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Post by JES on Jan 24, 2005 15:25:34 GMT -8
Here's a little info about Hospital Hole. Location: Hospital Hole (aka Fish Hospital) is in a sharp bend of the Weeki Wachee River 1,000 feet upstream from State Hwy 595 bridge. Description: The hole itself is in the third bend south of Roger's Park on the Weeki Wachee River. The name comes from local legend where it is told that injured fish come to this site to be healed before returning to the sea. Access is restricted from land due to private homes, but one can easily canoe or even walk upriver from the park to the dive site. Roger's Park is open year round with a boat dock and launch ramp, but there is a $2 park fee ( per vehicle) during daylight hours in the summer. The main hole is about 150 ft in diameter and reaches a depth of 135-140 feet. There are several solution tubes in the overhangs along the south and southwest wall. One of the tubes goes to the surface, but the others, while large enough for a diver to enter, are blocked at the top (around 20 ft). Water from the spring flowed through these tubes long ago before the ceiling of the cavern collapsed (now the main sink). There are a few flowing springs coming from the wall around 70 feet, just above the hydrogen sulfide layer. Between 70 and 80 feet there is a thick cloud like layer of hydrogen sulfide that blocks most light below it. Below the layer, whose depth fluctuates with the tide, visibility is usually very good. There is a small john boat on the bottom around 135 feet. There is not much of interest away from the boat until you get to the walls. Graffiti from divers over the past decade written into the walls adds to the fun of the dive. The shape of the sink itself is like a small boot with no passage or major overhangs observed yet. The ceiling gently slopes upward towards the opening. This site is great for any open water diver, although only those who are cavern certified should attempt to go below the cloud layer, even during daylight hours, as the low light, foul smell, and high silt can be challenging to those without depth experience. (Info from the Florida Caves Website - www.floridacaves.com/) All-in-all between the walk up-river with your gear and the hydrogen sulfide layer, it's probably not the best choice for our purposes.
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Frogman Jack or Jack Wilhelm
Guest
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Post by Frogman Jack or Jack Wilhelm on Jan 24, 2005 16:51:45 GMT -8
Hi everyone, it's cold down here right now! It was around 32 degrees last night, burr. Then I spoke with Joe Strickland, JES, from my old home state, Maryland. Joe said it was 4, yes 4 degrees where he was. Humbled me. Anyway, I grew up in the western panhandle of Maryland in Frostburg and went to college at Western Maryland (now McDanial College, those morons, changing the name) in Westminster and lived in Ellicott City for 15 years before coming down to FL. I read the posts above Tom and Chucko about diving Kings Spring at Crystal River and the infamous Hospital Hole. Yeah, we could work the Kings Spring dive in but this is a caven dive, not real conducive to double hosin. There's always a lot of intro classes here and this time of year brings scads of manatee wantabee divers. It really wouldn't be a great place to take 10 to 15 double-hosers and mix them with intro open water divers making whatever vis there is worse. Like Joe said, Hospital Hole is not real fun to get to. Walking a 1000 feet up the river with gear on or renting an expensive canoe isn't the best alternative for what we'd like to do. All the locations I suggested are literally walk-in dives. I know the travel-to-get-there distances are somewhat long and one site (Blue Grotto) has a $27 entrance fee, but they're all fabulous dives, and put-your-gear-on walk-in sites. That aspect along is worth the price of admission. We're not "normal divers" by today's requirements. We're better at most places to simply sign-in and go dive without telling the world that we're diving DOUBLE-HOSE REGULATORS. I did this with the guys at Weeki-Watchee and was instantly read the liability insurance riot act. So, tachful entry to the sites is a must with our gang. Let's see what else the proposed dive schedule congers up on this site, and if nothing dramatically new comes around, let's give some serious consideration to working with what I've proposed. If everyone attending is prepared mentally, financially, and whatever else is necessary, this can be a great three day adventure. Even for Chucko! Stay tuned and keep warm, Jack.
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Post by 1969ivan1 on Jan 24, 2005 19:14:39 GMT -8
Jack brings up a very valid point about being discrete! Many places like Ginnie Springs and I would suspect Blue Grotto have MANY rules. Most of the rules including but not limited to requirements for a secondary air source, BCD, and A SPG! I always keep a low profile when diving those sorts of places. Heck, Ginnie nearly has a cow when I bring in a steel 72 for an air fill. I would suggest we try to stick to more of the public park places like Blue Springs, Troy, and the like. The Rangers, if they are there only care if u are trashing the grounds or killing something...They could care less what type of reg u dive. I spoke with a buddy of mine who lives near Troy and he said that it is still flooded, but hopefully it will clear by the time we meet in Fla? I would suggest that we not try to run around to much, as we may end up spending the whole time driving/getting to places and less time diving. Blue Springs could be great for 2 whole days as far as I am concerned? If we played it more by "EAR" we could have one of the local guys update this thread and advise anyone that may wish to join us in the middle of the event of our next location. This would allow us to make changes on a dime without leaving anyone out in the cold?
