Did a long dive at Madison this past weekend. Saw an old depth gauge strung on a line. Seems like there could be some historical significance there - especially since the depth it was reporting was clearly incorrect. Anyone have any info on that?
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Did a long dive at Madison this past weekend. Saw an old depth gauge strung on a line. Seems like there could be some historical significance there - especially since the depth it was reporting was clearly incorrect. Anyone have any info on that?
Someone told me a story about it once and I can't remember who it was. But If I recall correctly it was malfunctioning so much when they were exploring and surveying there that the person ended up getting so frustrated they left it on the line there. It is on the original map and a point of interest so i'd say it is "historical"
I thought it was more a pressure gauge than a depth gauge. And on the maps it says pressure gauge.
Maybe some of us was narced.
Attachment 7973
Looks a lot like this gauge I got from an old timer a while ago. As I recall the depth there is about 115 and the depth gauge is locked at around 155. It's hanging on the line upside down through the links where a watch band would be - but both bands are missing. It's facing to the right as you are swimming into the cave. It's gold or brass in color but it was not clear to me if this was its original color.
Match what you saw?
Henry Nicholson left it on the line in the mid to late 80's. My wife and a friend were diving with him.
Was it Henry's, or did he find it on the bottom?Quote:
Originally Posted by odin
It was 1987 and it was an old one of his if my memory is correct. I am sure of the yr.
Interesting sort of marker/cookie :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by odin
Silly question, how long does line in a cave last? I'm assuming this line has been there at least since 1987?
Not sure if same line or was transferred to newer line.Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot
Some of the line in Lafayette Blue is from the 1970's.Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot
Hard question to answer. If the cave is subject to severe floods, only a few months. I have seen line older than 1987, but if there is any tannin in the water, it is very hard to see after that long.Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot
I know UV reduces nylons life, but didn't know how long line lasts in a cave where there in no UV, yes I have followed quite a bit of "brown line" in a river cave or two, but the line seemed to still have it's strength, just was camouflaged
I have dived in Mexico along line placed by Mike Madden and his team in the mid 80's. Low flow and very low diver traffic helps the line last, I think.