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Post by Gomez' echo on Apr 5, 2005 5:34:01 GMT -8
Wow!!! I get to be the first to quickly comment on one of the most fun trips of my life. Dave has a few hundred pics that he will be posting. My 35mm are at the processor as I write. Needless to say the weather, the dive sites, the food was great. But most importantly, the comradeship was unbelievable. You will be hearing more, but for now, WONDERFUL!!!!!!!
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Post by scubanut on Apr 5, 2005 9:00:03 GMT -8
:)I agree 100% with simonbeans. I had a fantastic time for my first real vintage dive. It was a pleasure to meet everyone.
Thanks Allen for talking me into going. Thanks Chuck for the banjo, can't wait to try it out.
I am looking forward to next year, and hope to see you all again.
Once again Thanks
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Post by JES on Apr 5, 2005 14:22:52 GMT -8
I'm glad to hear that everyone had a great time.
I sure hated to miss the dives but like Tom said "(Military) Duty calls".
I'm sure that I reflect everyone's sentiment when I say that we're all looking forward to the detailed accounts so that we can vicariously dive through the different stories. ;D
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Jack The Frogman Wilhelm
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Post by Jack The Frogman Wilhelm on Apr 5, 2005 16:42:23 GMT -8
Hi gang, I too had a great day with the group. Unfortunately, I was originally planning to come up to Orange City on Thursday and spend four days with the group, but all well laid plans went awry and I was only able to spend Saturday with the group at Blue Springs and Alexander. I had been sick with Bronchitis and was on some huge pills which made me spacey during both of my dives. Bryan asked me at Alexander if I was ok while in the water and I told him yes, but in reality the combination of the medication and the diving didn't fare well at all. But the fellowship with everyone was the big plus. Very nice to meet some guys that I only knew by handles up to this point. Bryan's girlfriend was very nice too, and cute. You better keep her in close quarters Bryan or some creature from some lagoo is gonna be after her. Hello Britney! And as usual Chucko was his insane narcisistic (I can never spell that word) self. Chuck, sorry I had to cut out Saturday night but couldn't get a room at the inn. I just went on home Saturday night. Was good to see Sue on Sunday anyway. I will get the money to you for the set of doubles I have. Decided not to get the banjo fitting because I don't think it would have fit my Mistral correctly. I heard from Ken (Rados) that the diving Sunday at Manatee was great. The array of vintage dive gear and "creative" dive gear at the event was a specticle in itself. From Bryan's doubles to James' doubles, it was quite a sight. A big special thanks to Tom and Chucko for the airfills. I hope everyone expressed their appreciation ($$$) for what these two guys did for us air wise. I'm looking forward to reading others accounts of the event, take care, Jack.
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Post by Gomez' echo on Apr 6, 2005 4:40:09 GMT -8
2nd Florida Vintage Dive One advantage of getting older is that we acquire more life experiences. Some of these experiences become fond memories. As I grow older, the Florida Springs Vintage Dive of 2005 will be one of the memories that will bring a smile to my face for many years. Fred (Scubanut) and I drove from Rochester, New York for 19 hours over two days. Fortunately the weather was excellent for the trip as we watched the trees change from winter brown to the welcome green of spring in sunny Florida. After checking into the Days Inn at Orange City, we awaited the arrival of the faces to correspond to the vintage names of the forum. Broxton Chuck, Emilio Largo, Ivan, Captain, and Nemrod were a few of those vintage addicts that had become familiar via the Internet. But I did not know which face to match to the name. This quandary was soon to end as one after another of these interesting and fun people started to arrive and our introductions and conversations quickly lead to a kinship that seemed to span decades. But in reality our common tread did span decades. Regulators, fins, masks, tanks, gauges were discussed over the next few hours. Memories of each person gave all of us a new perspective and knowledge that would have taken thousands of written words to express. All too quickly Thursday evening passed as we all related some experience of our scuba adventures. The next day would allow us to see the gear we had brought to use, admire, and of course show off. Like a child before Christmas morning, I slept fitfully awaiting dawn and the ride to Blue Spring. Blue Spring is in one of Florida’s State Parks. It seems the people who work at these parks have either been there a bit too long or have seen too many divers. Nevertheless, Broxton Chuck’s familiarity with the “Ranger” made the check in process as smooth as possible. Rules were read, initials and signatures were made and C cards deposited, as group 2 for the day was about to venture into the park. For future reference, don’t forget your group number. It makes for a much more pleasant departure. Chuck and Tom set up their compressors (the salvation of the trip). We all put on our gear, checking regulators, installing newly acquired banjos, and making sure the cameras were turned on. We walked a considerable distance to the water, the weight of the tanks and weights but a mire annoyance due to our anticipation. Entry into the water flow allowed me the first relief of my anticipation. 