Now, I have to admit - I did not actually dive this past weekend. I had too much to do, and there was too much commotion already. I'm not a big fan of overhead environments, so the list of people I'll dive with under the ice is relatively small. I do, however, enjoy being surface support. Because basically, you're in charge. And who doesn't like that?! Don't fear, I did do about a half dozen ice dives last year, and I plan on doing it again soon...this just wasn't the weekend.
As always, our ice dive was a *production*!! Several trips with the ATV, lots of surface support, a flag, and even some guys from the radio! It was a full weekend! Here are a few shots:
Pulling the ice chunks out of the hole. I prefer to cut one big hole and slide the chunk under the ice, but this works very nice for keeping all sides of the hole accessible. Nice for times when you have things to see in many directions.
Lines point to the hole, just in case. One of many safety precautions taught in an ice diving class.
You can barely make out the triangular hole in the middle. Bubbles from divers exhaust, as well as the weight of people and equipment on the ice, can cause the hole to become wet and slippery and require caution while moving about.
Diversions Ice Camp
I'm in the blue coat. I'm quite used to being surface support for cold weather dives. Mostly because I'm a wimp. (Photo credit: Tamara Thomsen)
I'll probably sign up for the rebreather workshop at Ghost Ships though. I dive with too many rebreather divers to NOT know the basics at this point...though I maintain they dive them just to keep up with me 
