dcostanza once bubbled...
Rooster,
I was up there and couldn't believe my ears when Jody told me about it. I had to ask for clarification on whether it (the free season pass) applied to everyone or just the best carved pumpkin. I originally told her I wasn't interested but after she informed me of the "prize to those that participated" it took all of a milli-second to change my mind.
Thank goodness they weren't awarding it based on who did the best because mine was far from it. Did you see the one that was carved by the gentleman who carved the totem pole? Pretty impressive handiwork!!
I thanked Mike and Jody afterwards for the more than gracious awards to everyone. Mike indicated that he had a number of problems that day (compressor and otherwise) and instead of turning people away and making some feel upset, he decided to make everyone go home feeling pretty good. A stand-up kind of guy in my book. I have read elsewhere on this board of those that don't "agree" with how Mike runs his operation. I am one that has ALWAYS been impressed with the manner in which he runs his quarry. He is a no bull**** kind of person and if you respect his rules he will give respect. It is because of that, that I tell everyone about his operation as well as being the quarry I frequent the most. He has a loyal diver here...
On another note, I had no idea a pumpkin is as buoyant as it is. Had to drop a 4lb weight in it to keep it from imitating a polaris missile. A few weeks ago I was diving with a group and my old instructor and owner of a local shop showed up and debated me on how buoyant a pumpkin would be after it was carved. (we were discussing the upcoming Halloween season and some of the activities involved) I didn't have any hands-on experience at the time of our "discussion" so I was going off my assumptions. He made it a point (in front of everyone) to tell me how wrong I was. "Once it is open up the water will keep it negative..." he told me. This coming from an instructor and LDS owner responsible for laying a proper foundation of diving knowledge on students. What a moron! I wonder if I could alert the authorities because he is impersonating a "knowledgable dive instructor" and possibly putting students in danger. hmmmm, something to think about.
It wasn't even that big of an issue to me but he made it a big issue.
That reinforced my resolve to never frequent them again...but thats another issue for another day.
Best Regards
Don Costanza
That was worth the $10 entry fee.