72 degrees and crystal clear. Yes, crystal. Rob had dived the spring earlier that day and had suggested increasing our weights, as the flow was stronger than normal. This was the correct suggestion as we descended into the spring fissure. The stark beauty of the limestone formations beckoned us into the depths. Not being cave certified Fred and I explored the cave in the open water range to 60 feet. But that was enough to allow us to listen, watch and enjoy the beauty of the Royals, DA, Mistrals, and others as they purred and gave forth the air that we needed. This was the only way to dive. The day flew by as dive after dive was made. Tom and Chuck ran their compressors and all divers fulfilled their lust for diving. We packed up and returned to the Days Inn. After a nice group dinner at Pier 16, we again told stories of the past years and of the ones that got away on Ebay. We awoke on Saturday morning to rain. Drat, is this to last all day? Bryan’s Brittany assured us that this was only a passing event, and she was right. The hour long drive to Alexander Spring was just enough as the sun broke through and proved the most pleasant and clear day of the weekend. Alexander Spring is in a National Park that is run by a private company. The experience of check-in was almost opposite of Blue Spring. The staff was not only helpful but also most pleasant. Alexander proved to be my favorite site with the flow pool and surrounding area very well maintained and inviting. The water temperature was 73 degrees and the visibility had to exceed 200 feet. Dave Haas and Ron took literally hundreds of photos as the divers again emerged into the spring. The group used Voit, Meti, US Divers and other brands of equipment. The day passed too quickly, each of us satisfying the demand to be underwater with diving lungs of our youth. The ultimate highlight of the weekend was provided to Dave, Ron, Bryan and Brittany as a 10 foot or longer alligator swam over them. Dave got some spectacular photos and Ron captured the experience on video. Later that day Rob and Emilio Largo saw it again. Lucky guys. I searched the weeds all day and saw many fish and turtle, but no gator. After another great dinner, this time at Lena’s, we headed to Chiefland to rest for the night. We awoke to another beautiful day, albeit cooler than the previous two. We drove to Manatee Spring. We were without Nemrod who chose to go elsewhere. The reason for his decision to do so will be the story of the ages, so as not to steal this thunder, I will pass to him. We all dove both Catfish Hole and the main headspring. The visibility was not as good as Blue or Alexander, but the natural beauty of the Cypress trees and the overall park made the adventure a pleasure. In stark contrast to the seemingly long wait for the event to occur, it was over. It was time for all to give their fond farewells and promises to gather again. Shaking their hands and hugging Brittany of course, we parted and head to home and elsewhere. But I feel that I have found new friends that will make my life more complete as their kindred spirit of vintage diving on this Florida Trip will remain as a memory to last a lifetime. Hopefully it can be repeated with these fine people and others who want to relive the vintage diving that so many of us remember from times past. Thanks good people for traveling to Florida. May we all do it again? Note: (4-27-05) All of the photos that were part of this thread can be seen at: www.vintagedoublehose.com |
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Post by JES on Apr 6, 2005 5:14:40 GMT -8
simonbeans, Excellent narrative and photos! I can almost hear the compressors running.... Thank you for sharing your trip with us.  |
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Post by Bryan on Apr 6, 2005 5:27:11 GMT -8
Allen, if you can copy me on the pictures you are most fond of I will put them on my website.....Send them to me on a CD if you can so I can forward them to my webmaster. Linda will have our hides if we take up all the space here!
I know that David and Ron have a lot of stuff to send as well.
I will be working on sending out photo CD's to all of you of the lame photos I took. They are pretty poor compared to your stuff Allen but should get a laugh or two out of them....
