Peacock, traverse / reverse OC Staging.

[chimie007]

Is the NACD article available on-line or is it in a back issue?

Safe Diving

It's Vol. 40 1st quarter 2007. Page 10-11-12. See my PM.

[Kelly Jessop]

Thanks Kelly,

Was your run time about 3.5 hours with Deco?

Safe Diving

Last time I did it,I did it in 68 minutes up,and 69 minutes back.

FWIW this dive presents many challanges that the normal grand traverse doesn't. The most risky leg of the dive is the OG to Challange section because there isn't a bail out point,and this is why historically why people do the normal grand traverse dive starting at OG. Now the dive is compounded by the fact that the diver will be in a less gas scenario and having to pass the OG/Challange stretch twice (yes this has claimed a diver's life historically). I would highly recommend that anybody become very familiar with each leg and test the gas needed for the traverse (in water not a calculator),then do the grand traverse a few times before ever attempting the mega-traverse. I have done the grand traverse 40-50 times,and I give this dive a lot of respect.

[Mike Edmonston]

I would highly recommend that anybody become very familiar with each leg and test the gas needed for the traverse (in water not a calculator),then do the grand traverse a few times before ever attempting the mega-traverse. I have done the grand traverse 40-50 times,and I give this dive a lot of respect.

I agree wholeheartedly. The lack of bailout between OG and challenge, is why I was wondering if a diver would grab a "safety" stage from challenge on the return leg (long swim, tired, lower backgas reserves etc...).

Like you said, having too much gas is seldom a problem.

Thanks

Safe Diving

[aw]

Now, this sounds like a fun dive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too bad you can't dive solo at Peacock. I'd love to jump in and do it. Who's interested???????

[EGIB]

Mike just make sure y'all keep both fins with you for the traverse, leaving them in the basin is not recommended

[contender]

Mike just make sure y'all keep both fins with you for the traverse, leaving them in the basin is not recommended

Ouch!

[Sludge]

Too bad you can't dive solo at Peacock.

Or scooter. Can you imagine what a great solo scooter dive this would be?

[chimie007]

Or scooter. Can you imagine what a great solo scooter dive this would be?

When did scooter get banned at Peacock ? Was it when they made it a state park ?

I have a feeling I better do LR on scooter before it's too late.

[aw]

I'm just thinking off the top of my head right now, not near my log books to look up actual data. But the plan would be pretty simple. You can definitely cut corners by using Olsen or Challenge as points to drop stage bottles in the water from the surface, or even do a set up dive.

But the short and sweet would be to . . .

First, run the numbers and see if it's even feasible given what you've done before. If it appears doable, then move to execution phase.

Enter at P1 with all the gear you need for the entire dive. Ignore the emergency bailout points, pretending this is a one-shot deal. Plan to go up via Pothole. Enter with doubles, 2 stages, and oxygen. (This should be nothing, if you've ever done any scootering) Carry a second primary light. Those slimline canisters make this real simple these days. In essence, do a double stage dive, dropping O2 in the cavern, and each stage at 1/2 +200 psi. When you reach thirds of your doubles, you turn. If you made it to Orange Grove, then mission accomplished. Turn the dive and come back. If you have to turn short of OG because you hit thirds, no big deal. Turn the dive. Either way, you've just made a hell of a bottom time and the trip worthwhile.

This approach minimizes effort to set up and minimizes wear on the erosion around Olsen or Challenge. It basically allows you to pull up, jump in the water, dive, and go home. By entering and exiting at P1, the stretch when you have the least gas will be near the areas of the most bailout points. And going via pothole allows you to do the most dive, so you can say you did it all, if you do make it all the way to OG. Going via Peanut cuts off a couple of hundred feet each way.

[aw]

Or scooter. Can you imagine what a great solo scooter dive this would be?

Oh man, don't even make my mouth water with that idea. The only thing that would beat that would be a wild night with your significant other.