Silver Springs

[jdsffa]

I was just wandering if there was anyone that had dove the silver springs cave before and if there was a map of it anywhere?

[curtschu]

I know Eric Hutchenson did a survey in the 90's He did great maps. You can see his work at CEE they are the blue maps. I'm not sure if any maps are available anywhere. I think there was also a video of the project. If I remember right it is a very tight system.

[lonestarfl]

I have seen the video and the map that Eric made. After a discussion with him and listening to his presentation I came away with a few "pearls"
about this system.
It is a small tunnel, complex, in places unstable cave...think Swiss cheese. Eric did all his dives no mount, solo. He descibe his technique of exploration as 'Bonk Diving". He would take the base of his no mount tank and hit into limerock obstructions to see if they would give way so that he could continue his forward progress. He also found a room in the system that he named the "breath hold room". The ceiling was so unstable and fragile that he didn't want to exhale while traversing the room.
I enjoyed the video, but it is not on my must dive list.
Lee

[fireman cave]

I think there was some video on Water's Journey it look great....

[nic160]

If I remember correct, I think they sell a map of the cave in the gift shop @ Silver Springs. You might call and ask.

[ARY]

I think there was some video on Water's Journey it look great....

That would be Silver GLEN Spring.

[curtschu]

A,

You are quick on the draw. Silver Glen is the one in WJ
As far as Silver Springs goes it shows how the Karst in the beginings of the Ocala up lift are very Friable (sp) I think that is the right word.

[bmwcaves]

Eric did all his dives no mount, solo.Lee

Not quite. Ken Peakman and Paul Smith were also involved with the mapping of Silver Springs. I've seen the video, too. Eric didn't film himself. They did do a lot of tanks-off limestone busting. Very controversial....depending on how you feel about cave passage modification. Ken has not been an active cave diver since 1998, but he does have one of the original maps from the project.

Brian

[temrich]

Which cave, if either, allows cave diving?

[nic160]

Neither.