View Full Version : Interest in Madison Blue
fghray1
10-11-2009, 06:26 PM
I was speaking to the Ranger today at Madison and she wants to try and make the park more diver friendly. She wants to get suggestions and set up a diver sleep out at the park. Before she goes to far she want to make sure there would be a big enough interest from the cave diving community.
I'm asking for help from the Divers here and now in this forum.
What she wants suggestions / ideas as to how to make it better for us.
How many would like to have a get together at the park ,maybe with a cook out ( NACD,NSS/CDS, NFSA)
Most divers I talk with say they like diving there. But don't like the restictions of the number of divers allowed. They need to know want would be a good number. Using both Martz and the main entrance.
As many know I placed a trash bucket in the basin and it has been a success
There is less and less glass and trash there.
We need to expess via the forums if there is interest. They will be monitoring the sites.
You guys at the NFSA NACD NSS/CDS can be a great help if you participate.
This site is a great site for training.
Pass it on and get involved.
I would ask to make this thread sticky.
jj1987
10-11-2009, 06:31 PM
24/7 park access similar to paynes prarie would be AWESOME! For those who don't know, state park pass holders can register during business hours for the combination to the gate lock, and use the park after hours as long as they display their state park pass on the window.
Same goes for peacock. I would dive peacock a lot more often if it were under these conditions. Night diving is the main reason I bought my Ginnie pass, and the only reason I'd dive there enough to justify renewing it in the future.
I would appreciate it if the sign in form asked if a diver was going to go through Rocky Horror. That's a long swim just to find out that another team is in there and you can't get to the courtyard. Especially since if you have to turn, there's not many places to top off and go again once the team exits. :mad:
I was speaking to the Ranger today at Madison and she wants to try and make the park more diver friendly. She wants to get suggestions and set up a diver sleep out at the park. Before she goes to far she want to make sure there would be a big enough interest from the cave diving community.
I'm asking for help from the Divers here and now in this forum.
What she wants suggestions / ideas as to how to make it better for us.
How many would like to have a get together at the park ,maybe with a cook out ( NACD,NSS/CDS, NFSA)
I like the overnight cookout idea. I wouldn't mind coordinating it.
Kelly Jessop
10-11-2009, 07:07 PM
I don't think Madison is set up for overnight access. Normally the rules allow for parks to be open outside the normal hours,but they require a ranger on site.
The NFSA will be having a meeting at the end of this month,and more likely the park manager from Madison will be there. He has been very open to discussions and suggestions.
fghray1
10-11-2009, 07:22 PM
I don't think Madison is set up for overnight access. Normally the rules allow for parks to be open outside the normal hours,but they require a ranger on site.
The NFSA will be having a meeting at the end of this month,and more likely the park manager from Madison will be there. He has been very open to discussions and suggestions.
The Ranger said there is a camp ground in the back and they would allow us access to diving if everthing can be set up.
She emailed Craig today and is waiting to hear from him.
Kelly Jessop
10-11-2009, 07:25 PM
The Ranger said there is a camp ground in the back and they would allow us access to diving if everthing can be set up.
She emailed Craig today and is waiting to hear from him.
Great!
When the Bruics owned the park they allowed camping and there was a cabin. I remember a social that was held there that was a lot of fun.
IowaCaveDiver
10-11-2009, 07:54 PM
we camp at Pot occasionally... we'd love the opportunity to load up a bunch of tanks and make an overnighter of it. Access to gas is an issue and we typically don't head thaty way because to haul all the tanks and be on a tight schedule to get in an out/in and out before closing is stressful. We'd love to be able to check in and camp, primative fashion. Do they allow dogs? scooters? I havn't been there in awhile.
IowaCaveDiver
10-11-2009, 08:17 PM
I like the idea of notifying other divers of the intended dive plan/route to avoid too many divers in one passage or whatnot. What about a sort of covered whiteboard, sort of like the little info centers you see at the enterance of state parks where they have the maps and brochurs, etc, however the white board could be broken down where a team can sign in, approx. time in/out and intended dive plan. The information can be voluntary, but at least other divers could try to plan around previously started dives... I would envision it to be a large white board (4x4') with a dry-erase marker hanging and the other half of the board could be the system map for reference. This might make a start of a good system to implement at many dive sites to help divers communicate intended dive plans, facilitate a larger number of teams in/out of sites, and help divers avoid attempting a dive only to be dissapointed that the passage is already occupied.
MORGAN
10-11-2009, 08:43 PM
My suggestion for Madison would be to reopen the showers, maybe even with hot water!
