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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
        
(Message started by: Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 11:38am)

Title: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 11:38am

Just got back last night, at 10:30. We hauled out our gear and laid it out to dry, and then took our tired azzes upstairs, hit the shower, and slept like the dead!

The trip was GREAT!! We left Friday morning for Vortex Springs, Florida. We made a total of four dives at Vortex Springs, which is a freshwater spring, and has an underwater cave, about 60' down. The first two dives, we did all of our check-off dives, and then went exploring. Lots of HUGE carp in the shallows, and deeper down, lots of freshwater eels. I spent about five minutes, nose-to-nose with one who seemed as curious about me as I, about him.

The underwater cave was a good litmus test to discover whether or not one is truly claustrophobic. I discovered that, to a mild degree, I am. It was a little spooky, but still, lots of fun.

The water was a balmy 68F. (BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!) I rented a wetsuit, but found that the thickness of it gave me too much buoyancy and I couldn't descend, so I made do with a one-piece portion of it that looked like overalls, and everything went fine, after that. (except for the "shrinkage." ) :o ;;D

Yesterday morning, we took a boat from Panama City Beach, and went about six miles out. There was an old arched girder bridge that was submerged at 80', and we dove down and checked it out. It was eerie descending through the rusted arches. The water started out at 85F, and ended up at 65F, by the time we got to the bottom. No wetsuit, this time. Just swim trunks and the BCD. (Scuba vest)

After that, we went a few more miles out, to a shipwreck of an old supply boat called, "The Black Bart." This was the coolest dive of the trip, because I was comfortable in my gear, this was the deepest dive yet, at 100', and the ship was mostly intact. I followed my dive master through the hold of the ship, up through the cabin, and then outside through a big window again. We then hung around on the deck for awhile, circumnavigating the outside decks, and then went up to the wheel-house/bridge. There were TONS of fish! Parrotfish, whole schools of hammerjacks, a few blue wrasse, and some others that I don't know the names of. We saw a few barracuda too, but as soon as they saw us, they took off. (My ugly mug probably scared the hell out of them!) ;;)

Mari and I both had a great time, and passed all of our qualifications.

The drive was a killer... Diving takes so much out of you, that afterwards, all you want is to get something to eat, get a shower, and take a nap. The drive, with nothing more than occasional 15-minute breaks, took over 8 hours. We're both very sunburned, very tired, and very happy!! :)

It was a great weekend, and I can't wait to go again. I've already made my down payment on a week-long trip to Cozumel, Mexico in October. I can't wait!!

Nothing else to report. Life is good, pain-free, and busier than I ever thought possible! :)

PFDAN's and Warm Wishes,
-Frank

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by don on May 23^rd, 2005, 11:39am

Going down again are ya Frank? 8)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by lionsound on May 23^rd, 2005, 12:06pm

Sounds amazing!

Welcome home!

:) [smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 12:50pm

Every chance I get, Don. ;;D

Thanks, Rori. It was a fantastic trip! (along with fantastically exhausting...) I felt pretty good when I bounced out of bed this morning, but now, I'm running on caffeine and nicotine. I'll be snoring by 8:30 tonight. LOL

Oh, btw: Here's a pic of the cave entrance, in Vortex Springs:
http://www.vortexspring.com/history/001.jpg

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by jimbo on May 23^rd, 2005, 1:30pm

Cool Frank! 8)

Sounds like ya had a blast, And it was PF ! That is awesome.

Don't worry, you'll locate your yambag in a few weeks LMAO

Seeya,

jimbo

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 1:31pm

Yambag... LMAO!!

Here's a rather murky photo of the Black Bart. (Not mine. I didn't have a chance for photos)

http://www.mountaindiver.com/images/dive0401.jpg

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by high_commander on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:08pm

Welcome back Frank !

Sounds like a wonderful adventure !

Don't think I could scuba dive....too much natural boyancy...fat butt, big bust...I'd make a good buoy ! ;;D [smiley=crackup.gif]

Danielle

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Jonny on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:16pm

on 05/23/05 at 15:08:28, high_commander wrote:

Don't think I could scuba dive....too much natural boyancy...

Thats why they make weight belts ;;D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by high_commander on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:23pm

LOL !

It would take a few...the girls are full grown. ;;D

And no, I won't post pics ::)

Danielle

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:23pm

LOL, Danielle. My dive master is 6'3", and easily weighs over 250 lbs.

One of the coolest things was achieving neutral buoyancy, and then descending ever so slowly, body horizontal and motionless, arms and legs outstretched... It's like the flying that you do in dreams... I'm addicted. I can't wait to go again. :)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by high_commander on May 23^rd, 2005, 3:33pm

Frank, that sounds unbelievable !!

