Thunder Bay Shipwreck Preserve - Alpena, MI

[gNats]

Just back from a diving trip in Alpena, Michigan. Thunder Bay is one of the many shipwreck preserves in the Great Lakes, sporting over 35 moored wrecks.

Weather conditions in the northeastern side of the lower pennisula can be tricky at times, and we were on the cusp of good and bad weather. The seas were rolling with 4 footers further out into the lake and the overcast day did not make for warm surface intervals.

Because of the weather and sea conditions, we were able to moor on the E.B. Allen, Grecian, and the Oscar T. Flint. The Grecian is compromised of 2 mooring balls; stern and bow. We dove both moorings, independently of each other as a two tank dive to get the most bottom time to explore this wreck.

The day started with the Allen. I was unable to dive the Allen. The seas kicked my butt and my breathing was too labored as I decended, so I called my dive at 33'. The others in our group said it was a great wreck and lots to see and explore.

Our second dive was the the Grecian stern. I swear, this wreck alone was worth the trip. The Grecian, a steel steamer, sank in 1906. It resides in 105 feet of water with the deck at around 75 feet. There was a ton of things to explore and see, and with part of the deck caved in, you could descen into the wreck without having any overhead condition.

One really neat thing about the stern of the Grecian. You descend down the line away from the wreck to the bottom of the lake. Swim a very short distance and you see the prop. Cool, right? Then you look up, and wow, there is the full stern, intact with the railing and the sun shining through the railing. Truly a sight to see.

We took a lunch break and returned to the Grecian to explore the bow end. The bow was not as fantastic as the stern, more lumber laying in piles, but still very impressive with the life boat arm still intact on the deck.

The seas really picked up while we were on the Grecian bow, so we did not dive the Montana, which is almost a must-see. Instead, we headed further inland for shelter and dove the Oscar T. Flint.

The Oscar T. Flint is in about 36 feet of water. A great algea bloom really took vis from us and believe it or not, the water was colder there than the Grecian. The redeeming part of this dive was the fully intact wood anchor. Wow. That was cool to see, complete with its hardware still attached. The Flint sank in 1909 and was made of wood. It made for a very cool zebra mussel reef of lumber.

We dove with Great Lakes Dive Charters out of Alpena and I would recommend this dive op. The boat is different than many people may be used to, but, once you learn the system you can easily get on and off this boat. One nice thing - the things I brought aboard that I wanted to stay dry, did stay dry. Bonus in my book. Also, the people who manage the dive day is just as important as the boat. Frank's hospitality and professionalism was incredible and made for a pleasant day on the lake for sure. One nice thing about the dive op - they have agreements with local businesses in Alpena. We received discount pricing on a nearby hotel and each of us received 10% off our dinner at a very good restaurant.

gNats

[PTAaron]

Great report!

What were the water temps?
My dad's side of the family is from Alpena and still lives there - maybe a trip up to "visit family" is in order

[in_cavediver]

I am glad you had fun - makes me glad I was there a week earlier. The lake was glass calm in the morning for us!

Still - great dives

[gNats]

Originally Posted by PTAaron

Great report!

What were the water temps?
My dad's side of the family is from Alpena and still lives there - maybe a trip up to "visit family" is in order

Brrrrrrfunckle COLD!!!

Actually, temps were in the low to mid-40s on most the wrecks. I haven't played with my computer yet to see exactly where in the 40s.

I wanted to dive the Alpena wrecks because of my own family history in Alpena. I spent my childhood summers on Long Lake. Great memories. Vis was exceptional on all but that last dive (due to algea bloom). I would say easily 50' or more.

[Desert_Diver]

Good report.

Were you diving wet or dry?

[gNats]

Originally Posted by Desert_Diver

Good report.

Were you diving wet or dry?

thank you.

I dive dry with 400 ultra undies.

I do believe dry suit gloves will be in my 2010 budget. I just hate the idea of giving up my dry suit long enough to have the seals installed.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by gNats

thank you.

I dive dry with 400 ultra undies.

I do believe dry suit gloves will be in my 2010 budget. I just hate the idea of giving up my dry suit long enough to have the seals installed.

I use si-tech rings which are a DIY install. It took me about 15 minutes to put them on. You might look into it.

[PTAaron]

Originally Posted by gNats

Brrrrrrfunckle COLD!!!

Actually, temps were in the low to mid-40s on most the wrecks. I haven't played with my computer yet to see exactly where in the 40s.

I wanted to dive the Alpena wrecks because of my own family history in Alpena. I spent my childhood summers on Long Lake. Great memories. Vis was exceptional on all but that last dive (due to algea bloom). I would say easily 50' or more.

Looks like we won't be doing those dives anytime soon then
For now 50 degrees is my limit

[maverick]

Good post gnats I will try and make plans 4 next year 2 do some of that kinda diving myself.

[BuzzF117]

Yeah I dove lake Michigan in May and suffered some major shrinkage issues im not planning on going back until I get a drysuit.