New record attempt?

[andrebasso]

They have spent alot of time, and effort in this system. Would it be correct to bring some else in to acomplish the same feat. Why- They have the resources, the team work is already in place.

Effort, doing what? Accomplishing feats, what feats? My question still stands - what valuable research and/or contribution to the society are they performing that justifies their exclusive access to the site? If their "feats" and "efforts" are merely going on pleasure dives and collecting dye samples, that does not constitute a reason to ban every other tax paying citizen the right to enjoy the same system. Look, if real "research" is being done, I think it might make sense to ban lay people from having access. For example, Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico is restricted to scientists only, who are constantly finding new formations and strange geologically dependant chemolithoautotrophic bacteria that have never been seen anywhere on the planet. The area holds so much promise as a test area for research into primitive bacteria (thriving in hostile environments) that scientists are convinced it holds answers to how life on Mars could have been possible. Because of this promise, to the extent that NASA itself has been involved, they want the site to remain pristine and as uncontaminated as possible. That, my friends is a REAL reason to close a place off to JOE BLOWS - like myself. Unless these guy in Wakulla are coming up with new theories, thesis or research - they are doing nothing but going on pleasure dives and they don't deserve the same exclusivity that scientists are getting at caves like Lechuguilla. I say, if they are allowed to go on PLEASURE DIVES - then why can't other highly qualified and technically advanced cave divers do the same? Not like I'm one of those individuals yet, but many of YOU should be able to dive there.

Want to see real research being done in caves?
http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/111796/scientis.htm
http://www.i-pi.com/~diana/lech/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/caves/jewe_06.html#fea_top
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:P...echuguilla.png

As far as people who have spent time in there, what about Bill Stone who originally explored the system in the early 80's? I'll bet he couldn't just go back in there any day of the week - and he was one of the originals.

[johnnyrichards]

My previous post was a question- not directed specifically to anybody. I don't argue via the internet- I'll do that in person.

My question stands. Why should my tax dollars finance the personal dives of the few? And yes, it may be time to address the bigger picture- why should we be limited to just Emerald? Why not Wakulla, Sally Ward and the rest of them?

Cooperation with the Park has resulted in lip service and little else. You can bet I will be talking to those higher in the chain of command.

Johnny Richards

[Dan Thoms]

Good point. your post is a very good cause for discussion. But i am unable to help any further than what i have tried to do. I havent been there, or done it. I was merely stating the amount of training and work amoung themselfs that had to have taken place before hand.

John when i go where your at, i go there to dive. Not to have a discussion about the wkpp.
But im all ears afterwords- 8)

Im not in either camp i take what i can from instruction and if it works for me, i put it into my diving.

[BradfordNC]

seems like their "record attempt" is a lot of chest thumping. whose record are they trying to break? other than their own.

didn't someone push 21,000 feet in a brazilian cave last year?

how is pushing past 19,000 in Wakulla going to set a record? other than to club that won't let anyone else attempt to break their record.

[Cindy]

This kind of thing just makes me sad for cave diving. Somebody posts an interesting article. Someone (namely me) wishes the divers well. It turns into a brawl of put downs, threats (The I do my arguing in person,etc) chest thumping and bitching. I will be at the museum today. If you guys want to stop by and yell at me for wishing someone well please do so. I will of course at least expect a donation to the museum that is dedicated to preservation of the history of our sport. We record real accomplishments, have real gear that was used by real divers to accomplish great things and survive in a hostile environment. Maybe viewing this stuff will make you all realise that the sport is meant to be fun, we should be able to enjoy it and participate in it without all this bitterness. Cindy

[Genesis]

The rest of us are not the ones with a 20+ year record of exclusionary practices and politics Cindy......

[Cave Museum]

The rest of us are not the ones with a 20+ year record of exclusionary practices and politics Cindy......

And in twenty years you haven't learned to join the effort, better it or get over it?
I have decided this conversation isn't real. I refuse to think this poorly of you men. Cindy

[StaceyS]

I will be at the museum today. Cindy

Cindy,

Where exactly is the cave diving museum? If I'm coming in from Fort White to High Springs on 27, where do I go?

Stacey

[Cave Museum]

Hey Stacey, The museum is on the corner of highway 27 and 9th Ave. It's a large white building. When you turn the corner to the left on 9th you will see a big ugly tree painted on the side of the building. Park in the back and walk on in the back door. I'll be here till 6pm. Cindy

[johnnyrichards]

Yep, I should have known better than to try to make a point on the internet. Threats? How f-ing ridiculous is that? Back to ignoring these stupid forums and concentrating the effort where it counts.

Johnny