Madison Blue Spring 12/04/2009

[deanme]

P1 was crystal clear as well yesterday. I dove the grand traverse from Orange Grove to P1 and had great viz the whole way. I saw 4 re-breather dudes in the OG parking lot who were gearing up to dive from Orange Grove to P1 AND BACK!! My buddy and I got into the water at Orange Grove around 9:30 and swam very slowly to Challenge, then Olsen, and then P1. We saw the re-breather dudes heading back to Orange Grove just beyond the Olsen STOP sign. I guess they turned up Peanut restriction and made a circuit out of the dive, not stopping at P1 but continuing on to Olsen.

Our dive was only 2 hours; I’m guessing the re-breather dudes dive must have been at least 3.5 hours. Wow. Long time in the water. I did see some cup-o-soup staged at Peanut restriction. Just kidding. But, I would like to know who left the reel at Peanut restriction connecting the Peanut line with the Olsen line. It has been there almost 6 months. I was going to remove it, but I really don’t like to touch someone else’s equipment, even if it has been there for 6 months.

Oh yes, forgot to mention. It is that time of year again. I was treated to the sunbeam of light that penetrates down the Olsen sink on the side of Orange Grove / Peanut restriction. This sunbeam penetrates all the way to the bottom of the cave at 40 feet, just before the 3 foot restriction that continues on to the Peanut restriction. It is just spectacular if you hit it just right. The sun has to be in the right location, with no overcast. I think I’m correct in saying you can only see the sunlight beam during this time of year around 11 am. The sun penetrates a small opening to Olsen sink, only about 3 feet in diameter, at a depth of about 20 feet. The beam continues down at the exact angle of the cavern. The combined effect is very cool. I know Jean has seen this sunbeam as well because I ran into her at this spot last year, the last time I saw this sunbeam. Almost religious in character, kind of like a stained glass window with light shining through it thing.

There must be some way to exploit this beautiful natural occurrence and make some money. it is only human to do so. Maybe I can say I saw the image of the Virgin Mary at the end of the sunbeam?

dean

[OFG-1]

There must be some way to exploit this beautiful natural occurrence and make some money. it is only human to do so. Maybe I can say I saw the image of the Virgin Mary at the end of the sunbeam?

dean

Virgin Mary Bah! ELVIS is where the money is you fool. Go with Elvis, dressed in a brightly sequined drysuit, the ray of sun glimmering off his gyrating thighs, as he sang "In the Grotto".

[sskasser]

Virgin Mary Bah! ELVIS is where the money is you fool. Go with Elvis, dressed in a brightly sequined drysuit, the ray of sun glimmering off his gyrating thighs, as he sang "In the Grotto".

I think I may swoon at the mere thought....

[DA Aquamaster]

Does Elvis dive CCR or is he OC?

[JCDdiver]

What is the status of Madison?

[JCDdiver]

Is there anybody out there?

[FW]

Is there anybody out there?

From the website www.floridastateparks.org:

Manager's Message

Hello and Thank you for your interest in Madison Blue Springs State Park. Now is the perfect time with the fall weather to enjoy a family picnic or family reunion in one of our large picnic shelters nestled under the trees along the high banks of the Withlacoochee River. The crystal clear water of this first magnitude spring is still a popular spot for a swim, or explore the underwater caves if you are a certified cave diver. Come out spend an hour or the day, you’ll be glad you did! We look forward to your visit and please don’t hesitate to call us at (850) 971-5003 if you have any questions or need any additional information. DUE TO HIGH WATER CONDITIONS SPRING IS CLOSED TO SWIMMING AND DIVING AT THIS TIME.
- Craig Liney, Park Manager

[FW]

The river has dropped over a foot in the past 5 days, so it should be clearing out, but there is still a lot of dark river water still in there. The current will be high, as long as the river is dropping at that rate.

I will try to stop by there this weekend and report late Monday.

[Sludge]

Now is the perfect time with the fall weather ...

I guess it's not updated very often.