Re-naming Peacock?

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Thanks for posting the pics, looks great. Will the poster(or whatever you wanna call it) be integrated into the kiosk or something?

[Kelly Jessop]

Here are a few photos from the ceremony earlier today at Orange Grove Sink...

Thanks for sharing the photos.

[AB8CD]

As I grew up in Ludington, MI I was so proud of the fact that the American Legion was named after my Great Uncle, Edwin H. Ewing Post 76. Through them his name was attached to the playground at the Lake Michigan Beach. I grew up hearing and later repeating the stories of his heroic and untimely death carrying messages from the front in WWI. Later, as an adult I learned of the many local sons who died in the trenches of that war. Emil VonSpreken was my Great Uncle's playmate and my Auntie Jo's one true love (she died at 98 years of age never having married after losing her fiancé and her brother in that conflict). Emil was killed by exposure to mustard gas. Looking back with some perspective now, I am certain that it was my families prominence in the community that added leverage to the decision to recognize their son over others. My family is no longer prominent (and hardly remembered) in Ludington. The Legion has replaced the old signage with just the words, Post 76." We are dust and to dust we shall return.

To Wes' family and loved ones he is the greatest hero in their life. I celebrate the joy today's tribute has given them.

[jlillest]

WEPIV,

Thanks for sharing the photos!

While Wes will always be remembered among cave divers and explorers, it's nice to hear that he'll be remembered, albeit maybe only for a short few decades, among those non-cavers in Cave Country. I just received the latest NSS-CDS Underwater Speleology and while I only met the guy once, the memories of stories told about Wes's exploits such as those in the UWS have been told over camp fires for as long as I've been caving. There may be cave divers in the community that are more deserving of a great recognition amongst our ranks, but only Wes could spur on the recognition that is seen from the greater community as seen by those pictures posted today.

Whether or not it took somebody with deep pockets for it to happen, whomever made this happen Thank You. Wes was a true explorer and champion for the sport and hope I can accomplish half what Wes did some day...

-Jon

[Line Squirrel]

None of the caves are being named after Wes...

Just the name of a park... and its more of an addition than a complete change regardless.

"Just" the name of the park? The park is the total package. It encompasses the spring(s), the passages and everything in and around all the karst windows.

I too think Wes was a fantastic ambassador to not only cave diving but conservation in general. That said, I also object for what it's worth, to renaming the park after him.

[stairman]

I talked to a good friend of his this weekend down there while they were erecting the sign, and he said he didnt think Wes would have wanted this but its done and I for one do not object to this tribute.

[SuPrBuGmAn]

"Just" the name of the park? The park is the total package. It encompasses the spring(s), the passages and everything in and around all the karst windows.

I too think Wes was a fantastic ambassador to not only cave diving but conservation in general. That said, I also object for what it's worth, to renaming the park after him.

Nah, its just the name of the park. Its a fitting tribute. Nothing in the "package" has changed except for the tag. It encompasses nothing more... Most of the caves around don't have parks sitting on them, it doesn't detract from them at all - atleast not negatively.

Orange Grove is still Orange Grove, not Wes Skiles Orange Grove. Peacock Spring(or P1/P2/P3) is still Peacock Spring, not Wes Skiles Spring(or Wes Skiles P1/2/3). So on and so forth. The springs have retained their name, IMO as they should. The passages have retained their names, the windows have retained thier names...

Whats really changed aside from the park name? Not the springs, not the karst windows, not the passages, hell... not even the park itself short of a sign.

[jlillest]

Whats really changed aside from the park name?

What's changed is that the name of a cave diver is recognized by people outside of the cave dive diving community. Yes, the cave passage has not changed, but I think Wes is grinning somewhere, wherever he is...

[Kelly Jessop]

I talked to a good friend of his this weekend down there while they were erecting the sign, and he said he didnt think Wes would have wanted this

This may be true,but most things like this are for the living. There were quite a few of his good friends there today,and the general consensus is it is a good tribute.

For me,I think it is a big deal that Mimi Drew (Sec of the DEP) and other officials from Tallahassee drove to Peacock Springs,that park with no power,and running water to celebrate a cave diver,and cave diving. I had several of the VIPs I was introduced to ask me if I was a cave diver,and with my reply of yes,I didn't get the attitude that I am a crazy person with a death wish,but we provide valuable resources to the state of Florida. Jim Stevenson conveyed to the audience the unique nature of north Florida and cave diving,and clearly exhibited this with people who were in attendence from different countries and states. I am sure people will object to the park having someone's name added to it etc,but for the years I have been involved with the DEP with different projects,this is a huge that we are being recognized,because I remember about 10 years ago when people overseeing Peacock ignored it,and cave diving was a pain in the arse. Things have changed a lot for the better,and I for one am celebrating for cave diving in general.

[SuPrBuGmAn]

What's changed is that the name of a cave diver is recognized by people outside of the cave dive diving community. Yes, the cave passage has not changed, but I think Wes is grinning somewhere, wherever he is...

I can go along with that, and its nothing but a good thing.