railway line is a very long dark swim in a narrow corridor ... so I'll take a look at that on the day. For me it would depend on how much green light I can see along the way ... :rolleyes:
The last time I did the PN, about 2years ago, the plates of the hull were wafer thin and actually waving in the light current. I would be VERY careful if considering penetration. It's getting pretty fragile. There's masses to see on the outside with little risk. We dropped down onto 4" Gun on the bow and made our way to the stern, had a good look at the mine laying section in the stern and returned to the bow again. Total dive time about 50 minutes with a Max Depth of about 18 metres.
Excellent dive:)
Has anyone been thinking about how they might dive it?
Was thinking about doing the outside of it on dive 1 then inside of it on dive 2 but as you've said i'll see on the day.
Inside dive 1 before silt is kicked up and outside dive 2, scallops dive 3 :D
Oh Dive 4 - In the bar :D
dive granny
30-03-08, 20:50
I've not done wreck penetration before. Just did the big hold (3?) the first time I went. I dont know who to dive with:( I've done 186 dives. I'm a sport diver and I don't use a pony. My max dive is probs about 35m I've been to Malta, and the Red Sea twice. Most of my dives are in the 20 - 30m region, so who would like me for a buddy.:)
You can dive in a 3 with me and lindsay :D
im not on the trip but, if your doing penetration it might be an idea to do it on the 1st dive (& the 2nd :)).
newbies, head for the top stern doors, all the plates above you are off so there is an open path to the surface. no 6 hold on liddards guide is also open to surface and rather light inside.
anyone else, it has to be the lower stern doors, you can pass right along the ship to the fore deck without comming out of the wreck.
i shot this vid about 7 months ago...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=O5hZaIZzgFk
have fun!
Have you dived of the same boat before ?
What type of ladders does the boat have ?
I wouldn't mind a wee rummage inside either. But I would prefer to do it on my first dive, I'll be using one set of twin 12's for both dive and would rather have the extra air, then suck them dry on the 2nd :rolleyes:
Less silt kicked up also...
I wouldn't mind a wee rummage inside either. But I would prefer to do it on my first dive, I'll be using one set of twin 12's for both dive and would rather have the extra air, then suck them dry on the 2nd :rolleyes:
Less silt kicked up also...
Ideally i'd like to do my first dive inside too but i was thinking i'd rather orientate myself with the wreck before i penetrated it :eek:
Righty ho. How does this grab you.
Boat Group 1
Me
Ernie
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Okto-bear
JP
Gonk45
Loudy331
Gord
Helen
Boat group 2
Lizardland
Hickdive
Shog69
Mrs Shog69
Dive Granny
Gedan
Shmeeg
Mr Flibble
Mrs Flibble (Snorkeling)
Stewart (penciled in, will know later in the week)
We could draw straws on Friday night to see what boat group goes first :rolleyes: Any changes to the groups above can be bought with beer ;) And may change at the last minute depending on how fragile some people are :eek:
We'll be getting picked up at the old ferry slip here (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|kyle%20of%20lochalsh#t=l&map=57.28043,-5.71672|18|8&loc=GB:57.28038:-5.71671:18|kyle%20of%20lochalsh|) (Turn towards the water at the "the traffic lights" on Staion road). The plan is to get the first lot at 9am.
We've still to agree how he's going to run the two lots but I would like to see him take one group out wait for us then takes us back before picking up the 2nd group. In which case the 2nd group might get a lie in until about 11am.
As I said before refills CANNOT be guaranteed. You'll need to bring all the air you need with you.
Hostel
Me
Ernie
Lizardland
Claire
Gas Guzzler
Gonk45
Loudy331
Hickdive
Dive Granny
Mr Flibble
Mrs Flibble
Stewart (penciled in, will know later in the week)
The hostel is booked against my name. Just spoke to them and told that we'll be arriving at various times.
Cuchulainns Backpackers Hostel
Station Road, Kyle of Lochalsh
Tel 01599 534 492
It's right on the main road. Just passed the railway bridge.
Here's a map (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|kyle%20of%20lochalsh#t=l&map=57.28099,-5.71486|18|4&loc=GB:57.28096:-5.71489:18|kyle%20of%20lochalsh|)
The hostel is £150 a night between us so £13.64 is Stew dosn't come and £12.50 if he does (Stew, you have to come to make the figures easier ;)) Bedding is inlcuded in the price. We're split evenly across the boats so that should help with the queue for the showers (I know, I'm good :rolleyes: :D)
The rooms are:
1x twin room
1x 4 bunk
1x 6 bunk
Which works out quite well. The ladies can have the 4 bunk room (if you want). Doesn't matter if Stew comes or not apparently he sleeps in the car anyway :D :p
Mr Flibble
31-03-08, 13:39
Great stuff.
