Unusual OOA

There are no mistakes. The events we bring upon ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn; whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen to go.  ~ Richard Bach ~

I had an interesting discussion with someone about the merits of allowing training dives to extend to thirds or just planning shorter dives with specific skills and ending the dive when they are done. My feeling was there was a lot to be learned in regards to your gas management from continuing to thirds….IF you are paying attention. An unusual situation arose I thought I would share for discussion including both an OOA and if I was paying attention.

I dive a Nomad XT and broke a bungee; I was unable to get the same length one to replace it so ended up with 2 bungees the next length longer. Unsure how much this would affect where my tanks sat I joined two other divers, Forrest and Jeff on a test run down the Waterhole Tunnel at Peacock. I sidemount 85’s and my two team mates used larger tanks, I carry them valves pointed out and regulators and gauges up.

We started off with me in the middle and it didn’t take long to realize there was an issue with the tanks hanging too low. I found myself having to either lift them in the tighter areas or push the tanks back to inflate my wing and I corrected my buoyancy much more often because I was not used to having something hang lower than my chest during a dive. This was not really an issue just a PIA and I fiddled a bit with my butt plate attachment and pulling up the tank necks as I swam looking for better trim.

We reached the breakdown at the end of the Waterhole Tunnel, an area of silt bottom with the occasional rock sticking up, and turned the dive and I don’t think we were 2 minutes on our way back when an inhale brought me no air. Now your first thought is disbelief, that you made a mistake, another inhale and you will get air. When that doesn’t happen the string of words that run through your brain would make a sailor proud and I did not let them down.

I was lucky to have not one but two different instructors during my training that focused on two things. Managing an emergency and managing gas. I of course switched to my other regulator and in trying to manage my buoyancy I realized that my inflator was not working either. I got to the side where there was more rock than silt and made sure I had my team’s attention. This is where I now realize I owe thanks to these instructors as I had already assessed all my options without looking at my tank yet. From training and using my thirds, I knew how far I could go, what fiddling could cost me in gas and how far back I could get on what was left in my remaining tank. I also knew what should be in that wayward tank and that it didn’t just sneak out while I wasn’t looking. I was paying attention and it is a little unnerving to know how tight it was going to be getting out without help.

Now steadied, I started assessing my regulator and tank when I noted my gauge hose was limp meaning one of two things. My tank was really really really empty….. or the valve had rolled off. An unusual thing to happen sidemounting so therefore not my first thought. Roll off it was and it happened once more on my way out.

In constantly adjusting my tanks and pushing them back to use my wing and drysuit inflator I had slowly rolled the valve off on my left side….. and in swimming out I managed to do it again and much more quickly. The rub of my suit against the valve as I repeatedly pushed it back.

Knowing my gas management and use, and being able to put rough estimates in my head helped quickly assess the problem and not stress too much. Knowing my team had big tanks that were still flowing was even better. Staying calm and doing all this in under a minute I am appreciative of my teachers and mentors. Just sharing an unusual type of OOA for others to file away just in case and a reminder to others in training to make sure they take advantage of all you can learn in your courses.

Life is a grindstone. But whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.  ~ Thomas L. Holdcroft ~

It was a great dive; I always enjoy the Waterhole Tunnel and Peacock System, about a 2000 foot trip into the world of wet rocks. 

 

On the Peanut Line, at the first set of double arrows on the left, sits the Waterhole Tunnel.  This passage runs parallel to the  mainline and doubles back in a meandering tunnel of silt and limestone.  The variety offered on this offshoot begins with breakdown and low bedding planes.  It moves on to the ceiling; vaulting up and white ledges of limestone jutting out into the passage forming a shelf on each side.  You pass through looking up and your light plays along the light colors of the ceiling and dark recesses below the ledge. 

 

This opens up to wider arched passge and you move along closer to the ceilingn with  the feeling of the echo of foot steps in a long library hallway.  The passage once again lowers and the floor is gray with silt, the occaisional white rock bursting through the surface challenging the dark powdery floor to swallow it up and  the tunnel ends in a break dwon pile, floor to ceiling.  If you wend your way through it you can see the light of the surface throught a jumble of rock and branches and then you turn and follow these same passages back out to the goldline and return to the cavern entrance knowing... knowing that just off of your right shoulder....beyond the wall of rock.... lies another passage, the same, but different, echoing in its own right.