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Post by Broxton Chuck on Jan 25, 2005 11:10:25 GMT -8
Im easy with spending some extra time at blue! It is one of the best spring dives there is, or ever was. Heres a quick story: About 6 weeks ago I was at a famous coral reef located near Largo key. I went to the dive shop at the park, and wanted to get tickets so my wife Luana, and I could dive. When I showed them my Dacor Vest, the girl at the counter nearly choked! She called the captain of the dive boat, who said I had to have a "BC" and my vest wasent allowed. Hell, its got self inflation, and mouth inflation, and I have used it as a safety float, and BC for 30 years. In fact I was certified with it! NO, I didnt take time to show them my royal, which was laying in the van....... Watch out guys and girls. This kind of narrow mindedness can ruin your trip. If any of you find a boat who will take "REAL" divers, get it on here. I sure would like to use my 2 hoser out on the reef again. Heres one more, back in 73, I bought a set of double 72's. I got them pumped, and crammed all my gear in front of my 63 corvair, and headed for the keys. When I got there I found I couldnt even lift the dam things out of the trunk!!!! I had my trusty single 72 in the back seat and used it instead. Boy was I ever a big dummy. Sometimes I still am, but thats the joy of life! Chucko
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Post by Jack Wilhelm on Jan 25, 2005 11:53:54 GMT -8
Hi everyone, thank god it's warming up down here, enough of that cold stuff. Rob too makes a good point. Anywhere we dive is really ok, and places like state parks such as Blue Spring is great for us because there's very little interference from "the man." The other thing I personally have no problem with is what Rob mentioned about deciding where to go based on consenses of the group. Whether we stay around Blue Spring for most of the time or go afar, in fairness, whatever the group wants to do might be the way to go. Let's no forget we're getting together to dive together. If everyone goes to different locations, we'll miss out on why we're all coming to FL - to dive together! We could set Friday's dives so everyone knows what we're doing the first day. Choosing Saturday's and Sunday morning's dive could be done at dinner Friday night. This plan is an option. Let's here what everyone thinks of this, Jack.
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Post by Gomez' echo on Jan 25, 2005 12:15:11 GMT -8
Thanks to all who are doing the planning of this venture. If all goes right, two of us will be coming from New York State. Probability is that we will be driving as both of us are retired and have the luxury of time. Nevertheless, if I may suggest a couple of things. First, no matter what you decide, i.e., where to dive, etc, you will never satisfy everyone. Thus, you decide and that's the way it is. You are actually the "hosts" and as such know much more about the area than the rest of us. Second, the planning will be difficult in that you do not know the numbers. Maybe if anyone who thinks they may be coming, should log on and give you an idea. If you plan for 10-15 and 40 show up, how does this complicate the plan? I think it would be best to plan for larger numbers and maybe do the state park thing as I am sure they may have the facilities for the group. I have dove Ginny, done the manatee thing on Crystal and the drift on the Rainbow River. In all cases, the numbers wouldn't have mattered. If the locations you suggest would have an issue with more people, then maybe the more popular venues would be best. Just a suggestion. Thanks for all your efforts.
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Post by Bryan on Jan 25, 2005 12:32:01 GMT -8
Very good suggestion ! You never make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time. I am suggesting that we start our adventure at Blue Springs/Orange City. We can meet up there on Thursday night and be ready to dive Blue 1st thing on Friday morning. That location is a great dive and is really easy to find. There are lots of Motels and restaurants within a mile or so of the spring. Here is the cheapest motel I could find that is really close to the dive site. Tom and I stayed at this place last year and it was fine for what it is. Days Inn in Orange City. Here is a link right to the place to make reservations. They show $54.00 per night available right now. I am booking for March 31st and April 1st. www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/search_results?brand_code=DI&p_country=US&p_state=FL&p_city=Orange+CityIt is about a mile or two from Blue Springs and almost next door to a great seafood place we ate at last year!
