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Post by james1979 on Aug 3, 2021 4:32:28 GMT -8
hgslick and I have decided we're just doing this thing! Right now, he and I are both a go for it... I'll be driving on the 19th for diving on the 20-21st, and another buddy of mine (not a vintage guy, but DIY) will be flying in on the 20th on his way back from a work trip.
I will be bringing a DAAM, RAM, Cyclone/HPR DAAM, Most of a SCUBA, and maybe some other toys....
So who can join us?
Respectfully,
James
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Post by james1979 on Aug 8, 2021 10:25:45 GMT -8
Bueller.....
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Post by surflung on Aug 9, 2021 6:35:57 GMT -8
The Scuba RanchThe Scuba Ranch, formerly known as Clear Springs Scuba Park, opened June 15, 2001. As of May 2018 we are under new management and changes/updates are continuing to be made. We are family owned and operated, and offer a 22 acre spring-fed lake that has one of the most beautiful, natural habitats seen in a fresh water Texas Lake. Underwater attractions and wildlife are awaiting your exploration! Also, we're home to the "largest freshwater shark in North America", Sisco the Shark. We continue to strive upon improvements to make The Scuba Ranch the premier open dive facility in North Texas! 
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Post by surflung on Aug 9, 2021 7:07:38 GMT -8
I texted AntiqueDiver and he's going to try and make it and bring a friend. He say's it's only 120 mile drive!  Good luck with this event... It looks like you already have the beginnings of a successful get together! |
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Post by james1979 on Aug 9, 2021 9:15:37 GMT -8
I texted AntiqueDiver and he's going to try and make it and bring a friend. He say's it's only 120 mile drive! Good luck with this event... It looks like you already have the beginnings of a successful get together! Cool! Thanks! I'm taking the approach of "if there's 2 of us, it's a success... if there's more, it's a resounding success!" |
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Post by surflung on Aug 10, 2021 7:59:41 GMT -8
I've been Texting with AntiqueDiver Bill and found out he has some special connection to Scuba Ranch. Back in 2000, when they were getting started and their compressor wasn't set up yet, Antique Diver drove his Dive Shop compressor to Scuba Ranch on weekends and filled tanks for them. He became good friends with the original owner.
AntiqueDiver Bill says, "Nice clear water with good vegetation and large ear biting perch plus catfish, etc."
BTW... Bill only lives 120 miles from Scuba Ranch and said he would try to go but does have some previous commitments that may keep him from it.
Aug 20-21 is the date. The Scuba Ranch website has a list of close by motels.
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Post by vance on Aug 15, 2021 14:43:45 GMT -8
It would be fun to go there, but I’m in Montana right now, Hawaii and Utah next month, and Louisiana in October. I just got back from KC and WV. No more airfare $$ in the budget for this year. It’s tempting to drive there…
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Post by james1979 on Sept 3, 2021 5:20:17 GMT -8
So,
Late update. The Scuba Ranch is a neat place. I would definitely go there again, but only if I brought my kids or had more people definitely showing up. Unfortunately we got the usual dive trip answer of "you should have been here last week.".... vis was crappy (about 10-12 feet due to an algae bloom) but the water was bathtub warm. Turns out it's usually 20-30 ft vis. I usually dive freshwater in a spring that's 70 degrees, and my rig allows me to dive a 3mm full suit with no lead.... using my diy tiny wing, I had to wear a shorty for the buoyancy. And was still over weighted with no lead.
Jason came out that Friday, and we ended up mostly having a hang out and show and tell afternoon (due to comibinations of visibility, sinus issues, harness rigging issues, and a generalized "if you don't feel right, you can always call it"). I have to say that I'm envious of Jason's Voit... that sucker is beautiful with the fresh chrome and everything.
Outside of that portion of things, I met some people doing their open water class and the instructor let me tag a long (and put me to work a little bit!). Where most instructors are in the "that old stuff will kill you!" camp, when I asked Hugh if he had any issue with me diving doublehose while tagging along.... He interrupted his students to call them over and show them my regs! Then he emphasized that they are different, not obsolete, and a cool piece of useable history.
So I got to spread the vintage gear word a little as well.
Overall, I had a good time, good trip, just not as expected.
Respectfully,
james
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Post by Jim Perdway on Sept 5, 2021 16:15:08 GMT -8
Overall sounds like a fun time out there and it’s very cool to have had a positive reaction to your vintage gear.
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Post by antique diver on Sept 5, 2021 18:19:50 GMT -8
Sorry that I couldn't make that trip and meet up with y'all. It's been at least five years since I was there, and it was under different ownership. Knowing the owners I was able to get a bunch of solo dives in on weekdays when they were closed and the clarity was at its best.
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Post by surflung on Oct 14, 2021 7:24:52 GMT -8
Excellent dive report James... Thanks for letting us know how it all went. Hopefully you're not discouraged by the low "vintage" turnout. Frankly our get togethers have included all type of divers... Modern PADI sport divers, re-breathers, Tech-Wreck-Cave Divers, and us Vintage guys. There's mutual respect, curiosity, and a lot of fun give and take. Sounds like you had a fair amount of the same at your dive. Thanks for making the effort to put it together.
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