I live in one of the few land-locked provinces in Canada.
3 scuba schools...at least 4 hours drive to the nearest one.
Lakes and rivers everywhere, but you can look down from your boat and see bottom, since most are quite clear.

Quote:

It's like the flying that you do in dreams...

been there........(closing eyes and remembering)

Danielle

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Bethany1 on May 23^rd, 2005, 4:28pm

Sounds like ya had a great time!

Glad you didn't get eaten by a shark.

hugz-
Beth ;;D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 23^rd, 2005, 5:01pm

LOL! Thanks, Bethany. I did see a small (2'?) sand shark around the "Black Bart." He was just keeping his distance and circling around lazily as if to say, "You're in my territory, pal, so just watch your step!" :)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Jonny on May 23^rd, 2005, 5:15pm

Wanna talk scary?....I use to dive the deepest quarry in the country (364 ft deep)...between the pressure and knowing there were dead people in there it was some scary shit, couldnt go more than 80 ft cause of the pressure....whenever someone got killed jumping they used a mini-sub to try and find them.

Its since been drained and filled in with dirt from the big dig.....Swingles quarry Quincy, Mass...could also be listed as "Swindles"

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by seasonalboomer on May 23^rd, 2005, 6:03pm

Didn't really care for the dive's into the "Holes" or natural springs in Florida myself. I think we did "devils hole" or some damn name along with another "cavern" dive for one of our certification dives as well. Diving the Chrystal River was cool though, the water so clear you felt like you weren't even looking through water.

Diving is a blast, try to go every year a couple times. If you ever need a dive site "review" I've tacked a few down in the books and am always glad to share info on "best"s of different dive locales.

Don't go down if you don't know when you're coming back up.

Scott

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by don on May 23^rd, 2005, 6:19pm

Quote:

there were dead people

Along with a few hundred chevys, fords, and buicks.

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Jonny on May 23^rd, 2005, 6:28pm

on 05/23/05 at 18:19:51, don wrote:

Along with a few hundred chevys, fords, and buicks.

LOL...Badges, the quarry next to it had a mail truck and several Boston herald paper boxes ;;D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by mynm156 on May 23^rd, 2005, 7:19pm

Sounds AWESOME!!!!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Kevin_M on May 23^rd, 2005, 8:38pm

on 05/23/05 at 11:38:02, Frank_W wrote:

I've already made my down payment on a week-long trip to Cozumel, Mexico in October. I can't wait!!

Good choice.
I think that's the Palancar(?) Reef there. Supposed to be great, Cozumel too, for laying back afterwards. 8)

Kevin M

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Sean_C on May 23^rd, 2005, 9:05pm

on 05/23/05 at 17:15:12, Jonny wrote:

I loved that place, it kinda sucks that they filled it. You can see the water mark, that was a 7 second ride from Roof Top ;;D

http://www.seangallagher.net/Miscellany/Quincy_Quarries/HugeQuarry1-THUMB.jpg

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by cootie on May 23^rd, 2005, 9:49pm

Wow sounds like an awesome time Frank........glad ya had a great time........I'd be scared to death to do that cuz of sharks.......in Myrtle Beach sharks came into the shore where we were fishing and they said they seen a HUGE shark at the end of the dock the day before. That was enuff for me......I fished from the sand. No chum scum Pam

PS: Um.....not to be nosey.....but did you say nicotene ? Didn't you quit smokeing ??

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Sean_C on May 23^rd, 2005, 10:01pm

My brothers big into diving. Six of them are planning on going to the grave of the Adria Dorea this summer. Four of them have been there numerous times already. He said they use a helium mix for thier o2. Visability is 10 feet with your light and water temps should be anywhere between 41 and 43 degrees. Thier ascent will take four hours.

http://radio.weblogs.com/0115787/images/adrea%20doria/adrea%20doria%20listing.jpeg

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Charlie on May 24^th, 2005, 2:57am

Geeze Frank. Now that's that's a real holiday. Good for you and yours.

The Andrea Doria is shallow enough for diving Sean? I had no idea. God you people know about fun. 8)

Charlie http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/TITANIC.gif

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Bethany1 on May 24^th, 2005, 6:59am

on 05/23/05 at 17:15:12, Jonny wrote:

Hay Jonny, I used to go the Quincy quarry all the time when I was a teenager! I used to love it there!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 24^th, 2005, 7:24am

I love the diving stories. Jonny, the quarry sounds pretty scary... There's one in Huntsville, AL, but I'm not going to bother diving it. Even in summer, it's freezing cold, but they have an F-15, a Tomohawk missile, a dumptruck, and some other miscellaneous machinery that's been sunk in it, and supposedly, it's an interesting dive.

