LR 1-2-2005

[Starryskies]

For SLIM

It was brought to my attention that I have been remiss in not posting a wee dive report on my trip to LR last weekend. So here is my first serious on-line attempt at a dive report…

After a most wonderful weekend at the Dive Outpost (as always) Mr. Blackburn was kind enough to “knock me up” as the Brits (apologies to Martin) like to say to ensure that I was up at a reasonable time after having overslept to a terribly indecent hour the day before.

The eve prior to my dive I had received notice that viz was pretty good in the system and without verifying this tidbit of info for myself - I very mistakenly passed on the information that viz was pristine at LR. Sadly many divers present heard this comment and I have yet to live this down (but this too shall pass - I can only hope…)

It was a beautiful morning for a dive and the water was up just past the first platform on the steps which made for a very easy entrance. My buddy graciously volunteered to lead (after some gentle begging on my part). After tying off on the stairs we headed into the VERY chilly river water. A few moments later we were in the cavern and viz improved dramatically (although, yes, nowhere near pristine – but it is nice to at least be able to look around a little after brownish nothingness…)

We proceeded down the chimney. Flow did not seem too intense. We jumped into the mud-tunnel and took our time enjoying the scenery. The mud-tunnel is such a pretty place – I just enjoyed looking around at all the interesting formations throughout the tunnel and listening to bubbles.

After hopping back on to the main line we continued on our way. Viz seemed to me to be about 30 - 40 ft. (Probably will get some gentle correction here too as I am not the best judge of viz – I am just happy when I can see something… )

We turned left at the dorf marker at the beginning of the Merry –Go-Round tunnel and jumped over to the Harper Tunnel per our plan and proceeded down the line aways (Ha!). Our bubbles dislodged vast quantities of what I can only describe as yellowish-brown gunk (ok – so particulate matter) in all sizes and shapes and upon our turn had fun floating through a veritable blizzard of bizarre brownish snowflakes. Percolation at its best.

After hopping back on the main line we took our time looking under ledges and enjoying the beauty of it all. It is always a true joy for me to have the opportunity to glide weightless through a most alien looking environment whilst watching my buddy’s light cast unusual shadows and light the way. Every trip seems remarkably different even with similar landmarks along the way.

We popped back into the mud tunnel and then slowly exited up the chimney. My buddy pointed out some more jumps and nooks and crannies of interest.

After a slow ascent to the cavern we joined the other divers hanging just below the tannic line of the dreaded Arctic river water. The dark orange color of the water marking the exit was pretty but not as beautiful as the swirling tannic water that can usually be seen at the top of the Eye at Devils. The swirling mix of orange and reddish colors with the occasional infusion of clear spring water and contrast of dark and light in the sunlight always reminds me of the phrase “In the land of Mordor, where the shadows lie…”

But I digress…back on topic…

For our second dive we headed off to PII – a most wonderful dive …but that is a story for another day…

The end

[Rich]

Great report Pat!!

Was good seeing you at Ginnie this weekend

Safe diving,

Rich

[rblackburn]

Great report! Even in those

pristine

conditions LR was a good dive on the 2nd. We left it a real mess after doing several of the sidemount tunnels above the chimney for our second that day... We were the last ones left and did several of the tight tunnels and created a lot of

yellowish-brown gunk (ok – so particulate matter)

while in those tunnels...

[Starryskies]

We were the last ones left and did several of the tight tunnels and created a lot of ...

Hey guys - thanks for the kind words.

Sadly I have to say that yellowish-brown gunk is still the best way I can think of to describe the stuff - can you tell I am a college grad?

On another note - I mentioned the Eye with the swirly tannic stuff going on but was actually referring to the Ear. I have the Eye on my brain today as I had my first missing O2 bottle encounter there this weekend. Exciting stuff.

[Gary]

I have the Eye on my brain today as I had my first missing O2 bottle encounter there this weekend. Exciting stuff.

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it'll show up.

I thought I was mearly paranoid leaving my bottle at 60' behind the big rock.

[Widiver_Paul]

Last week was my first time in LR, had a great time, but about 1200' back on the mainline past where the Y tees back in there is a tieoff on this really pretty piece of formation that is about 1" thin and about 24 inches around with a hole in the middle. I noticed this thing "bend" as the lead diver nudged over it, so I placed a finger and applied pressure on it to see if I was narc'd or it really flexed. Discovered that it indeed have a weak, delicate feel to it and tried to wonder why the line would be wrapped through it.

Does anyone know where i'm talking about?

It would be a shame to come back and see this broken forever. I beleive it was close to a left bend inbound.

[SLIM]

Now she is trying to blame me for her post

I do have to say that I thought it was a very good one. I so wonder was the water PRISTINE

She is doing a good job with the way she describes the vis and all the STUFF.

Keep up the good work.

SLIM

[Starryskies]

I so wonder was the water PRISTINE SLIM

Not even close...

[Starryskies]

Hopefully it'll show up.

I thought I was mearly paranoid leaving my bottle at 60' behind the big rock.

Actually it turned out that two O/W divers saw the bottles stashed about 40' down in the cavern area and thought that someone had left them behind. They were trying to be good samaritans and retrieved them to take them to the front office . The bottles were waiting for us top side.

Lesson learned - usually I stash it in the little catfish cove by the sign - don't think I will be leaving it in the Eye any more.

[DeWayne]

Last week was my first time in LR, had a great time, but about 1200' back on the mainline past where the Y tees back in there is a tieoff on this really pretty piece of formation that is about 1" thin and about 24 inches around with a hole in the middle. I noticed this thing "bend" as the lead diver nudged over it, so I placed a finger and applied pressure on it to see if I was narc'd or it really flexed. Discovered that it indeed have a weak, delicate feel to it and tried to wonder why the line would be wrapped through it.

Does anyone know where i'm talking about?

It would be a shame to come back and see this broken forever. I beleive it was close to a left bend inbound.

I think I know the area you are referring to, but have never noticed that formation "flexing." I'll have to take a closer look next time I am down there.