Buford Spring - Hernando

[oldguy]

Is access available to those with a CAVERN certification? I'm still in cave training.

Yes, but Buford is hard to find, it's in the middle of a swamp, and it's not easy to get to. You need to watch your depth to stay within cavern limits. I prefer to dive Buford during the winter months to avoid critter encounters. I don't like to step on things that slither.

[Webmaster]

I'd be more worried about things that go chomp.

[billyf]

Checkout AUE's website, it has some info on BUFORD SINK and EAGLE'S NEST

http://uwex.us/092105.htm

[Tegg]

Buford is a nice cavern dive.

It is not for the faint of heart or shape.

You may want a "guide" that has been there a few times, or a REALLY good GPS. Seriously, you could walk for hours if you are even a few degrees off on the way back from the sink...

[oldguy]

Thanks. No faint hearts or shape here. No pink fin crowd either. Oldguy is just a nickname. GPS? Why, certainly. Thanks again.

[DeepSea]

All the information you need to make this dive safely and enjoyably (reports, GPS coordinates, maps, pictures, etc.) is here - http://www.tampadiving.com/sections/...stem.asp?ID=10

Let me know when you are planning on doing this dive. I might be able to go out there with you or give you some pointers. I know a 2-man team that got lost for about 2 hours on their way out of the swamp.

As for GPS...unless you have a really good GPS, the canopy will make it difficult to get accurate readings.

Again, let me know if you need any info. Buford is 100% well worth the effort you put into getting there. We dove it a couple of weeks ago and it was nice to look up from around 125' and see the trees out of the entrance.

[oldguy]

Thanks. I have seen this site and the info is good. I will get back to you for the pointers. I will do this in winter. I saw where you have to leave a $3 fee with what is described as an "iron ranger". What ? Sounds like my ex-wife.

[DeepSea]

Sounds like my ex-wife.

Nice...The iron ranger is an honesty box. You put your $3 access fee in an envelope, take a tab off the envelope, put the envelope (with your $3) in the iron ranger (yellow pipe with slit in side) and put the tab you took off on your dash. If the ranger stops by your vehicle he will see you paid.

The fee is minimal and all Florida WMAs (Wildlife Management Area) have an access fee. That is why the annual pass makes sense.

[john]

I actually went out looking for this site just for the heck of it yesterday.
mapquested the gps got an ideah where it was but couldnt find any roads im pretty sure i know where it is now after some searching the Chassahowitzka map.

anyone know if 4 wheel drive is desired it really looked like one of those nasty places for 2wd.
i rememder looking for lost forty and getting stuck me and my buddy had to find trash to put under the wheels.