On October 25th, one of our members, Julie, held an underwater pumpkin carving contest in conjunction with Adirondack Scuba at the Conklingville Dam on Great Sacandaga. When we got to the dam, we were in for a surprise, the water level was much lower than when we normally dive here. We knew that the lake is drained each year so that it will be able to hold back the spring runoff, but it is a different story when you actually have to walk all that extra distance.
The cold and rainy weather proved no friend and kept turnout lower than expected, but several true divers braved the day to drown our pumpkins. The conditions, dive wise, really weren't that bad. The water was 53 degrees and the air only 51 so it didn't feel that cold. Adirondack Scuba supplied folding shelter and we set up a small stove to heat the cider. While whitecaps were visible further down the lake near the dam the water was smooth as glass. Linda, Dave, Vance, and Julie carved pumpkins. Jarrod swam around with a camera taking candids. John Ball sat on shore and watched. He claimed to be able to see everyone's fins as they sat on the bottom 10 feet down.
After the dive we dined on brownies, donuts and hot cider. We all had a good time and are planning for another event next year.
