Knackers to Ginnie Springs

[divingniknaks]

Well I did it folks !

On my trip over to see the famous Mr Miller last week I actually got wet

What a way to do it as well, Barry took me down to Ginnie Springs for my first taste of a Cavern.

First I want to say a HUGE thanks to Barry for giving up valuable time to take me in.

We go through the formalities in the shop which I have to say were very thorough, which is reassuring given that the area has seen it's share of tragedies.

Kitting up area would definately put UK sites to shame, covered area picnic tables, kit benches and fastidiously clean.

We get kitted up and walk down the "carpeted" steps to the water, as I reach down to pull on my fins, I get that gorgeous sensation of water as warm as a bath on my hands. Quite surprising really as the water looks as though it should be be chilly, must be the colour I think, lovely clear blue. And clear I mean clear, it's like diving in Gin.



I was in a borrowed wing and steel 80's, so that's my excuse for being less than ideal in the water (I'm sticking to that version anway )

Anyway we drop into the entrance to the cavern, at this point I have a definate attack of jitters and I'm really not happy. Common sense kicks in though as I realise just whose company I'm in, so off we go.

The inside of Ginnie Cavern is not spectacular by any means, no stalagtites etc. Now having said that it's still a strange and interesting place to be, being surrounded by rock is a definately odd experience.

I get my first lesson in caves as Barry glides seemingly effortlessly up to the grille, as I finning like h*ll can't get anywhere, eventually I haul myself up to the grille, with some definate Rule 6 violations I'm sure. It's quite surpising the force of the water coming out of that cave system. I get the "trick" explained to me when we finally get out of the water.

As we turn around Barry signals to me to cover my light, and as I do you get 2 sensations, one is just how bloody dark it goes and the other is the view up to the cavern entrance and the cool blue light framed by rock. A sight I will always remember.

As we come out of the cavern and head off down towards the river, passing dozens and dozens of turtles on the way. All too soon we see the brown turbid water of the river ahead and Barry signals to turn round. A gentle fin back up in 1.5m of water to the cavern entrance and over to the steps.

My first dive in Ginnie is over , I leave the water with the sense of wanting to go back and do it again NOW. A feeling I'm sure a lot of people have had before me.

Am I glad I went, you betcha I am. Will I be back ? Of course I will.

I'll be taking the reflective patches off my suit though

[dlegros]

Nice report Phill, glad to see you're back OK.

Dom

[Juz]

Originally Posted by divingniknaks

I get the "trick" explained to me when we finally get out of the water.

Share! Share! Share!

Juz

[Narked@50]

Good write up Phil, but I'm sure there is lots more your not telling us? There are several caves/caverns at Ginnie, I don't believe you just done one? Is this the "wife" version!

Originally Posted by divingniknaks

Anyway we drop into the entrance to the cavern, at this point I have a definate attack of jitters and I'm really not happy.

The "Devils Elbow" at Ginnie, or the one next to it which I cannot remember its name? It does look a bit off putting from the outside.

the view up to the cavern entrance and the cool blue light framed by rock. A sight I will always remember.

Something like this perhaps???? Again, this is Ginnie, one of the three or 4 short systems.

My first dive in Ginnie is over , I leave the water with the sense of wanting to go back and do it again NOW. A feeling I'm sure a lot of people have had before me.

It is a great place, well worth a couple of visits to get a feel for caverns and caves.



If anyone is in the Northern Florida area, it's definately worth a trip for a dive, but you have to be qualified or under instruction to get into the caverns, so either arange a guide (not that you would get lost?) ot take your quals.

Once again Phil, glad you had a good time, I'm surprised you didn't sneek in a course and stick it on expences!

James

[divingniknaks]

Cheers James,

Beleive it or not, just the one dive got done.

I may well go back for a cavern course next year I think. I was lucky enough to meet Larry Green (NACD) while I was there, he called into Barrys place with some students. Yes, it's dedectable which makes it even better

Ah well, some good memories for through the winter.

Cheers