Telford - 7 May

[Troglodyver]

Disclaimer: topside eyeball report, not dive report.

After getting fills in Luraville yesterday, my buddy James and I drove to the river to check out conditions at Telford. (Rumor has it we trespassed on posted private land to get there, though that's not confirmed)

The Suwanee is definitely dropping. Water level about a foot above the land bridge between the spring run and the next hole. Man, was the cave pumping out water! Serious flow, quite a boil! Water surging out appeared slightly greenish, but less silty than I expected. Spring run is clear (greenish) near the outflow; tannic near the river. You could probably get upstream on a good scooter, but woe be to the cave diver trying to swim in while running a line.

Topside scenery was classic Telford, circa 2001 (made me feel nostalgic) Abundant local color Drunks swaying on wobbly legs down by the boat ramp. At the spring run, teenagers "study for exams" while smoking weed and engaging in mating rituals. Fishermen casting their Zebcos amidst swimmers, reeling in, casting again. Barely-clad 16 yo moms taking their 3yo kids for a swim. Lots of exposed skin most of us would prefer to not see. Plentiful smoke assaulted the nostrils: tobacco and, um, other stuff. This is not criticism; we know Telford is the locals' swimming hole and the place they go to do stuff they're not supposed to do.

If you go, access from the river. If you leave your vehicle at the boat ramp ... well, perhaps you shouldn't.

- Sid

[Diverlee]

Enjoyed the report!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MORGAN]

Is land access still fenced off? How are the party crowd getting in? Over or around the fence?

I remember the first time I went to Telford; I think it was in 2005. The NACD or NSS-CDS (can't remember which) had recently arranged to have a dumpster placed there, hoping that people would use it instead of throwing their trash everywhere.

The dumpster was there. It was on its side, with an over-capacity load of trash spilling out of it, most of which appeared to be bags of used disposable diapers. And it was on fire.


Mike

[FW]

Is land access still fenced off? How are the party crowd getting in? Over or around the fence?

I remember the first time I went to Telford; I think it was in 2005. The NACD or NSS-CDS (can't remember which) had recently arranged to have a dumpster placed there, hoping that people would use it instead of throwing their trash everywhere.

The dumpster was there. It was on its side, with an over-capacity load of trash spilling out of it, most of which appeared to be bags of used disposable diapers. And it was on fire.


Mike

Some locals get there by boat. Some walk on the river side of the fence.

The dumpster was NACD.

[Troglodyver]

Is land access still fenced off? How are the party crowd getting in? Over or around the fence?

It is still fenced and posted. Everyone we saw there climbed through the gate and followed the well-trodden path to the spring. Farther than you'd want to schlep your dive gear, but not bad when one hauls nothing more than a case of Bud Lite and a baggie of something.

- Sid

[curtschu]

It is still fenced and posted. Everyone we saw there climbed through the gate and followed the well-trodden path to the spring. Farther than you'd want to schlep your dive gear, but not bad when one hauls nothing more than a case of Bud Lite and a baggie of something.

- Sid

This Stinks the only people not abusing the site are the only people not using the site. It is obvious that local constabulary is not doing anything to stop the abuse, but woe be the cave diver that gets caught trespassing with several thousand dollars worth of gear that could be seized.

[cavedivingwoman]

I've forgotten why it is off limits - liability? Would love to dive there again.

[Kelly Jessop]

I've forgotten why it is off limits - liability? Would love to dive there again.

Owners are nice people, and like the cave divers,but the other issues presented a lot of liability. Vaguely remember and incident that a local fell and broke his back, which not sure if that resulted in a suit.

[FW]

I've forgotten why it is off limits - liability? Would love to dive there again.

It isn't exactly "off limits". There were too many drunken fights, one fatal. It is owned by lawyers, for hunting. They don't mind divers coming in from the river, but not through the closed gate.