Sean, the Andrea Doria sounds like a neat dive, but clearly, it's for very very skilled divers with drysuits and tri-mix. I doubt that I'll ever be that good at it, but now that I have my advanced certification, I'd like to take a specialty class for wreck entry.

P.S. Cootie: "Quitting smoking is easy! I've done it thousands of times!" -Mark Twain

(Does that answer your question?) LOL

I've been unsuccessful with remaining quit from sickarettes, but I keep trying. Eventually, I will succeed.

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by sandie99 on May 24^th, 2005, 7:58am

Sounds like one amazing trip, Frank! ;)

I must agree with Pam... this woman will fish only when she's sure that there's no sharks anywhere nearby. I even got nightmares after seeing Jaws as a kid! :o

Welcome back... :)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 24^th, 2005, 11:39am

Thanks, Sandie. Truthfully, I was terrified of the water when I was a boy. If I couldn't touch the bottom of the pool or the lake, I would go into full-blown panic. I learned how to waterski when I was 12, and ever since, I can't get enough of the water. My friends and I used to leap off of 40-60' cliffs into the Southern California Edison canal, and I went on to become a lifeguard when I was in the Army. I've body-surfed in Japan, swam a 3-mile course in the ocean for a children's leukemia charity, snorkeled in Bermuda, and now, scuba diving. :)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by byoung111 on May 24^th, 2005, 12:03pm

You will love the drift diving in Cozumel. Our first dive trip was last July and it was amazing. We saw sea turtles, baracuda, a 5' nurse shark, a spotted eagle ray just to name a few. I did a lot of research on dive shops and picked Papa Hogs. I believe it was $52 for a 2 tank dive. We stayed at the Iberostar and they picked us up at the dock. As someone else mentioned Palancar Reef is wonderful. The water was in the 80's. Which beats the 58 degree water we certified in. Burrrrr. You'll have fun and I'm jealous.

Brian

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by ClusterChuck on May 24^th, 2005, 12:13pm

Sounds awesome, Frank! Makes me want to get re-certified! Been about two or three years for me. I miss it, and you have rekindled my desires!

I forgot the places we dove in the Carib, but it was great, although I liked diving in Hawaii better! But then again, almost ANYPLACE is good!

Chuck

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 24^th, 2005, 12:48pm

I am SO looking forward to Cozumel... I don't think I can wait until October, though! :)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Edna on May 24^th, 2005, 6:33pm

WOW dude! Congratulations on the certification for both you and Mari. Sounds like it was wonderful.

Guess you didn't meet up with my friends huh? He didn't get his certification........did fine the first day, but got sea sick the day of the testing itself. Real bummer, but he's going back in June.

Bet you'll have a great time in Cozumel, beautiful stuff to see there for sure.

And, yeah, I caught the bit about the nicotine too......just thought I'd wait and ride your ass about it when I chatted with you again.......LOL

Take care friend,
EDNA

Title: Re: Scuba Trip!
Post by Frank_W on May 25^th, 2005, 7:30am

LOL! Thanks, Edna. [smiley=hug.gif] Mari missed the second dive because she got sea sick. Next time we go, I'm going to have her look into getting the prescription patches. Once she was sick and the Triptone was making her sleepy, she was done for the day, poor girl... :-/

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 25^th, 2005, 10:27am

Photos here, taken by a dive-buddy: http://community.webshots.com/album/353102902zgnCQN

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by vig on May 25^th, 2005, 10:34am

that looks like fun Frank,
Awesome Big Flippers!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by medic1852 on May 25^th, 2005, 10:40am

Looks like a lousy vacation...All that water...no sun..sorry your trip was spoild do to the wet weather. ::)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 25^th, 2005, 10:48am

Yeah... I was SOAKED!!! >:( Grrrr... ;;D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by LeLimey on May 25^th, 2005, 10:51am

on 05/25/05 at 10:48:02, Frank_W wrote:

Yeah... I was SOAKED!!! >:( Grrrr... ;;D

Always said you were a big drip.. :P

I'm glad you had a nice time though!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 25^th, 2005, 11:15am

[smiley=laugh.gif] I can't wait to go again... I think I like it even more than Jeepin' or flying. :) 8)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Cathi04 on May 25^th, 2005, 11:40am

OMG! Did Jeepieguy say BETTER than Jeepin?????????????