Being on the 2nd boat trip gives us a few more hours to try and sober up Shog. :D
Any idea of cooking facilities? Or will we be living out (not sure of the food situation in K.O.L. ) I do a mean Thai Green or Red curry (by mean I mean the bogs will be backed up by 9am Saturday).
Looks good
One question - are there separate ladies' showers and toilets?
Any idea of cooking facilities? Or will we be living out (not sure of the food situation in K.O.L. ) I do a mean Thai Green or Red curry (by mean I mean the bogs will be backed up by 9am Saturday).
One question - are there separate ladies' showers and toilets?
Good questions. I'll let the question ride until tomorrow so I'm not phoning every 5 mins. Keep them coming :D
Only 4 days to go!
anyone else "nursing a semi?" :D
Great stuff.
Being on the 2nd boat trip gives us a few more hours to try and sober up Shog. :D
Any idea of cooking facilities? Or will we be living out (not sure of the food situation in K.O.L. ) I do a mean Thai Green or Red curry (by mean I mean the bogs will be backed up by 9am Saturday).
Nothing sobers me up like another beer :D
Don't you lot on the 1st boat be kicking up the silt.
So is the boat going to make 4 trips ?
Don't you lot on the 1st boat be kicking up the silt.
We're drawing straws on the Friday night to see what group goes first. Now aren't I fair ;)
So is the boat going to make 4 trips ?
2 groups + 2 dives each = 4 boat trips
Have a smiley face :)
are there seperate gents showers and toilets?
Bawbag!
Are we have a pub crawl Saturday Night :D
Oh I can't draw straws, will a cat or dog do ?
dive granny
31-03-08, 21:57
Will some kind person be able to give me and my kit a lift from the hostel to the boat please. :)
Will some kind person be able to give me and my kit a lift from the hostel to the boat please. :)
Of course. I'll be driving mine round ;)
dive granny
31-03-08, 22:10
Thank you. :)
Not sure who I' buddying yet but before we go, I'd just like to run over my kit and dive plans.
I've got twin 300 bar tens with an Apeks manifold and remote isolator (I've found the valve protector that the inverted cylinders sit on won't let me reach the valves properly, hence the isolator).
I know the cylinders are heavy but my 100lb OMS wing is more than capable of lifting them and my Transpac harness holds it really snug to my back, especially now I've crossed the harness behind my neck.
It's dead easy to share air with me, just take the Jetstream from my mouth (the yellow spiral hose wrap makes it obvious which one to take but sometimes it needs a good tug to free the long hose from the wing bungee) and I'll swap onto my Air II. Alternatively, I'll have a 3l steel pony of air slung like a stage on my right, I've never needed it, especially with the twinset, but you can't be too careful.
Now, checking with proplanner (I use proplanner to cut a back-up for my Cochrane Commander) shows we've got loads of time on this wreck so the limiting factor will be our gas supply.
I intend penetrating the wreck but I need to go in first because the SL4s on my helmet aren't that powerful and I find my force fins stir up the silt quite a lot. I don't like handheld torches because I like to use my hands for propulsion and to keep me off the bottom (I just can’t get enough air in my suit to keep me neutral, it bubbles out of the neck seal so I need to fin hard and use my hands all the time)
Signals - please don't rely on a tank-banger or any other audible means of getting my attention as I'll be listening to the Manics on my underwater mp3.
If you've any other questions please don't hesitate to ask when we get there - you'll recognise my green, P-reg Megane on the slip.
Got to go now, important meeting about stationery to attend, then off for a spot of tennis with the wife.
Regards
Steve
dive granny
01-04-08, 00:16
:eek:puts my wee dumpy 12l in the shade:eek:
dive granny
01-04-08, 00:18
Only 4 days to go!
anyone else "nursing a semi?" :D
Think I had to ask my son what that meant last time you mentioned it:o
Think I had to ask my son what that meant last time you mentioned it:o
Here's a tip for all parents to avoid their offspring embarrassment. If you have to ask, don't.
Google it.
Yogi Diver
01-04-08, 09:12
Here's a tip for all parents to avoid their offspring embarrassment. If you have to ask, don't.
Google it.
Embarassing my offspring is one of the few pleasures I have left in life.:D
good luck getting back on the boat with the twin sets
I won't mention it again. The weather's made it go away anyhow :(
Looks like wintery showers for Saturday. Just as well it's a short boat trip...
