photohikedive
Guest
It was a beautiful day for a dive, even if it was just snorkeling. If you have to be forced into a snorkeling trip, Merrits Mill Pond in Marianna is the place to be dragged. MDB insisted on a trip out there. So, we made a posting, invited all to go, one person agreed. She had all night to think about what she had done, and wisely backed out. 
We were wusses, we admit this. I wore a 1 mil, with a shortie over it, and was very very warm. MDB wore a (I think) 3mil full suit with a hooded vest. She stayed cofortable for quite a while. (which is saying something, her wussiness makes me look macho, why do you think I keep her around?)
We arrived at the boat launch sometime after eleven. It had a pretty full lot, but the ramp itself was pretty tame. A large pontoon boat had just left, as well as a couple guys in a smallish fiberglass boat. There was the ONE guy who caused me boat envy, but he seemed nice enough.
We started rowing our way out, since I bought new oars, and replaced a missing oar lock. This went well for a bit (aside from the fact the boat kept turning circles, I am sure it was the wind, or something). Then WHAM, one of the mounts let loose. The one I almost replaced, but thought, "hey, it's in there, I am sure it will hold". So back to electric (and slow) motoring for us.
We made our way over to Shang Ri La and tied off there. It is an interesting site, with a large cliff. Out past the cavern entrance, there is an odd fissure in the pond floor, filled with weeds. On top there is the remains of an old foundation that someone cut out of the rock. The woods around had a interesting jungle feel, as if I had discovered some ancient ruins on some tropical island.
We then putted back towards the boat launch. Much of the way with myself dragging the boat as I snorkeled. MDB stayed with me for quite a while, then pulled herself up into the boat for lunch. We ate in the boat, then discovered the platform for Twin Caves. We took a few moments to rest there.
We left there, and decided to stop in at the dive shop. It is an interesting place. Not only do they cater to divers, but they have pontoon boats for rent, at very reasonable prices.
http://www.caveadventurers.com/
Next stop, more meandering and goofing off.
We had a great time. I will confess, there is a noticable lack of underwater shots. My main reason for going so early in the day. The housing's shutter release broke off inside the housing, making it impossible to use. The other reason for going here, is the crawfish. Unfortunately, it was too early in the day to get many of them. We ended up with a dozzen, a couple rather large ones. Next time we will get more, I promise.
We were wusses, we admit this. I wore a 1 mil, with a shortie over it, and was very very warm. MDB wore a (I think) 3mil full suit with a hooded vest. She stayed cofortable for quite a while. (which is saying something, her wussiness makes me look macho, why do you think I keep her around?)
We arrived at the boat launch sometime after eleven. It had a pretty full lot, but the ramp itself was pretty tame. A large pontoon boat had just left, as well as a couple guys in a smallish fiberglass boat. There was the ONE guy who caused me boat envy, but he seemed nice enough.
We started rowing our way out, since I bought new oars, and replaced a missing oar lock. This went well for a bit (aside from the fact the boat kept turning circles, I am sure it was the wind, or something). Then WHAM, one of the mounts let loose. The one I almost replaced, but thought, "hey, it's in there, I am sure it will hold". So back to electric (and slow) motoring for us.
We made our way over to Shang Ri La and tied off there. It is an interesting site, with a large cliff. Out past the cavern entrance, there is an odd fissure in the pond floor, filled with weeds. On top there is the remains of an old foundation that someone cut out of the rock. The woods around had a interesting jungle feel, as if I had discovered some ancient ruins on some tropical island.
We then putted back towards the boat launch. Much of the way with myself dragging the boat as I snorkeled. MDB stayed with me for quite a while, then pulled herself up into the boat for lunch. We ate in the boat, then discovered the platform for Twin Caves. We took a few moments to rest there.
We left there, and decided to stop in at the dive shop. It is an interesting place. Not only do they cater to divers, but they have pontoon boats for rent, at very reasonable prices.
http://www.caveadventurers.com/
Next stop, more meandering and goofing off.
We had a great time. I will confess, there is a noticable lack of underwater shots. My main reason for going so early in the day. The housing's shutter release broke off inside the housing, making it impossible to use. The other reason for going here, is the crawfish. Unfortunately, it was too early in the day to get many of them. We ended up with a dozzen, a couple rather large ones. Next time we will get more, I promise.
