The creation of a SE US dive/topside outdoors trip...

[floridabob]

Here is a copy of a post I did on scubaboard looking for some ideas to dive in the SE US. Doesnt have to be a cave. Just spitball ideas or invite me to something specific, if you want. Since this post, I have nailed down the dates to roughly Memorial Day area. I'm hoping to hook up w/Slim in the Ozarks, Ive already been in touch w/him.

Brief: I am a cave diver through trimix w/25 years certified and 15 years as a full cave/mix diver.

I have done some diving on the Outer Banks (Monitor, etc) and south. Also in the TN river. Dove in Lake Jocassee, too.... and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

I'm planning a trip from my house in Central Florida up to do Great Lakes dive (south side) with a stop off in Marianna for a cave dive, maybe the mighty O, too. Heading to S. MO to Ozarks to hook up w/the locals for some more cave diving.

BUT from there, not sure what to do.

Throw me some ideas East of the Mississippi (or slightly west), south of Michigan across to Maryland and then back south to Florida along 95.

NO BOUNDARIES here. Quarries, lakes, rivers, etc. Open water, deco, cave...I dont care. I'm going to be doing some video and hanging out topside w/the wife. If I'm not qualified, I wont do it, no worries with that.

Simply put: we are spending our time and money stateside for a 14 day trip.

Thanks for the help.

Bob Beckner
941 445 2631
robert.beckner@gmail.com

[Leam]

Bob, this is what I'm working on so shops can stir up interest in NC wrecks. http://reuel.net/dive/nc_wrecks.html

[floridabob]

Thats a sweet site.

Ive spent the day reviewing my geography and have decided to stay focused around the Mississippi corridor and will plan another trip to MHC...put me on the short list to join a 3 day if you get one together this spring/summer/fall.

No promises, but there is a shop in town where we might be able to drum up some interest. Most are not real tech-heads, though.

Thanks for the input and do keep me in mind.

Bob

[cavediver4life]

Gilboa Quarry in North Ohio. Bottom in 140-150 range, interesting items placed in quarry.

[mike6043]

If you end up in pensacola MBT is great shop that tends to cater to the tech community as well as the ow folks.

[floridabob]

The trip evolves daily...

Due to the fact that I think all tourism in the US revolves around Florida, I failed to consider how difficult it might be to find a place for my RV. So, I may end up doing something in Pensacola.

Right now, Im staying in South MO May 19th thru 23rd. I will be filling in an additional 10 days (May 15 thru 29, total) so I have room to work.

Keep spitballing...I need ideas.

Thanks!
Bob

[mike6043]

Big lagoon has a nice campground.