Orange Grove?

[Puttzer]

I'll be there this Friday and scrub the steps as promised.

That said: what's the viz in the cavern?
I'd like to think I could find the cave entrance......

Richard

[aquadog196]

Orange Grove sink continues to have lousy vis...maybe 5'-10'. Clears at around 40' with an easy tie off at the trees. The entire cavern is clear making lower OG cave very accessible. The OG / Challenge cave is very good!

[LiteHedded]

yep
basin is nasty
cave looks great

[FW]

I'll be there this Friday and scrub the steps as promised.

That said: what's the viz in the cavern?
I'd like to think I could find the cave entrance......

Richard

So, are the steps less slipery now?

[UCFKnightDiver]

I didnt slip Sunday they wernt that bad

[alias]

Oh, this was a painful thread to read. I am eternally thankful for all the stairs that exist around the caves in Fl. I have to say though that I don’t have so fond memories about Orange Grove.

I would add one thing that I had difficulty with and what I did not see mentioned but what I heard many divers comment on when I was there. In addition to the slipperiness of the lowest step, the height of the first step was probably the major thing that got me badly hurt there last January. I know it will vary with water level but everyone was gregariously balancing, trying to avoid slipping on the rock, then slipping on the first step while stretching their leg to get there.

I ended up stretching too far, to hold the rail and pull and in the process of not trying to fall, burst my back. Now I have what I call “OGCE” scar on my lower back. You know what OG stands for, and CE is for Crack Extension that the surgeon carved in. Be careful!

[metaldector]

Lot of work. Slippery rocks, steps, and 100 lbs. on my back. Maybe a rope tied to the railing with a handle on it, left on the step for us "old guys" to grab would make the exit a lot easier.

[Sludge]

Okay, who remembers:

1. Before the steps were built at Orange Grove.

2. The year and a half between when the steps were begun and when they were finished.

I'll take slippery steps.

[rainbowbrite0884]

I think it is easier to jump in, once the water is too low to make the step to the rock.

I think to the left is your best bet to not hitting the rocks.

But I have to have someone pull me out when we are done lol. Same at Cow springs though, just can't lift all that weight that far when the water is too low.

[Puttzer]

So, are the steps less slipery now?

No they are not less slippery.