Shangri-La Springs on Merritt's Millpond

[Guy Bryant]

I was out at the Millpond this past weekend and decided to dive Shangri-La since I have never dived it. I've known about it since the late 70's but never dived it since there were so many "big tunnel" caves to dive. I took my 95 sidemounts and went back through the tight restriction to the main line. Once at the main line I realize my profile was too big with the 95's for a comfortable dive. I got temporarily stuck for about 15 mins before I was finally able to back out (too small to turn-around). I'm thinking of going back with steel 72 sidemounts, but before I do does anyone know how much line is in this system? If so, is it worth seeing? I don't want to waste my time if there is not much to see. Thanks for any help.
Guy

[Signal 20]

I got temporarily stuck for about 15 mins before I was finally able to back out (too small to turn-around).

you got stuck for 15 minutes? i've gotten into some small places that i probably shouldnt have been but i dont think 15 minutes of being stuck in a restriction is normal

[Guy Bryant]

I didn't exactly spend the whole 15min trying to get unstuck. I had my camera with me and decided to take some photos of the area inbetween trying to back out. My 1st attempt was unsuccessful so I went back to the main line took some photos, tried removing my tanks and turning around. This didn't work so I put them back on, took some more photos then tried backing out again at a very slow and methodical pace. This time I was able to back out - it is not a straight line backing out, you have to turn some and go upward at one point as you back out. From the time I started into the restriction, got to the main line, attempted to back out, took pictures, removed tanks to try and turnaround, put tanks back on and finally successfully back out, the time spent was 15 min.

[BillGraham]

It's really just barely a sidemount cave.

My friend went in there with a makeshift no mount rig and no fins, and had a wonderful time, so that might be a better option.

We dove it together in sidemount and I got stuck on the way back out while he snickered behind me.

[Guy Bryant]

Bill,
I might have to try no mount if there is something to see. How far does the line go?? I talked with Paul Deloach and he said he and Sheck tried to dive it years ago and had the same problem I did. Paul seems to think there is a possibility of it connecting to Jackson Blue. Did you go to the end of the line or do you know if it may connect with Jackson Blue?
Guy

[DeWayne]

Bill,
I might have to try no mount if there is something to see. How far does the line go?? I talked with Paul Deloach and he said he and Sheck tried to dive it years ago and had the same problem I did. Paul seems to think there is a possibility of it connecting to Jackson Blue. Did you go to the end of the line or do you know if it may connect with Jackson Blue?
Guy

I have never heard of anyone getting in there far enough to make the connection theory seem plausible, but who knows. Most that I have ever talked to about it seem to think that no mount is the only way you will ever get very far in there. I have no idea how far it might go, but from what I have heard it does go and it is worth the effort, it is just that effort is the key word. I hope you will post your findings if you attempt it.

[BillGraham]

Maybe it does but you'd better find a way to shrink yourself down to G.I. Joe size to make that happen.

There's also another crack that you go over just as you approach the cavern area.

[Chunky]

there are some groups working on small electronic control mechanisms that they have gotten to work with cockroaches. They can control them almost like a remote controlled car. Maybe they can make a housing for it with a long tether and we can send some of the lobsters in there with a small video camera.....

[muzz]

Can they use some of the crayfish from Mill Pond or are they too big?

[Chunky]

Sorry, thats what I meant by "lobsters"....