Better than pishing though.
What's this Ladder on the boat like, can it be climbed with a Twin Set ? or should i just take singles ?
What's this Ladder on the boat like, can it be climbed with a Twin Set ? or should i just take singles ?
I heard the recommended method of boarding is to be last out of the water and make all the other divers run to the other side as you're trying to climb up the ladder.
i have been party to doing that a few times, but it wasnt because some folk were wearing twin-sets ;).
I'll be expecting it on Saturday. After someone takes my video camera from me of course!
dive granny
01-04-08, 15:16
Here's a tip for all parents to avoid their offspring embarrassment. If you have to ask, don't.
Google it.
Don't tell me that is on Google:D
dive granny
01-04-08, 15:17
Looks like wintery showers for Saturday. Just as well it's a short boat trip...
Hope the bunk house has got central heating:D LOL Might bring my hot water bottle, and I'm not kidding:D:D
dive granny
01-04-08, 15:26
if you have any spare time, below the crows nest is a good place to search for dive kit, weight belts, torches, knives, the ones that dont make it back to the boat all live down there;)
That must be where I found my torch in 2002:) It is still in use.
Embarassing my offspring is one of the few pleasures I have left in life.:D
Possible not one of last pleasures, but it does make the long winter evenings fly by! :D
you taking your video camera along?
not sure if i am or not, although tempted, i have shot this before...
but that was then... this is now.. what shall i do?:confused:
take it. if you don't you'll probably see something amazing or the light will be perfect etc etc.
Knowing my luck, I'll forget my diffuser, or bit to hold it in place or something similar.
Yogi Diver
02-04-08, 10:58
take it. if you don't you'll probably see something amazing or the light will be perfect etc etc.
Knowing my luck, I'll forget my diffuser, or bit to hold it in place or something similar.
Taking it is a surefire way of guaranteeing you'll see nothing.:rolleyes:
What time is the last Boat Going Out
What time is the last Boat Going Out
After the 3rd one comes in :rolleyes:
I've PM'd my mobile number to the folk who may not all ready have it.
Ernie has had to drop out due to work and Lizardland thought it was next weekend :rolleyes:
A couple of nice pictures:
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.merchant-navy.net/Images/Port%2520Napier.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.merchant-navy.net/Pictures/port%2520napier.html&h=559&w=800&sz=48&hl=en&start=2&sig2=qBTRCAGQVyJxkm6RwCFd_w&tbnid=TY1PiDzCkimt7M:&tbnh=100&tbnw=143&ei=evz0R__RE6SA0gTG79zxCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dport%2Bnapier%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26s a%3DG
and Lizardland thought it was next weekend :rolleyes:
Nah, he just thought was diving with me and fell for the wind-up description of my kit and practices:p
Does anyone have any specific plans as to when they might arrive tomorrow night?
I'm hoping to be there sometime between 7 and 8.
dive granny
03-04-08, 20:19
Does that mean Claire and I could have the double room as originally planned and Mr and Mrs Flibble could have the four room to themselves. If my sums are correct.
After the 3rd one comes in :rolleyes:
Really :rolleyes:. So what time do we think that will be ?
Well I'm all packed and we should be in Kyle for around 2pm as were both off work tomorrow.
We can't make the PN trip anymore:mad: Was really looking forward to the dives and meeting everyone after all the hype. We have already paid for self catering accomodation if anyone wants it for 1/2 the cost. Its a 1 brm cottage that will allow a dog.
Are we down to one boat yet ?
Does that mean Claire and I could have the double room as originally planned and Mr and Mrs Flibble could have the four room to themselves. If my sums are correct.
Yep, that works :D
Really :rolleyes:. So what time do we think that will be ?
Bit of ready rockoning...
1st boat leaves about 0900-0930
Back in about 2hrs
2nd boat 1130
3rd boat 1330
4th boat 1530
That's a guess and will depend on dive plans.
Does anyone have any specific plans as to when they might arrive tomorrow night?
I'm hoping to be there sometime between 7 and 8.
I'm hoping about 7ish :)
Are we down to one boat yet ?
Nope. Boat hold 12 max.
Currently at 16 (inculding Stew)
I should have had a few beers by that time so give me a bell when you arrive so we can meet up.
Well, it's nearly time and I'm nursing a....sorry. slightly excited now. I'll see y'all up there:D
GG and I are heading up after work, so I think will probably be there between 9 and 10.
See you there.
Claire