I have had the chance to meet several of the Old Timer's during the last couple of years. Each had a story or history to tell that I didn't know about. So much of the history of our sport (if you can call it that, I persoanally think that's like saying polor explorers are involved in the sport of dog mushing) will be lost with the passing and or lack of contact with these men and women. It's not like baseball where it has all been recorded in public. Forrest has done some interesting articles lately that talk about some of the first meetings and dives but I think there is a lot more that is not being told. The Peacock book was a great step in the right direction.

What I would like to do is start collecting the oral and written history of cave diving. I may not ever do anything with it other than pass it on to someone more qualified than I am to write it all up but I think it needs to be done.

So, If you have a "Old timer's story" or story of original exploration that has not been written up or notes for that book you forgot to finish then please contact me. If you know of an 'old timer' who is no longer diving that I can contact then please let me know. Cynthia Butler 352-378-4579 butler_cynthia@bellsouth.net Those old timers that know me plan on meeting with me and talking nice into the recorder. Beer will be provided as needed.