Assault On Hart Springs

It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether
you get up again.  ~Vince Lombardi~

Hart Springs lies in Bell, Florida along the Suwannee River. The park sports one of the largest spring fed swimming areas in the state and family oriented campgrounds with boardwalks, nature trails, canoeing and fishing. 



From the Hart Springs website

 

The Department of Environmental Protection states, "There are two springs in the area. The one farthest south discharges from a large circular limestone cavity extending horizontally to the south. The pool is about 5O ft in diameter and about 27 ft deep near the cavity. The spring run exits northwest, constricting to 16 ft in width and 3 ft in depth, then widens to form a swimming area, about 30 ft downstream, about 100 ft wide at the diving board on the east bank. The run again constricts to about 25 ft, and flows under a wood foot bridge. The second spring enters the main run from the right, the water discharging from a V-shaped vent. The pool is about 25 ft in diameter, and 17 ft deep. A short distance downstream from the confluence of the two runs, an inlet 25 ft wide and about 250 ft long extends to the right (northeast); a small foot bridge crosses it near its junction with the main spring run. From here the run meanders about 850 ft NW. to the Suwannee River."


After many years of being banned, diving is now allowed in the springs and I was going to give it a whirl.


We met at the steps leading down into the spring run of Little Hart. Mike Long had shown pictures of the cave at the Winter Workshop the day before and Forrest had briefed me on the flow and entrance. The spring entrance was narrow and straight down to a small opening that then turned and headed down once again. Once in the cave the tunnel would be narrow and chute like and flow would be kicking for the first 400 feet or so and then open up into rooms and passages with reasonable amounts of flow going through them.


Dumping all my air I followed on down through the winding passage to the first turn and pinned myself against the wall to keep out of the flow. Once in the cave I pulled along the walls staying high on the ceiling but after the first hundred feet I felt myself breathing hard against the current. I had blown through almost the first third of my right tank. I knew I had to slow down my breathing work smarter not harder.


I slowed my pace and my breathing and worked at making each pull count. The cave is very narrow here but not quite narrow enough for me to reach both walls and get any really good leverage. As we passed the 300 foot arrow the flow seemed to increase and the wrong tip of the head would free flow my alternate regulator and a poor handhold would pull me back.


I was losing this battle and thumbed the dive. If I pushed on to the wider tunnel I would be at or past my thirds and have to turn anyway. It disappoints me that I lost to the caves flow. The trip back I was able to orient myself and keep control. I had been warned about not letting the flow tumble me on the passage out and held my position to the surface. But I hadn’t made it all the way into the cave.


Twenty minutes of struggle and I was thwarted. I consider this a loss on my part. I knew it would be a struggle but I thought I was up to the task and using the tricks of making way in the Gallery and Lips of Ginny, I had thought would carry me through. This was not to be and my finger and arm strength failed to carry me.  My team mates struggled also but not to the point that they over breathed their regulators. Instead of being among the best on gas usage; I used double theirs. This was eye opening and has been cause for thought. I am not one to give up easily. I will be back.


Before year’s end I will return. I will approach things a bit differently.... plan my way farther into the cave. The entrance was not my nemesis but I will continue to respect it. I will do things differently when I get to the narrow tunnel with the wicked flow. I will start out making sure I concentrate equally on my breathing rate and my hand holds. It will be at my pace and may be much slower this go. I will use the walls a bit differently to pull along and get a fin hold where possible; stay on the inside of corners to avoid the worst of the flow. Maybe I will get all the way past the 400 foot marker and maybe I won’t. But I won’t give up trying. I won’t push past my safety limits but I will do better….. each time. I will get there.

A New Dive Year

Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur (anything said in Latin sounds profound) ~ Anonymous

Sidemount. The never ending battle. Maybe not, but it just seems that way as I slowly find my own special configuration.

Christmas is a family time for me, but with not much family about this year I find myself drawn to the land of dark holes and endless gear. The presents distributed, last of the dishes done and Grandma’s silver packed away…. I am off.

I am slowly discovering the variety of caves that dot the northern reaches of Florida. With new bungees on my rig and the learning curve of sidemount slowly easing its erratic ups and downs into a more gently flowing line, I listen to the dive plan for Ruth Springs.

Divecon Jeff and Forrest have invited me along on their little adventure and I follow along to the dive site. If I told you where it was, I would have to kill you. Well, maybe that is not entirely true but it is someplace I haven’t been before and with my “where am I in Florida” skillz, I can’t begin to explain.