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Post by JES on Jan 26, 2005 3:47:25 GMT -8
Very good suggestion ! You never make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time. This is exactly what Jack & I said when we talked. ;D We agree 100% that we should start in Blue Springs / Orange City. Thank you for the hotel information. Regards, Joe
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dhaas
Regular Diver
Posts: 26
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Post by dhaas on Jan 26, 2005 11:04:07 GMT -8
Guys, This thread is hilarious as all us old "mossbacks" try to figure out how we can still dive without being hassled I too, keep a low profile wearing my Chucko tuned 1959 Mistral here at my local quarry where new divers get trained all summer. In FLA I'm sure the more commerical the site the more the "PADI police" will try and come over and hassle the group. State parks are usually more laid back as many here have already described. I'm trying to make plans to be in northern FLA the earlier part of the week, then meet up with all of you Friday/Sat./Sun. before heading home to Ohio. I agree even if we have to be at one to two dive sites, minimal interference is better than driving all over N. FLA. As I previously offered in my introduction I will gladly take digital photos above and below for sharing on the various vintage sites as long as I can use some for stock photo sales in any magazine I submit to. Finally, I'm trying to get a NEW MISTRAL for possible side by side above and underwater photos. I'll be bringing my current gear along with vintage, so modeling shots are a must If anyone already is lining one of these new puppies up please email me directly. Looking forward to meeting you all! David Haas Haas Photography Inc. 4596 Greenlawn Drive Stow OH 44224 330-678-0591 Phone/Fax 330-329-5981 cell davidhaas@sbcglobal.net Sample Image Galleries at: www.pbase.com/dhaas
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Post by Terry on Jan 26, 2005 18:28:31 GMT -8
Like many of you I learned to dive back in the early 60's and I agree; ya just can't beat a good ole two hose reg. I have today's modern equipment as well; but nothing beats a dive with my Voit Navy; USD AquaMaster or Nemrod Snark III and I have also gotten those strange looks and criticism for using that "Outdated, Unsafe Equipment"! On that note think of the possibilities we may have with the offer David Haas has made to take digital photos. Maybe this is what "OUR SPORT"; "VINTAGE DIVING" needs is some photos and some positive press in the dive magazines to show that this IS a safe way to dive. This would also help give some well deserved recognition to the early days of diving and the equipment that many of us learned to dive with. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get together with any of you to take part in these vintage dives; but I have had contacts with many of you and I am a vintage diver and I definitely support giving David any permission needed for the use of these photos he has offered to take. Get some good ones Dave, and show the diving community just how many "Mike Nelsons" are still out there. Safe diving to all! Terry Stevens; Benzonia, MI.
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Post by nemrod on Jan 26, 2005 20:58:20 GMT -8
I am strongly considering showing up for this venture. Though I am terribly busy and really am afraid it may still be cold--I am really not into cold!!!!!!!!!!! I also was wanting to go at a later time with my new Whaler but if I come down for this adventure I am not bringing a boat I don't think and I don't believe my wife will attend either that early. Between having two large geriatric dogs, having now spent two weeks on a crimminal jury trial I got stuck on and a huge ice storm that downed entire trees on my acerage to clean up I am getting stressed out over all the work I have to do on the homestead this year. Thing is, how can the owner of five double hose rigs not show up so I guess I am considering it. Yep, my past experience indicates there will likely be confrontations with Padi Police. They are everywhere and like the pod clones in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, when they see a non-Padi type they make this unearthly screeching sound, kind of a satanic demon howl that makes my skin crawl. We may be able to distract them by sending off a decoy with no snorkel!!! In this way they may not notice we have no octapus, no BC, no nothing and no American Express card and that we don't give a darn (actually it was a different word--Down and Out in Beverly Hills with Nick Nolte). Nemrod
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Post by Broxton Chuck on Jan 27, 2005 12:36:41 GMT -8
Hi Nemrod: You better be there, no excuses. April first it will be 85 to 90 degrees. You will be roasting between dives. Dont sweat it. The springs are warm.. 70 degrees. All you need is a thin suit, or a shorty. Before, after, and in between dives there will be plenty of SAND DOGS, the official food of big bad vintage divers. I will be pumping the special 2 hose gas mix, so you wont want to miss that either. Im itchin to go right now. If any of you guys want to go down midweek, and hit a few spots early, let me know. Ill e glad to meet you wherever. Chucko
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Post by Captain on Jan 27, 2005 19:11:06 GMT -8
Quote "Between having two large geriatric dogs, having now spent two weeks on a crimminal jury trial I got stuck on and a huge ice storm that downed entire trees on my acerage to clean up I am getting stressed out over all the work I have to do on the homestead this year. "
Problems for mere mortals not " Nemrod, God of the Deep Sea"
Tom
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Post by nemrod on Jan 30, 2005 13:44:22 GMT -8
So then, not having been in that area of Fla. in some time just what will be the proposed missions (lol). Where and when and over what days or will we just wing it? I went ahead and booked a room per instructions above (Days Inn) but of course at this time that all seems to be flexible. What would be the last proposed day and location so that I can plan my return to the desolate and dry Heartland of Kansas, USA which has actually been proven to be in fact flatter than a pancake! Nemrod
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Post by Jack Wilhelm on Jan 30, 2005 18:08:11 GMT -8
Nemrod, the first day (Friday, April 1st) is set. We'll dive Blue Spring at Orange City in the AM and Alexander Spring in the PM. Saturday and Sunday mornng the 2nd and 3rd of April will have their dive locations decided at dinner on the night of April 1st, Jack.
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