Mike
Slüdge
10-11-2009, 09:32 PM
As far as I know there was never hot water. Brrr in the winter!
Kelly, I remember a CDS Social at MB - my buddy Robin won a Dive Rite regulator as the big door prize. But by the time we got into the diving/camping thing Madison Blue had closed.
I would love to see it opened for camping again - even without hot water!
+1 for the showers.
I would be glad to donate $100 to start this off right.
They could put combo locks on the showers and only give it out to divers.
Raise the max diver limit if they use Martz.
Allow cavern - Full (I have heard they do not allow cavern) it would attract more $$ for the park.
And if there was any way they could pack the park up (with the cave) and move it to GA I would donate $1000 :?
IowaCaveDiver
10-11-2009, 10:00 PM
+1 on the camping access... we don't require any accomodations... just access to the spring. Pack it in, pack it out... perhaps down the road camping funds could pay for better facilities. We've been camping lately at suwanee river state park and the accomodations are awesome!
netmage
10-12-2009, 12:11 AM
Kelly, I don't if its the seasonal time change, but this last time @ Madison, when we were getting ready to leave for lunch, I made sure to check about the park closing and 'out of the water' times @ Madison..., and it seemed alot more later...
As we're doing longer and longer dives, and being a little lazy about securing coffee in the morning, by the time we hit the park, get geared up, a 2 hour dive, then lunch and fills, and the day is spent to squeeze a second dive in to meet the out of the water by 4/5pm... (I don't remember specifics...)
When we last did Madison, it seemed like they were open much later compared to Peacock...
You can add me to the list of interested people.
loquat149
10-12-2009, 08:23 AM
The last several times we dove Madison Blue we bolted pretty quickly after diving because of the noseeums...seems to be a much bigger problem here than at Peacock, Little River, etc. Not sure what the park staff can do about this, but I personally would think twice about an extended stay there. I've even heard it referred to as "natty maddy"...
Dave
IowaCaveDiver
10-12-2009, 08:59 AM
if its anything like pot was yesterday, the flys/nats were absolutly horrible. I left my girlfriend and her son to set up the tent and hang out while I ran to amigos for gas... the kid was in tears from the swarms of flys/bugs... we didn't see a single mosquito, but the other little buggers made for a un-fun trip... had I been there for the evening masacre they probably would have had me pack up and leave.
I thank Jordan for teaching me about the dryer sheet trick last time we dove together at madison... I keep a ziplock of dry sheets in my drysuit bag... take one or two , rub it around your face, neck, etc and then tuck it in your collar while topside... apparently repels the little bugs. worked well yesterday....
sskasser
10-12-2009, 09:06 AM
http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/
These Thermacell contraptions are the bomb! And you don't smell them.
icestac
10-12-2009, 09:07 AM
I personally would think twice about an extended stay there. I've even heard it referred to as "natty maddy"...
Winter is right around the corner :D
In the summer, I don't have to worry. Sam soaks himself in that AXE (a.k.a. A$$) deodorant body spray and all of the female bugs fly his way. The male bug naturally follow...
I'd be interested in coming on down and throwing around ideas so long as it was a weekend where I am not on call.
I'd second any options for overnight access or camping. Hot showers would be nice, but not required IMO -- nothing like taking a dip in the spring without the dry suit.
Cheers,
Jeff
loquat149
10-12-2009, 10:47 AM
http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/
These Thermacell contraptions are the bomb! And you don't smell them.
Yes, I carried one of those late last spring while hiking in the Chassahowitzka, too bad they don't work on horseflies! I'll have to remember to get a box of replacement pads for it the next time I head up to Maddy and leave it running on my bumper. BTW, these use the same formula as the cheapo mosquito coils, sans the smoke.
BTW, will any ole dryer sheet work?
Dave
sskasser
10-12-2009, 11:10 AM
Yes, I carried one of those late last spring while hiking in the Chassahowitzka, too bad they don't work on horseflies! I'll have to remember to get a box of replacement pads for it the next time I head up to Maddy and leave it running on my bumper. BTW, these use the same formula as the cheapo mosquito coils, sans the smoke.
BTW, will any ole dryer sheet work?
Dave
Nice little pool of water... ???
No clue on the dryer sheets.
BabyDuck
10-12-2009, 11:17 AM
my suggestion is either different steps that aren't as high as railroad ties or a handrail if they leave the ties in. the worst part of my favorite cave is the steps down to it.
and they cut the hot water off? egads! madison is usually my 'leaving town' dive because of the showers!