Ruth Springs has a packed sand parking lot but no other facilities to assist in diving; so you gear up from the back of your truck, walk to the edge of the parking lot and down a short aging wooden staircase and approximately another 10 feet to the spring.

Gearing up I ripped the wrist seal of my dry suit and like any good Jersey diver, I duct taped the heck out of it and made my way down to the water.

With 3 divers we spread out along the limestone edge to give room for gearing up. The basin was a bit green and reminded me of NJ and I eased on into the cave as middle diver on the team.

This cave is fairly short, low and silty; culminating in a wiggle squiggle size restriction that leads to an open sinkhole. The line is run along PVC stakes sunk into the deep silt and while visibility was not forever, it was certainly enough to see the cave. We made our way past the section of line that suddenly runs straight up for a bit before leveling off and on to the restriction just before the sinkhole before turning the dive.

One wet arm, one good dive and now one trip to see Steve Gamble’s new shop. My suit will be ready by tomorrow afternoon and Cow is on the agenda.

There exists no politician in India daring enough to attempt to explain to the masses that cows can be eaten.  ~ Indira Gandhi

It is late afternoon by the time I am back with my suit and we head for Cow Spring. Having gotten poison ivy here last time, I cheat a bit getting close to the water and we again make our way on down. I am feeling more comfortable and managing my buoyancy without the constant head banging of my early sidemount dives; I can manage the loops and my tanks sit comfortably at my sides. The new bungees may be what I was looking for. We make our way to the ski rope and although I can feel some flow it is not necessary to use the rope to pull along. The cave does not disappoint and I swivel my head to take in the clay banks and changing features.

As we approach the large bank which Michael Angelo so beautifully repaired, I look to see if it is noticeable. Not wanting to do any damage myself I keep a respectful distance and admire his handi-work. Actually, I admire the fact that I only see clay bank from my perch mid water; good job.

We make our way through and head on down to the deeper sections, but it is getting late and we turn to exit before we hit any deco. On our way out, just before the area where the ski rope begins, the gold line runs up and the ski rope runs under the limestone, I wanted to follow the ski rope as I was curious but my buddy flashed a let’s not and I joined him on the gold line and out. It is dark by the time we are packed and locking the gate behind us; and my sleeve is wet yet again. I dangle it in front of the dashboard heating vent and call it a day.

I may not be sure if monsters exist, but I’d rather live my life in doubt than be persuaded by a real experience of one. ~ Gregory Maguire, Wicked : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

There is a monster in Telford. Really…. it must be true, I have a bumper sticker that says so.

It is morning and the best time to dive Telford, the monster is a late riser, he likes to sleep in and the river gators do too; it is the best time to go.

Just to make things interesting we will scooter our way up the river to the spring run. Having never ridden a scooter before, I will get my first lesson here in the river and then we are off. I question the logic of someone clipping a large machine to my crotch strap and saying “try not to hit anything”. Winn Dixie puts bumpers on their shopping carts when they see me coming. He is a brave man.

How was scootering? Let us just say…. I have a need… for speed. I am saving my pennies as we speak.

As we reach the telltale white sand of the spring, we stow the scooters on a submerged limb and make the climb out of the water, across the sand and over the waterfall and into the basin. Quite a lot of work just to get eaten by a monster if you ask me.

The monster is after me already. While gearing up, one of my tanks was short filled to only 2600psi and with the strong river current as we scootered upstream, my stowed regulator free flowed from the pressure (a lesson in scootering I have now learned) and now both of my tanks are short. One more swipe at me and I am going home.

We make our way in and as we fin along I notice that there is less silt than the first time I was here back in July. More traffic has come through here and more cave is showing itself. Or maybe the monster just vacuumed cause he knew I was coming…..

We make our way past the first sink and as Forrest ties in the jump I look up past the branches and leaves to see sunlight, no monster yet…..

We make our way along gray silt floors and the walls take on different shapes and move from dark to light to dark again. We follow the line as the ceiling begins to rise above us and the walls rise up from ledges and the floor and begin to narrow forming canyons. We follow along, some places rising square to the ceiling and others slowly moving in towards each other and narrowing above me like a peaked stone roof.

Rising up in the water column I take in the majesty of the formations, my light playing off the light colored walls and following the line from the floor below me to the ceiling above. I can almost hear the light beam echo as it bounces from the walls. The wider parts are like canyons rising up around me and the narrower like primitive stone cathedrals, simple but wondrous. I imagine these areas to be long hallways leading back to…..what else? Him.