Somebody get him some aspirin!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Charlie on May 25^th, 2005, 11:44am

That picture in the cave brings back memories of my old favorite scuba show:

"Sea Haunt."

Charilie http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/willy.gif

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by broomhilda on May 25^th, 2005, 12:41pm

Looks like a beautiful time, I am so jealous! Can I come to Cozumel with you? ;;D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 25^th, 2005, 1:05pm

Yep! PM me, and I'll hook you up with the dive master/company who's putting the trip together! Deposits are due already. The more the merrier! (and cheaper!) :)

October 15-22nd. $1,399 (USD) includes:
Roundtrip Airfare from Nashville, TN
8 days/7 nights at Casa Del Mar Resort
All meals (all you can eat buffet breakfast)
All you can drink (includes alcohol and swim-up bar)
Unlimited shore diving
Night dives
5 days of 2-tank boat dives
Photo contest
Treasure/scavenger hunt
All taxes included

Trip fee for non-divers: $1,199 (USD)

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by nani on May 25^th, 2005, 7:21pm

on 05/25/05 at 11:15:45, Frank_W wrote:

[smiley=laugh.gif] I think I like it even more than Jeepin' or flying. :) 8)

[smiley=JAW_DROP.gif]

Whoa!! That's big....
Looks like you had a great time, Frank. Good for you! :D

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 26^th, 2005, 8:00am

Thanks, Nani! :) I'm definitely going with a camera for the Cozumel dives. The coral reef photos I've seen in scuba magazines are breathtaking...

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Rock_Lobster on May 27^th, 2005, 2:21pm

Nice pics Frank.

Diving rules... we used to hit Grand Cayman twice a year until we spawned. Now that she is almost 12, we plan to pick it up again.

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 27^th, 2005, 2:24pm

Excellent, Wrokk! The Grand Caymans looks like a fantastic place... Enjoy!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Kim Y. on May 27^th, 2005, 3:11pm

Glad you had such a nice time. Also glad to see you came back to us safely. ;;D A well earned vacation after all you have been through with the beast.

It has always been a dream of mine to go and swim with the dolphins as well as deep sea diving. Some day it will come true.

Hope you have/do remain ever PF.
Kim

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 27^th, 2005, 4:31pm

Thank you, Kim. :) I want to swim with dolphins, too. Hopefully, we'll see some in Cozumel. One of the cooler things to do, is to grab onto the tail of one of those huge manta rays and let it tow you through the water... :)

I want to do a shark dive, too. Sharks are cool...

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by karma on May 27^th, 2005, 4:45pm

Frank,
Have fun with the diving. The more experience you get the more amazing it gets. If youv'e got the cojones try a nite dive its a whole different experience.
Swimming with Dolphins is not cool.
I'm no tree hugger but their is no research involved what so ever. It is strictly a business with wild dolphins caught an placed into captivity with a very short life expectancy. The sole purpose is to profit from the naivety of most people at the expense of another mammal.
Don't mean to preach but I know first hand and the whole thing sucks.

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Kim Y. on May 27^th, 2005, 8:03pm

Frank

Quote:

I want to do a shark dive, too. Sharks are cool...

I'll pass on that one they give me th he-be-je-bes. Mantarays sound like fun.

Kim

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Ree on May 27^th, 2005, 8:26pm

oooooo if your an avid diver you should quit smoking... My brother is a dive instructor and a friend of his came up after a dive and dropped dead......smoker!!! 27 years old... one of the 3000+ reasons that ree thinks you should quit smoking.......

Cool dive trip Jeepy...... and jonny the minute I started reading your post I knew you were speaking of the infamous Quincy quarry...... there are a few bodies down there now isnt there......AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Bethany where are you from......? love ree

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Leesa on May 29^th, 2005, 11:16pm

Good deal Frank, glad to hear yall got your cirts. Happy wiggle over here for ya both!!!!
Love, Leesa ;;D

PS: send Mari and Julia my love!!!!

Title: Re: Scuba Trip! (Now with photos!)
Post by Frank_W on May 31^st, 2005, 8:50am

on 05/27/05 at 16:45:24, karma wrote:

Thanks, Karma. I agree with you: That's awful.

Hopefully, we'll see some dolphins in the open water, then!

We were going to do a night dive at Vortex, but after a day of diving, everyone wussed out. I know we'll be doing some in Cozumel. :)

I'm working on quitting smoking, Ree. I'm just trying to make big announcements or make a big production about it. We'll see how it goes...

Thanks, Leesa! Everyone is happy and healthy, for now. LOL Say hello to Dave and the Boyz! Whenever summer decides to arrive, y'all'll have to come over to swim! :)

(y'all'll?) LOL!