Easter Treasure Hunt 2006!
Much fun was had by all at the recent ‘Easter Treasure Hunt’ at Furnace. For those who were wondering what sort of state the ‘treasure’ was going to be in after being submerged in the icy waters of Loch Fyne, their queries were answered when Alex turned up with 30 little pieces of lead pipe, painted white, and a bulging muscle in his right arm from sawing the pipe.
The first dive was meant to be a warm up for the big event but most buddy pairs found it too tempting when they came across a piece of pipe and consequently over half the treasure was collected in the first dive. The vis was fantastic at around 6/8m!!! It was a lovely sunny day, chilly in the wind and with a few showers – typical west coast weather.
The water temperature was rather chilly too – at 6 degrees. By the time the divers had surfaced the ‘shore contingent’ had the BBQs going and were in the process of cooking burgers and sausages. Some were even polishing off large glasses of white wine (Yvonne). The kids had a great time searching the surrounding area for Crème Eggs, ably assisted by Gus the Golden Retriever, although it more a question of who was walking who.
The underwater treasure hunt recommenced in the second dive and it was Saskia and Pat who emerged victorious, having found 11 pieces of pipe. The Paulsen family came in in 2nd place and 3rd came Lynsey and Andy, who were muttering about having been given false information about finding pipes to the right, rather than the left. Something else they found to the right was a minimum water temperature of 2.7 degrees according to Andy’s computer – brrr. 1st prize was a couple of dives off the RIB each, 2nd prize was some wine and 3rd prize was Easter eggs!
Full of chocolate, we retired to the George Hotel in Inverary for a warming pint or two. Thanks to all involved in the organisation of the day and we look forward to the next event.
By Claire MacPherson. (Also helped with 3rd place but wimped out of the second dive!)Photos by Lynsey! Organisation by Alex!