Trip Report 4-30-06
At long last the day we have all been waiting for has come, the first dive of the 2006 season.  The day dawned warm and calm, as 8 divers and crew loaded the boat. The new marina location provided ample parking for every one. With out fanfare we steamed out the inlet.

We were greeted by calm seas as we traveled across Raritan bay. Once we passed Sandy Hook, we began to feel a swell, but nothing we couldn’t handle. Captain Steve drove us to the wreck of the Relief ship, sunk in 105 Ft. of water 15 Mi. from the dock. This wreck is an old friend, yielding many prized artifacts such as, portholes, American flags, Cage lamps, and much more.

Mates John McErlain, and Sean Sweeney jumped in to set the hook. Within 20 Min. , the ocean was open. The divers suited up & dove in. Aboard the boat today it was like old home week, we had Jerry Bertakap, John Yurga, and Pete Fiore back with us, as well as Tim Barrows, and new comer Erin, a buddy of Sean’s.

As the divers started to return from their dives, the news was disappointing. The vis was poor, along with a strong surge, not to mention the water temp. was FXXXXING cold. I dished out hot soup to chilly divers.  On deck, some of the divers dove into Susan’s hot home cooked beef & noodle special, a new addition to the John Jack menu for this season.  E will be providing lunch on all open boat trips this year, as well as on over night trips.

Today being the first trip of the year, was a one tanker. After Every one had returned on board Mate Gerhard (G) returned to the bottom to set us free. The big cats purred as they returned us to Great Kills. Even though the conditions were less than ideal, every one had a good time just getting back in the water.  Please check our website for the complete 2006 schedule, we have many exciting trips planned for this year.