Saturday was a beautiful day, we left Montgomery early in hopes of some great January diving. After stops at Carter Hill for a biscuit and Elba for snacks we noted that the Pea River ran swift and muddy. We had thought once about carrying a boat and diving Morrison but the rains and swollen rivers last week made the idea less lucrative.
About the time that we arrived at Vortex, MBT Dive Shop from Pensacola showed up with a large class. We also talked with Sonja from Divers Den in Panama City. Cade and Clan-Mom arrived a few minutes later and we were ready to dive.
The day was overcast but warm and the water cool. The dry suits felt very good as we went directly to the cave and away from the barrage of students. We looked for treasures along the tunnel and enjoyed a slow swim to the grate. In contrast to months past I could feel the resistance of some significant flow. MM found a small crayfish almost transparent against the sand.
We tried to keep the dive short and returned to the cave entrance. There were a number of huge eels. These guys hadn't missed any groceries for a while.
Students crowded around the steps. Still not completely accustomed to manipulating their gear they were slow to exit. Finally we just removed our fins at the log and scooted underneath them and up the steps. Overcast had turned to misty rain but with dry suit inflated we stayed toasty.
Steve and Monica were there so we opted for a long surface interval and lunch. We made three more dives during the afternoon. The water began to clear as the classes finished. Our last dive was down the creek run and the swimming area.
We dined at Sally's and stopped at the Dollar General for some stuff. We like the Dollar General because it's casual and we don't have to dress up like when we go to places like Walmart. Somebody was actually shopping at DG on their four-wheeler.
Then we visited our friend in the liquor store and entertained ourselves with scratch-off lottery tickets. These things are sort of like nickel slots in that you win just enough to keep playing. We returned to the spring and shot fireworks. After an early start and a hard day of diving we had no trouble sleeping.
There's no way to describe Sunday but cold. The hoard of students returned early and we slept in. Steve brought a space heater and it turned out to be a popular item. The weather got colder as the day progressed. Debby and Chris from Scuba Shack came over to do some tech practice. I swear the weekend was like a big reunion.
We bundled up and headed for home wishing for summer, dreaming of a tropical retreat. Thinking we should do it again next month.
It was a fun weekend, exceptionally fun.
About the time that we arrived at Vortex, MBT Dive Shop from Pensacola showed up with a large class. We also talked with Sonja from Divers Den in Panama City. Cade and Clan-Mom arrived a few minutes later and we were ready to dive.
The day was overcast but warm and the water cool. The dry suits felt very good as we went directly to the cave and away from the barrage of students. We looked for treasures along the tunnel and enjoyed a slow swim to the grate. In contrast to months past I could feel the resistance of some significant flow. MM found a small crayfish almost transparent against the sand.
We tried to keep the dive short and returned to the cave entrance. There were a number of huge eels. These guys hadn't missed any groceries for a while.
Students crowded around the steps. Still not completely accustomed to manipulating their gear they were slow to exit. Finally we just removed our fins at the log and scooted underneath them and up the steps. Overcast had turned to misty rain but with dry suit inflated we stayed toasty.
Steve and Monica were there so we opted for a long surface interval and lunch. We made three more dives during the afternoon. The water began to clear as the classes finished. Our last dive was down the creek run and the swimming area.
We dined at Sally's and stopped at the Dollar General for some stuff. We like the Dollar General because it's casual and we don't have to dress up like when we go to places like Walmart. Somebody was actually shopping at DG on their four-wheeler.
Then we visited our friend in the liquor store and entertained ourselves with scratch-off lottery tickets. These things are sort of like nickel slots in that you win just enough to keep playing. We returned to the spring and shot fireworks. After an early start and a hard day of diving we had no trouble sleeping.
There's no way to describe Sunday but cold. The hoard of students returned early and we slept in. Steve brought a space heater and it turned out to be a popular item. The weather got colder as the day progressed. Debby and Chris from Scuba Shack came over to do some tech practice. I swear the weekend was like a big reunion.
We bundled up and headed for home wishing for summer, dreaming of a tropical retreat. Thinking we should do it again next month.
It was a fun weekend, exceptionally fun.