StaceyS
10-12-2009, 12:15 PM
my suggestion is either different steps that aren't as high as railroad ties or a handrail if they leave the ties in. the worst part of my favorite cave is the steps down to it.
I agree with you about the steps!
Stacey
icestac
10-12-2009, 12:19 PM
Screw the steps. Lets get some sherpas!
Signal 20
10-12-2009, 12:49 PM
I would love if Madison would make arrangements to allow camping or maybe some diving past 5pm. The only downside that I have ever seen with Madison Blue is the distance to gas fills and maybe even a small general store. However I think sometimes having madison being so remote makes it just that much more special. When staying in cave country its nice to make a day trip to madison with 2 sets of tanks ;)
netmage
10-12-2009, 02:52 PM
I would love if Madison would make arrangements to allow camping or maybe some diving past 5pm. The only downside that I have ever seen with Madison Blue is the distance to gas fills and maybe even a small general store. However I think sometimes having madison being so remote makes it just that much more special. When staying in cave country its nice to make a day trip to madison with 2 sets of tanks ;)
Just a few weeks ago, we were told out of the water by 6/6:30... forget specifics.... It was 1 hour before park closing.... Much later than what I'm used to at Peacock...
ltb7733
10-12-2009, 03:25 PM
i dont think we can do much about the kamikaze bugs, but i would like to see more tank ranks and picinic tables. if there is a fund for this im in.............
IowaCaveDiver
10-12-2009, 03:29 PM
BTW, will any ole dryer sheet work?
Dave
yeah, i was just using the generic Target brand dryer sheets... they arn't a cure all, but i'll bet it reduced my annoyance by 80-90%.... I usually take one and wipe it around my face/neck and then stuff one in each pocket and one in my collar... works great!
SuPrBuGmAn
10-12-2009, 10:23 PM
I like the limits on divers there.
I'm not a big fan of the railroad tie stairs.
I'd be a big fan of primitive camping at Madison :) especially if I don't have to pay $20 for a "campsite" with power and water.
BabyDuck
10-13-2009, 07:49 AM
gear benches would be a great idea, too. forgot that one.
and, really, i think sherping should be encouraged. larry & i were thinking about it at ginnie 2 weeks ago - wouldn't you pay someone young & strong to tote your stuff to & from the water? i'd be in for $5 or so per trip - sounds like a great idea for some high school or college students! serious beer money... and for (us) oldsters, fewer trips toting stages & deco bottles & scooters & maybe even backgas! yay!
jahjah, get on that... :D
... and for (us) oldsters, ... :D
You call 40 old? :roll:
Slüdge
10-13-2009, 08:25 AM
I remember 40. But then again, I remember watchng the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.
sskasser
10-13-2009, 08:33 AM
You call 40 old? :roll:
NO!! HELL NO!!!!! NO NO NO NO!!! :smt081
alias
10-13-2009, 11:10 AM
Hey I know there is the Tampa Diving site but I was looking if there are up-do-date or 'updating' stickies on this site about some of the regular NFl sites. I know you locals often know about (changing) opening hours but even that one little tidbit is great information for newbies and traveling divers that might be great to keep announcing.
I was wondering if it was worth starting a thread/sticky that would have some simple info about sites that people in the know could update. I would be very thankful knowing info like "no hot water" and "opening hours extended by 2". (I know opening hours can’t be trusted but it can be a starting point for planning because most will likely be correct, and updates can be dated).
Format could be very simple, like:
Dive Site:
Contact Number:
Diving allowed Summer (Months): Am-Pm
Diving allowed Winter (Months): Am-Pm
Team Limits/Signing in:
Facilities Available:
Camping:
Fees:
Other:
sskasser
10-13-2009, 11:22 AM
Great idea....hey Walter!?
Hey I know there is the Tampa Diving site but I was looking if there are up-do-date or 'updating' stickies on this site about some of the regular NFl sites. I know you locals often know about (changing) opening hours but even that one little tidbit is great information for newbies and traveling divers that might be great to keep announcing.
I was wondering if it was worth starting a thread/sticky that would have some simple info about sites that people in the know could update. I would be very thankful knowing info like "no hot water" and "opening hours extended by 2". (I know opening hours can’t be trusted but it can be a starting point for planning because most will likely be correct, and updates can be dated).
