Madison blue

[chilldive]

I've only dove Madison once. I think right after it had just opened again? Anyway, the vis wasn't that great, we didn't have a map, directions or anything. We just jumped in and started diving (kind of fun not knowing anything). But it took a while to find the main line. As I recall, we hit the main line and turned right. It was a low passage. We didn't spend much time in there and I don't remember being overly impressed.

I'd like to dive it again, cause I read good reports about it. Can someone give me some better instructions so I can see the better part(s) of the system?

Thanks,
Chris

[w ripley]

Madison is a HUGE system.

You may want to pick up a map and start doing the front end. There are lot's of nice places to see.

Then, once you've got that down, there is the Rocky Horror, and and entirely different cave system past that. Actually, the front side is in the 60 foot range and the back side in the 100-125 foot range.

However, IMO, jumping into any cave (that hasn't been explored previously) without doing some homework is not what cave divers normally do. You might want to take a second look at that approach.

Be safe,

[FW]

The NSS-CDS sells maps, but there is one on a sign in the parking lot too.

[chilldive]

The NSS-CDS sells maps, but there is one on a sign in the parking lot too.

Yep, I've got one. Just found it in the closet. I remember buying it AFTER our trip. I can see it more clearly now. I think we wound up in the crossunder tunnel.

[FW]

Yep, I've got one. Just found it in the closet. I remember buying it AFTER our trip. I can see it more clearly now. I think we wound up in the crossunder tunnel.

Ooh, no wonder you didn't like it, that is a sidemount tunnel, and usually not very clear.

[w ripley]

Ooh, no wonder you didn't like it, that is a sidemount tunnel, and usually not very clear.

At times I could see why you say that, but my buddy and I have been thru it probably15 times on double 104s carrying alum 80 stage bottles. I've even done it on a rebrether with bailouts. Once you get past the beginning of the tunnel, it tends to open up quite a bit.

You do have to check that it's open (not silted closed) before doing the Martz, Rocky Horror, Well, Aqueduct, Cross Under circuit. We tried to do that circuit again last year after the flooding and the Cross Under was pretty well blocked off with sand and some debris.