CCR air dil deco in cave country.

[Garth]

I recently took a class in Fort White and surrounding springs. I am not cave certified and we of course stayed out of the caves but it is apparent that I WILL dive in caves when I'm ready. I suspect a 100 hrs on my new unit or more depending on when I'm ready and I will be returning.

We started at Ginnie springs in the ballroom then Troy springs and finally Blue Grotto. The water was amazing! The assortment of sand and rocks was incredible. The flow, the clarity, and the temperature was just unimaginable.

It was my first time in Cave Country and so it was a bit of a culture shock. Coming from Mooresville, NC it was very different to be able to do your own fills. Amigos was like nothin I've ever seen before...

It was also my first time on CCR which there was a bit of a learning curve there but by the final day I felt like i could return home and operate the unit safely and practice skills appropriately.

I even saw Jill Heinerth twice in one day which was a funny story because I saw her when I was walking into a dinner and because I have only saw her on TV and YouTube it was a bit of a shock at first. So soft spoken and incredible spirit. I didn't say much at the time because I couldn't think of anything at the time. I really appreciate the work you do Jill and should have said that at the time.

So I would like to thank the Cave diving community of North Florida for your hospitality as I thoroughly enjoyed being in your area and I will certainly be back.

I would also like to thank my instructor Randy Thornton for the experience! He was an incredible instructor who worked well with me.

Thanks all,
Garth McClune
Mooresville, NC


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[sskasser]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like a great time

[tflaris]

Sounds like a fun class.

[Garth]

For someone who has never experienced CCR or the springs of Northern Florida it was on some levels the event of the year for me. Next year I see a lot of diving and practice to get me to the level where I would be able to return for a cave course. For me to take the course in CCR which is what I would like to do I would need to improve quite a bit and get comfortable diving my rebreather.
It is definitely something to look forward to!


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[Sludge]

it was on some levels the event of the year for me.

Nah, that would be the Galaxy Dive this December 31 in the Ginnie ballroom.

[TONY CHANEY]

Garth, so glad you enjoyed not only the diving but the enviroment and locals as well. Yea, Amigos totally blows everyone away from our area. It is really hard to get a grip on, but it works for Wayne and I wish that it would work elsewhere. Seems that everytime I go to cave country I get the chance to meet some of the best in cave diving and have yet to meet someone that will not go out of their way to assist me to include answering questions. Sludge is right, a great dive and so many cavers to meet and have a good time with. I miss it so much that during the drive home we often catch each other looking at water formations alone the highway and knowing what the other person is thinking...does it go. It's very addictive. Now get your backside back to the dark and cold quarry. See you there on the 1st.

[scubadude]

He he, you just caught the bug
And yes Amoigos Rocks! Half the fun of a trip to that area is hanging out there, Wayne is great and couldn't be more hospitable. My friends back home don't believe me when I tell them about it.

[Garth]

It was funny when I was in class I was telling my instructor what my influences were with my stage rigging. I told him I do it like Sludge. He chuckled and knew who I was talking about. Said he was a good guy.
You make me laugh a lot Sludge and I use the same setup for my bailout tanks you use. thanks


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