Maybe I saw the monster and maybe my gauges said no further, but it was time to turn. As I led out (with my dive buddy as monster bait behind me) I could hear him. He was laughing, no… he was giggling…. giggling ever so faintly still farther down the line. Game on, he was after me all right but I was making tracks and I don’t think he had had his coffee yet and there was that little issue of that other diver between us.

I see the gold line end and the reel line lead to the cavern. I know that once again I got lucky. The monster didn’t get me, but he is in there….. Really.

Having lived to tell the tale and two wet arms this time, we head to Madison Blue to find yet another monster. We plan to dive the Godzilla Circuit with Sludge. Considering his new hat and hair, that according to another diver makes him look like a big chia pet, I am not sure which is scarier.

Contrary to popular belief, "Damn It" is not God's last name. (Construction wall, Philadelphia, 1969)

The stairs down to the platform are getting steeper. More sand has worn away and the stairs get taller as you climb up and down shuttling gear. On the platform most of the benches are gone and the short run left are quite rickety; the water level has dropped and the cavern has a fuzzy murky look to it that slowly clears as you move farther into the cave.

We tie into the first jump and begin our trek. I enjoy this swim and the cave changes from room to room. Godzilla is still there although I am not sure safe and sound is a good description. He is tied to the line where it dangles high above the floor and he looks a bit nervous to me.

We come about and meet the gold line once more and head back. I am signaled for a gas check and while I have plenty of gas left I feel water everywhere in my suit and am chilling fast. My diving is done and Dr. Gamble needs to take a closer look at this suit. Apparently seals are not its only malady.

As I climb the stairs the water in my boots is filled above my ankles, causing my chubby little legs to look chubbier and the weather wearied stairs with their rises and troughs to be formidable as climb back up.

We empty my suit out….. Twice…. and I am cold and wet and really need a cup of coffee….. I need coffee…. And I want it now…..

It matters not whether you win or lose; what matters is whether I win or lose.  ~ Darrin Weinberg~

I have no doubts that I will be occupied at the Ginny Springs Social even though I won’t be diving. There are so many faces to put names and forum monikers to. The food was plentiful and the grill master quite good at his job. Burgers and hot dogs, salads, chips and chili and soup….. to top it off, a cake and coconut crème pie……

Dive shops and businesses and the training organizations were most generous with door prizes. Books, DVD’s, clothing and dive gear were handed out to lucky winners.

As evening approached, the entire party was moved over to a pavilion near the Ballroom. The food flows once more and more prizes are dispersed. My luck so far this week has consisted of not quite being eaten by the Telford monster and so far becoming the proud owner of brandy new wrist and neck seals on a still leaky suit. As the last of the prizes are awarded I stand in the back talking with a friend and as they are about to pull the final and grand prize he wishes me luck and hopes I win.

No one is more surprised than I that, thanks to Cave Country Dive Shop, I am now also the proud owner of a new CO monitor. A piece of equipment that was high on my list. Thank you.

A grand bonfire is lit and everyone gathers round. Talking and watching the fire, as well as Russell’s new hair, we wait for the midnight hour to approach. As the minutes tick down people slowly make way to put on their gear and walk towards the stairs. I am hesitant as the evening is cool and the inside of my suit still wet but this is why I am here. My first Galaxy Dive. My indoctrination into the Chemical Light Society.

I swim down to the mouth of the cavern. I haven’t been here since my cavern course which seems so very long ago. I only have one tank and feel a bit light but kick down to the entrance and make my way in. I lay on the rocks just inside the entrance and take in all that is around me. Divers encircle the entire room, waiting patiently for New Year to arrive and there is an eerie glow lighting the room from a single plastic bag.

As the New Year arrived the bag opened and the contents of a gross of blue glow sticks caught in the current of the caverns water. First forming a wall of blue glow swirling through the room, slowly it stretched and separated into ribbons of light that flowed and broke apart once more. This time breaking into bubbles. Hundreds of bubbles which then broke into smaller bubbles that filled the room and washed over everyone there as they followed the currents to the mouth of the cavern.

I lay very still at my perch and watched the show before me and marveled at the glow of light filling the room and the rush of bubbles coming towards me. What an amazing sight and wondrous way to usher in the New Year. I emerged from the water to a new year. New hopes and dreams. New chances and changes. It certainly see