Madison Blue

[Ed Jackson]

It's one of my favorite caves. Take a look at the cavern picture on my gallery. Would'nt it be nicer if the platform, barrel and concrete blocks were removed. I think a more natural setting like the cavern at Orange Grove and Peacock would be better for a state park.

[aw]

Hmm . . . I don't know. I've got mixed feelings on this. I do admit it looks a bit sore to the eyes today, but I think the platform preserves some of the history of the spring from a diving perspective (just like the deco trough in the cavern). And I think part of a State Park's responsibility is to preserve a site's history.

I was not part of the cave community back in the day, but it would be nice to hear some of their perspectives and even stories related to the platform and its use. I recall the first time I ever snorkeled the basin back in the mid 90's and recall the platform. It's just become part of the system in my memory and opinion.

Come on old timers . . . . yay or nay to ousting the platform?

[Ed Jackson]

I did'nt think about the historic perspective. That's a good point.

[Cave Ranger]

I'm all for preserving State Parks in ther natural state but if you want to take it this far then an argument could be made for removing the steps, boardwalks, bathrooms etc.
As for the Madison platforms history? Can any of you Oldtimers fill some of us Greenhorned newbies in?
I love history.

[jeandiver]

I'm all for preserving State Parks in ther natural state but if you want to take it this far then an argument could be made for removing the steps, boardwalks, bathrooms etc.
As for the Madison platforms history? Can any of you Oldtimers fill some of us Greenhorned newbies in?
I love history.

Agreed...Fill us Greenhorn's in...

Jeano Beano

[michael-fisch]

History pre or post "Machinegun Mike's" edict that the only cave cards allowed are GUE cards?

Michael

[Kelly Jessop]

I was not part of the cave community back in the day, but it would be nice to hear some of their perspectives and even stories related to the platform and its use. I recall the first time I ever snorkeled the basin back in the mid 90's and recall the platform. It's just become part of the system in my memory and opinion.

I know the Bruics used to push OW diving at their facility,and the use of the platform for check outs. Mike was a colorful personality that should have a chapter in the annals of cave diving. In a side note Madison used to look like a land fill before the Bruics turned the park into what you see now.

[Kelly Jessop]

History pre or post "Machinegun Mike's" edict that the only cave cards allowed are GUE cards?

Michael

I forgot that. I used to love it when he'd dredge out the cavern during the busiest time of the weekend causing no viz in the cavern. I remember exiting on the line and banging into him and the "hoover vacuum" he was holding.

History pre or post "Machinegun Mike's" edict that the only cave cards allowed are GUE cards?

That's not entirely accurate. The actual edict was that nobody could TEACH there except GUE instructors. The reasoning was that GUE is the only agency that forbids their instructors from smoking.

If an instructor smokes, he is going to have a heart attack during a dive, and all of his students will die.

This got misinterpreted to mean that only GUE cards were accepted for diving, but I called up Anna and got the story from her.

And yes, she appeared to say it with a straight face.

[Kelly Jessop]

History pre or post "Machinegun Mike's" edict that the only cave cards allowed are GUE cards?

That's not entirely accurate. The actual edict was that nobody could TEACH there except GUE instructors. The reasoning was that GUE is the only agency that forbids their instructors from smoking.

If an instructor smokes, he is going to have a heart attack during a dive, and all of his students will die.

This got misinterpreted to mean that only GUE cards were accepted for diving, but I called up Anna and got the story from her.

And yes, she appeared to say it with a straight face.

Russell,I think Mike actually said only GUE divers,but after Anna took him to the wood shed he changed that. Too bad I wasn't smart enough the save all the rants from the old caver's list and later tech list,it would have sold well if published in book form.