Format could be very simple, like:
Dive Site:
Contact Number:
Diving allowed Summer (Months): Am-Pm
Diving allowed Winter (Months): Am-Pm
Team Limits/Signing in:
Facilities Available:
Camping:
Fees:
Other:
My wish list is to all state parks:
- 24h diving especially for those who use camping, we can sign annual waivers
- lift ban on scooter use
- allow solo
- access to all entries sinks and closed springs, open miles of service roads and trails closed to public that pays taxes
- encourage cell operators to maintain good signal in parks
Give me that and I don't give a ... for stairs, showers, bugs, picnic tables, etc. wanna showers - stay in Holiday Inn. In return cave diving community can build stairs, take care of trails and erosion, lines, organize cleanups, encourage safe diving, etc. which it always been doing anyway.
My wish list is to all state parks:
- 24h diving especially for those who use camping, we can sign annual waivers
- lift ban on scooter use
- allow solo
- access to all entries sinks and closed springs, open miles of service roads and trails closed to public that pays taxes
- encourage cell operators to maintain good signal in parks
Give me that and I don't give a ... for stairs, showers, bugs, picnic tables, etc. wanna showers - stay in Holiday Inn. In return cave diving community can build stairs, take care of trails and erosion, lines, organize cleanups, encourage safe diving, etc. which it always been doing anyway.
:supz:
BabyDuck
10-14-2009, 07:54 AM
i was calling *me* old, y'all are just old by default 'cause you're older than me!
and i mainly see the points ary's making, but could some who have been in this a while comment? i bet without stairs & maintained accesses that frequently used sinks could be pretty 'mommicked' with ropes and ladders and stuff. was/is this true?
it's all a trade off. i'm willing to put up with decreased hours (12 instead of 24 for instance)and pay yearly pass $ for easier access and gear benches.
i was calling *me* old, y'all are just old by default 'cause you're older than me!
and i mainly see the points ary's making, but could some who have been in this a while comment? i bet without stairs & maintained accesses that frequently used sinks could be pretty 'mommicked' with ropes and ladders and stuff. was/is this true?
it's all a trade off. i'm willing to put up with decreased hours (12 instead of 24 for instance)and pay yearly pass $ for easier access and gear benches.
We did use ropes at Alachua sink, and Jesse's hole, but those are about the only ones in FL that I recall. Little River was "fun" though :-)
I will agree that steps reduce erosion, and are good for that reason.
As for age, I have about 25 years on you, and I don't consider myself old. I still can haul gear over two miles underground to get to a sump. No steps, or gear benches there :roll:
runawaylobster
10-14-2009, 01:23 PM
We did use ropes at Alachua sink, and Jesse's hole, but those are about the only ones in FL that I recall. Little River was "fun" though :-)
I will agree that steps reduce erosion, and are good for that reason.
As for age, I have about 25 years on you, and I don't consider myself old. I still can haul gear over two miles underground to get to a sump. No steps, or gear benches there :roll:
I agree on the old thing... just had a birthday and I feel better than ever :)..
btw: Terrapin Sink could use ropes too.... I tried the speed entrance on my back once in 95's.. LOL!!
LL
Ok yes: 24hr access is a great idea.. and whenever this sleep thingy is I'd be interested :)
Marc Bryan
10-15-2009, 09:59 PM
My wish list is to all state parks:
- 24h diving especially for those who use camping, we can sign annual waivers
- lift ban on scooter use
- allow solo
- access to all entries sinks and closed springs, open miles of service roads and trails closed to public that pays taxes
- encourage cell operators to maintain good signal in parks
Give me that and I don't give a ... for stairs, showers, bugs, picnic tables, etc. wanna showers - stay in Holiday Inn. In return cave diving community can build stairs, take care of trails and erosion, lines, organize cleanups, encourage safe diving, etc. which it always been doing anyway.
:smt038:dancingbear:smt026:smt048
allen
10-18-2009, 10:08 PM
Madison Blue has a really nice cavern that should be open to cavern divers.
Longer hours are a plus at any cave. Since I own only 2 tanks, I can't see camping an hour and a half from air fills. If I ever get rich enough to own more tanks, I might consider camping at Madison Blue.
jj1987
10-19-2009, 12:58 AM
Madison Blue has a really nice cavern that should be open to cavern divers.
Longer hours are a plus at any cave. Since I own only 2 tanks, I can't see camping an hour and a half from air fills. If I ever get rich enough to own more tanks, I might consider camping at Madison Blue.
Here's what I do. On the weekends I don't dive, I offer my tanks to any cave diver friend who might want them. On the weekends I do dive, I make them return the favor. Having 2 sets of doubles and 2-3 stage bottles & a few deco bottles per trip saves a LOT of time going back and forth to fill stations! :)
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