2009 Social #1 was a big success

[Sludge]

Bob and Kim and I just got back to the Cave House after finishing up at the Social. We had close to fifty people come by and partake of the burgers and dogs and great door prizes. Thanks to all who brought chips, drinks, or whatever you brought. Also, thanks to all who donated door prizes.

Notice I called it Social #1 - we're probably going to have 2009 Social #2 at Ginnie sometime around New Year's. Maybe a Mini-Social on New Year's Day. Some of us are going to have a Galaxy Dive on December 31 just before midnight, so having a get-together the next day might be the easiest. Details in a few weeks!


(Okay, I realize having 2009 Social #2 on January 1, 2010 doesn't work logistically, but it'll still feel like the "second social of the year.")

[BobK]

Bob and Kim and I just got back to the Cave House after finishing up at the Social. We had close to fifty people come by and partake of the burgers and dogs and great door prizes. Thanks to all who brought chips, drinks, or whatever you brought. Also, thanks to all who donated door prizes.

Notice I called it Social #1 - we're probably going to have 2009 Social #2 at Ginnie sometime around New Year's. Maybe a Mini-Social on New Year's Day. Some of us are going to have a Galaxy Dive on December 31 just before midnight, so having a get-together the next day might be the easiest. Details in a few weeks!


(Okay, I realize having 2009 Social #2 on January 1, 2010 doesn't work logistically, but it'll still feel like the "second social of the year.")

I want to thank all the volunteers that helped make this social a success. I also want to thank Dive Rite, Dayo Scuba, NACD, NSS-CDS, TDI, the North Florida Springs Alliance, and Chattahoochee Scuba for door prize contributions. I'd also like to thank Cave Excursions for prep of the picnic area.

Among other door prizes, Dive Rite contributed an explorer reel with 900 ft of line. Forrest Wilson won it and immediately donated it to Christian Pitaro, who is doing virgin cave exploration in the Dominican Republic. There are still virgin caves out there...

Christan is in charge of tying knots every ten feet

Thanks for the Luraville Country Store for the use of their picnic area, which was outstanding !! The new owners are expanding the menu, everyone should stop by and give them a look !

And, of course, all the people who came by to talk, eat and win prizes ! The more we gather, the more we become familiar with each other, the more we can help preserve and sustain the cave systems in Central Florida.

As you can see, it takes a large team to come up with even a little cookout. We need each and every one of the team to make these events a success. The more volunteers, the better the event !

See you all next time,

[Dinny]

We are just back from the 2009 Cave Divers Forum Social, and a great time was had by all. We had a turnout of about 64 unique faces. Not bad for the 95 degree heat day!



A great cook with hot dogs and burgers out was provided by Bob and Kim, the world famous chili by Jay, and Larry and Debra brought a nice dessert of watermelon.





There was a great selection of door prizes, from our ever generous sponsors, and lots of people won things.

The NACD and TDI set up an information booth:





We finished off the day by checking out the very spectacular firework show over at Ginnie....quite a display:



Lots of people dived in down in Peacock and Little River that day...I'm sure trip reports will be coming soon :102:

And not to worry for those of you who couldn't make it, there is talk of a second 2009 Cave Divers Forum Social, or "mini-social". Due of the venue, we were unable to have the Scooter Race, so this is being planned for sometime over the next few months.

We would like to thank everyone who brought food, drinks, snacks and ice on Saturday. And to Bill and Linda from Rennakers who got the lot ready for Saturday, it looked great!

Also a big thank you to our sponsors who donated all the door prizes.

And another big thank you (and good luck) to the new owners of the Luraville Store, who kindly gave us the use of their lot for the day, and rigged up the electricity, and more importantly the fans the day before! We wish them all the best with their new venture, and will be by to check out the new lunch menu soon!

Rest of the photos that day