Ft. Pickens this weekend?

[bamaskubacat]

Can anyone describe how to find or id the parking lot for the new Portofino reef?

I believe it is parking lot "H". You'll pass the 4 big portifino buildings on the left and it's about a mile?? up on the right. You'll pass a few small parking lots on the way, but the one you want is a really large lot that has a restroom building on the west end. You'll want to park on the east end though to find the dive spot. I haven't actually dove it yet, but DocCarl, Kmenees and I had a heck of a time finding the lot one day so at least we now know where it is.

 

[bamaskubacat]

You don't have to "camp".
And there's no rule that says you even have to spend the night. Come over early Saturday evening and introduce yourself around. The group I'm with almost always has too much food. Share a plate with everyone and if you hate it, you'll never have to try it again, but if you have a good time, you'll have a good idea on what SpringFest has to offer, and you can go all-in on the next event.

If you don't really know many people (divers) then this is a good way to fix that. There's a wide assortment of personality types, so if you hate one group, move on to the next, or create your own. I've met some of my best diving friends at the 'Fests.

I will definitely consider it. I'll talk to my hubby and see if he'll come with me. He is certified but doesn't have any gear yet (he would rather spend time/money on kayak fishing) so if he goes anywhere with me to dive he's pretty bored. If we do come it would probly just be saturday. Is anyone diving morrison early afternoon on saturday? I haven't been there yet.

 

[ReefHound]

Thx to all, esp. the coordinates. It's bookmarked in my phone. Sounds like it saves a bit of schlepping gear to drop it off right after turning in, then go park?

 

[Hetland]

Is anyone diving morrison early afternoon on saturday? I haven't been there yet.

We usually do Morrison Friday afternoon, but there are other groups that do Saturday dives there too. If your husband is a yaker, he might be interested in canoeing to Cypress Springs so you could get a dive in there. Cypress is perhaps the most beautiful Spring basin I've encountered....

Thx to all, esp. the coordinates. It's bookmarked in my phone. Sounds like it saves a bit of schlepping gear to drop it off right after turning in, then go park?

Depends on your gear and physical condition. I found it a reasonable walk from the parking lot with gear on, but I might rethink that plan if I was wetsuit diving at 1:00pm on a sunny August afternoon....

 

[Tessunderwater]

I'm up for going to Pickens sunday. Then we can all off gas at hopjack's.

 

[bamaskubacat]

I'm up for going to Pickens sunday. Then we can all off gas at hopjack's.

I was hoping you'd make it - what about Kate??

 

[Alindquist]

I just realized that I have never even driven into ft. Pickens, it's looks pretty big, where should I park to find you guys? Is the site on the gulf side? Pass side? Sound side? Need some more info.

 

[DocCarl]

Alindquist,



Right there under the red box. There are parallel parking spots all along the wall, and two small lots in the same area. We will be crossing over the wall precisely where the red dot is. Walk about 60' over the sand and you're in the water. Look for my grey Scion TC.


BSK,

Not much.

Kate has to work Sunday, but she's off Saturday. She and I may head over Sat a.m. . . . not certain yet.

Everybody,

I noticed that some folks are talking about getting there around 9. High tide is forecasted for 10:00, and Pickens tides seem to run a little early, IMO. I will be arriving at the park when it opens about 7, and planning for two tanks.


Looking forward to it!

 

[bamaskubacat]

BSK,

Not much.

Kate has to work Sunday, but she's off Saturday. She and I may head over Sat a.m. . . . not certain yet.

Everybody,

I noticed that some folks are talking about getting there around 9. High tide is forecasted for 10:00, and Pickens tides seem to run a little early, IMO. I will be arriving at the park when it opens about 7, and planning for two tanks.


Looking forward to it!

I was planning on being there around 8:30ish and be ready to splash by 9:00, but I'm only doing 1 tank.

Carl - Let me know if I need to bring batteries for that light as I will probly need to use it on sunday.

 

[bamaskubacat]

I just realized that I have never even driven into ft. Pickens, it's looks pretty big, where should I park to find you guys? Is the site on the gulf side? Pass side? Sound side? Need some more info.

Carl posted a great map for you but I wanted to make sure you knew that they do charge to get into Ft. Pickens. (nothing worse than showing up and not having any cash on you) I believe it is $8 or you can get an annual pass for $24.