Jan. 19, 2008 - Sheboygan Power Plant

[Pinggene]

Come join us, weather permitting, for a Winter freediving adventure.

Where: Sheboygan Power Plant. Sheboygan, WI (more specific location to follow)

When: Saturday, January 19, 2008. Start at 10:00 AM

What to expect: Clear Lake Michigan water (hopefully), Warmer temperature of water, Fish?

I've never freedove here before, but in theory, the fish should be there. The water is always steaming in the winter, & it is always flowing. We will not be able to go in the direct current (close to the discharge) as there is an undertow & "no swimming" signs.

If the theory of the "Outlet" holds true, there should be carp & other fish to shoot.

Fill out the poll, do a little car pooling & we'll see you there.

Gene

 

[Whopperhead]

I'm In! I'm wondering if we can go in SOUTH of the Plant? Seeing how the current flows South- I figure It might be warmer south of the plant.

 

[James Jay]

I'm allways looking for an excuse to get down to Sheboygan. I'm on call that weekend but will try to find someone to take it.

Won't be diving but hopefully if all go's well I'll get down there to meet some other freedivers in Wisconsin.

 

[Whopperhead]

Jim- Why wouldn't you be diving? I'm sure the water temp will be a scorching 37 degrees or so. Maybe- just maybe - Mid 40's (might have to bring the 3mm)

 

[Pinggene]

Scott,

On the day I was there (just checking things out) last year, the flow was quite strong near shore, and the steam rising from the warm water headed directly to the East, in the direction of the flow.

There is a road just to the North of the Power Plant that you park on, then it is a flight of stairs down to the sand beach & a bit of a walk to the plant. We will want to bring some sleads for our gear.

Gene

 

[James Jay]

Jim- Why wouldn't you be diving? I'm sure the water temp will be a scorching 37 degrees or so. Maybe- just maybe - Mid 40's (might have to bring the 3mm)

Scott

I'm brining the 0mm as its all I own for now. I tried a wet suit on over the summer and experienced bad acid reflux problems on two occasions. I was advised by several here that the open cells fit better and told of other things that casuse this problem and remedies. I'm going to wait till spring and test the waters again before commiting to buying all that I need. That 37 - 40F does sound a bit bone chilling.

It's been awhile since I've been to Sheboygan. I'll wait to here more on directions etc...

 

[Tol]

I work at 11am in Milwaukee but would be up for meeting early!

If anyone is free during weekdays, I'm your man.

 

[WreckRunner]

I'll be there......have a new 6mm Elios suit to try out, and it looks like about a 2.5 hr commute for me, which will be fine.

See you guys there for sure.

 

[Pinggene]

I hope to get to Sheboygan prior to 1/19/08 to look things over...will post photos as I am able.

I've been messaging with some guys who fish there...they usually see the carp in Late Feb or March...but I'm not certain they (the guys) are there in Jan, nor are they any deeper than waders can get them...

Gene

 

[Tass]

I'm not going to vote on the poll as it will be dependent on ice conditions at Lawrence Lake in Marquette county. Kind of a family tradition to fish at the local ice fishing contest. We'll see how everything shakes out.

 

[Tol]

I hope to get to Sheboygan prior to 1/19/08 to look things over...will post photos as I am able. Gene

Want company? I'm not far from there and have most weekdays free.

 

[Pinggene]

TOL,

Sounds good. I don't have any specific day yet...I'll try to post a couple of days ahead if I can.

I wont be diving, just checking it out.

Gene

 

[Pinggene]

Photos from when I checked it out last year...see how far the steam (warm water) goes out.

I hope to check it out before 1/19/08.

 

[land shark]

wow you can get right up to the opening on that sucker!

just a little food for thought......... some times they have to dump a boiler rare but in an emergency? I know up at portage they have cooked a few batches of fish over the years. but then again thats one reason for the pond in the first place.
but then again its a different powerhouse

 

[Pinggene]

We will not be able to go directly in the fast current as there are "no swimming" signs that warn of a strong under toe...

The water is moving quite fast...I wouldn't want to be directly in the flow...at least not right up close to the opening.

Gene

 

[Tol]

Gene,
Don't you think we would be violating some law of nature to have gear in the car, look at the water, yet dip nary a toe?

Pick your day. A few days I'm free all day: 11, 15, 16, 17.

Anyone interested in meeting to dive earlier in the morning on the 19th? I'd really like to dive but work in Milwaukee at 11am.

T

 

[Pinggene]

Well guys, I hate to do this to you, but I am unable to go on 1/19...not sure when I will be go spearing again...hopefully soon. Not my choice. I'm in a full fledged job hunt mode. :rcard:vangry Anyway, I've never been through it before, so it is an interesting ride (happened Monday). 13 years at the same company & bam - downsizing.

I'm just looking at it as God's way of showing me on to greener pastures. If anyone knows of a non-profit, private, or governmental organization that is trying to promote renewable energy use, that is my dream job...this is where my passion lies.

Otherwise, I have worked with a large Mechanical Contractor (7 yrs) as a Labor Coordinator (150 - 300 workers), moving the field force around, hiring, training, recruiting. And then (6) years as an HVAC Piping Estimator.

Any info/help is appreciated.

So, keep the event going!

You guys know where Sheboygan is, & can see the power plant from far away. The Dead End you park at is the first street you can go all the way towards the lake on the North side of the Plant. There is a steep imbankment down to the beach (I think there is stairs) and then you walk South along the beach to get to the plant. It is a fairly long walk...300 yds? +/-.

Post some pictures.

I hope you understand.

Thanks,

Gene

 

[Whopperhead]

Gene- Sorry to hear about your job loss. That sucks. I will keep you and your family in my prayers-

What is the road We need to tkae to get close to the Power Plant? If you change your mind- It'd be nice to have you There!

I will still plan on going but I probably won't make it till 10am- as I work til 7:15am and have to get all my gear in the car and then drive 1:45 to 2 hours to get there.

 

[Pinggene]

If you look at the link below, I believe it is the road by Lake View Park. It is pretty easy to find.

[ame="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=43.717365,-87.711797&spn=0.015323,0.028925&z=15&om=1"]Google Maps[/ame]

I'm really bummed that I won't be going. Finally got a nice camera & underwater housing for X-mas that I wanted to try out.

Gene

 

[James Jay]

Sorry to hear of your job loss Gene. I will keep my ears open up hear in the valley.

Scott: I've looked at the forecast for saturday and see it is going to get pretty cold this weekend. This doesn't affect my decision to dive as I was only planning on coming down to introduce myself and meet some of you guys. However cold weather typically means it is going to be a busy oncall weekend. I was thinking I might chance it and come down anyway but don't think that is going to work with the weather getting so cold. Sorry, was hoping to at least cook some lunch for everyone. Oh well. Next time.

See ya.