Peacock Grand Traverse

[Rick Palm]

Friday, February 17, 2006 -- Ned, Ed and I (collectively known as "Skinny Freak and Two Lard Asses Cave Diving Team") put in at Orange Grove Sink and within 300 feet, encountered a group of divers who were playing in the mud, resulting in almost zero visibility for 25 feet of passage. After the start, however, visibility improved to some 75 feet (very nice) and we enjoyed the scenery en route to Challenge Sink. The passage between Orange Grove and Challenge Sinks is relatively unspoiled and obviously does not see the same traffic that the Peacock-Olsen line sees.

After a brief break at Challenge, we cruised to Olsen Sink where we admired the view of the decomposing, unfortunate Armadillo who had fallen in. The Challenge-Olsen line was hauntingly beautiful, less traveled and more unspoiled.

The final leg of Olsen to Peacock was a little smokier due to heavier traffic, but enjoyable nonetheless. Visibility was perhaps 70 feet.

The parking lot was full this time, so the opportunity for the cult tradition of streaking the perimeter was mitigated.

Orange Grove to Challenge: 1800 feet, 72 cubic feet gas consumed.
Challenge to Olsen: 1400 feet, 43 cubic feet gas consumed.
Olsen to Peacock: 1400 feet, 50 cubic feet consumed.

[CaptainSpeleo]

Rick:

Have you ever done the Grand Tour by going right at the Challenge/Olson/Peanut junction and taking the Peanut tunnel back to Peacock I? I've done it both ways and I enjoy the Peanut tunnel route better.

Frank

Each route has its advantage. The Olson route gives you two more emergency exits toward the end of the dive. The Peanut route lets you do all your deco during the final 450 feet of the traverse.

Russell

[CaptainSpeleo]

The ascent in the Peanut tunnel from 65' - 70' up to 20' over the breakdown and then back down to 35' - 40' can get rough on your ears if you're having a bad ear clearing day.