Manatee - 05/31/08

Went upstream from Friedman's Saturday morning. The flow was down from about 2 weeks ago and we were able to make it to (or right near) the column room. Viz was spectacular up there. Turned around and picked up deco bottles at Friedman's and sailed out. We actually had to do some swimming to keep our pace up on the downstream leg out. Vis was really nice downstream from Friedman's too. Could easily see light coming in from Sue's from about 50-70 feet away. Went thru Catfish and exited at Manatee. We were able to do a stop at 40 feet exiting Manatee since the flow was down.

I think we hit it on a good day :D
At least for going upstream ( lol )
Also , very little particulate in the water.

Thanks!
Jean

It is not so much a good *day* as a good time of the day. Manatee flow is influenced by tides. Look at the NOAA river levels (http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/index.php?wfo=tae) and check river levels at the stations along the Suwanee, you will see that the river level at Manatee changes twice a day. If you arrive when the level is starting to go up, the flow will be down, and the vis will be better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FW

It is not so much a good *day* as a good time of the day. Manatee flow is influenced by tides. Look at the NOAA river levels (http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/index.php?wfo=tae) and check river levels at the stations along the Suwanee, you will see that the river level at Manatee changes twice a day. If you arrive when the level is starting to go up, the flow will be down, and the vis will be better.

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Very cool, just learned a new thing!!

Thanks Forrest!!
Thanks Jean for the report. It's been a while since we dove Manatee, we are looking forward to diving there soon.

Dive safe,

Celia