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Post by nemrod on Apr 6, 2005 8:01:48 GMT -8
I just got in a few minutes ago. The meetings and interview I was concerned about getting back for were put off until Friday--great! That meant I dived Votex all the way to the grate--a real cave dive--solo late Sunday afternoon and vintage as well with the double 50s. I then drove to Destin and dove the Jetties with the DA and Chuck's increadible Banjo SPG fitting. I did this dive solo as well against a freshining incoming tide. Visibility ranged from 5 to approx 40 feet and my max depth was about 40 feet and average about 15. I then got on a boat and did an afternoon two tank dive. The first dive was the double 50s with Royal Aquamaster number 2 and my Calypso backing it up since the MR12II wet TU on me and the second dive was--ah--modern---wing, bp, Mares MR12 etc. Dived a liberty ship and a small rock ledge. They did not especially care for the double hose but when the captain saw that I had a BC, double regulators and alternate air source he was happy!
Allan, the photo you have labled as Ken is actually me--James aka Nemrod--lol. I recognise my hood and mask--lol!
I think we should strongly consider a dive in Destin around June of this year OR next as people see fit. I will give more info on my recon trip in another post. I think that Tom may be on to a great idea about diving Destin.
Side note--I get cold easy so after I dove the Jetties I crawled out of the water and layed down by my gear and fell asleep--not good----got a pretty nasty sunburn!I meant to laydown for only a few minutes to warm up but I guess I was very tired and fell asleep.
I also want to say that me and Broxton Chuck did a bunch of diving, the Banjo Master is one heck of a diver and coin digging/Lena Shrimp Platter eating fool!!! I hope your kitty was happy to see you get back Chuck. The rest of the gang, Allan, Rob, Bryan, Brittney, Emilio Rob Largo and Dave and so many more--thanks for a great trip and we will dive again!!!! I just got in so I need to get some sleep--more later.
James
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Post by Gomez' echo on Apr 6, 2005 8:56:59 GMT -8
Allan, the photo you have labled as Ken is actually me--James aka Nemrod--lol. I recognise my hood and mask--lol! James Sorry good dive buddy. I fixed my post. Got the real Ken. Not a good photo however. My apologies, Ken and my "Master Photog" Dave. Allan |
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Post by BroXton Chuck on Apr 6, 2005 11:10:35 GMT -8
I just saw the pictures, and stories, thanks for the memories. I cant wait to go again. I dove hospital hole the week before with "J Valve John"and it is a super dive, but the only problem is getting to it. This spring opents into a hugh vase shaped room, which at 80 feet, becomes semi transparent with the evil "pluto water" which resides there. We went down to 125 feet, and the bottom looks like a glimpse of hell, so we got out of there. A great dive for halloween. John says he can get a boat to go out into the gulf in july for vintage diving. It is a pal of his who operates a dive boat in Sarasota. Is anybody interested?
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Post by 1969ivan1 on Apr 7, 2005 6:44:31 GMT -8
This trip was the DEALIO! It never ceases to amaze me how all the folks u meet doing the vintage dive thing are all such good people!!! I really enjoyed putting faces to SCUBANUT, Emilio Largo, Nemrod, and of course the SUPER CZECH DIVER Simmonbeans....You guys are all a great addition to our group.....I hope we have many more dive events like this in the future....and thanks to everyone for making my T SHIRT venture a positive one!!!!!
Make sure u look me up when u come through CINTI Simmonbeans!
ROB
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Post by Emilio Largo on Apr 13, 2005 15:30:26 GMT -8
This is a friend from Atlanta, who was trying a double hose for the first time. (Nemrod Snark 3)  This me  This is scubanut (Fred)  Not quite sure who is in this one  And is scubanut again.  I want to say how much fun it was meeeting everybody and vintage diving as a group was GREAT! |
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Post by Broxton Chuck on Apr 15, 2005 4:30:57 GMT -8
Who at the florida dive told me about the watch repair place in Cary north carolina. I cant find them. Contact me at chucko63@kih.net
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Post by nemrodalt on May 12, 2005 9:43:31 GMT -8
Chuck, it was probably emilio largo who told you. Look under the thread in the general forums I started about DOXA and favorite dive watches and they posted several links to watch repair places.
How are the extra size banjos coming along?
James
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Post by Broxton Carol on May 12, 2005 10:43:05 GMT -8
The new run of banjos start monday. It will take a week to complete them. The oversize banjos will be part of this run, but only enough for those who ordered them. I apologise for the delay, but a friends death last week, set everything back. They will be worth waiting for. If you havent ordered yet do so NOW at chucko63@kih.net Thanks, Chucko
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