Mill Pond Cavern Report Pt2 w/Pictures

[Dive-aholic]

I have yet to find the actual entrance to the Washtub. There are a few cracks. I tried to get into a couple of them without luck (this was in sidemount). By the time I backed myself out of the 2nd one, the collapsed area I was in was pretty silty and my other options weren't looking too good. I'm hoping to get back there over the next couple of weeks (especially since I have a boat now) and check it out some more. I think I might have to pull some of the growth out of there to get a better view of it. I also think Mat said he heard a rock collapsed on the entrance and I think he could be right. Anyone have a crane?

As for Gator Hole, the lined passage starts off of one of the opening about halfway into the cavern. I'm not sure how far back you went in there. You could have gone all the way back since it's an OW cavern. There are some other passages I was poking around in there but they all seem to pinch down too much. The main passage starts small and gets smaller, but it does open up again and get small again, etc.

When you decide on a November date, let me know and I'll make sure I'm not working that weekend.

 

[GLENFWB]

As for Gator Hole, the lined passage starts off of one of the opening about halfway into the cavern. I'm not sure how far back you went in there. You could have gone all the way back since it's an OW cavern. There are some other passages I was poking around in there but they all seem to pinch down too much. The main passage starts small and gets smaller, but it does open up again and get small again, etc.

Yes, we went all the way to the back of the cavern. I think I know which passage you are talking about. Shagman and I were poking our heads around in the holes and it gets very tight in places.

When you decide on a November date, let me know and I'll make sure I'm not working that weekend.

As far as our November date goes...we need to get it on our calendars so we can make plans. Besides, we might need to book a room ahead of time at the Executive Inn, I am sure those rooms book up fast!

Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in the month, November 27th. I propose we stay far away from that. How about the beginning of the month..either November 8-9, or November 15-16? Bugman, Shagman, Cmufieldhockey, Dive-aholic??? What do you guys...and gal think??

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

All of my weekends in November are free except for Thanksgiving.

 

[cmufieldhockey8]

Awesome pictures! I'm trying to plan a trip with some of my UCF cave/cavern buddies up to the Mill Pond for spring break this year. I've got Peacock, Little River, Ginnie, and several others within a 3 hour drive of me here in Orlando, but I'm seriously jealous of you guys....I cannot WAIT to dive there!

Cool, let us know ahead of time when you finally get your butt over here.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I'm good for pretty much any weekend!

 

[wb416]

After our second dive Shagman and I returned to the van to pack up. Bugman met us and we were packing up to head to the Wakulla dive club meeting when the battery on the van went dead. After about an hour we resolved the situation but it was to late to go to the meeting. We headed back to Cave Adventures for some fills.

Great report! I can see that I'm going to have to get the Bugman to be our tour guide around the millpond sometime!

Glad you guys found jumper cables so we could get you underway.... it was great meeting you!

 

[wb416]

Fun report, and I had to laugh about your experience at Cave Adventurers. Nobody should set foot in that store unless they've been vaccinated against all gear acquisition syndrome, or you'll need another suitcase to get home (I speak from experience!)

No kidding!! I saw two people spend over $2K each in gear and fills last week!!! :shocked2:

 

[GLENFWB]

Glad you guys found jumper cables so we could get you underway.... it was great meeting you!

A BIG thanks to Stasia who was the only one wise enough to have jumper cables. wb416, thanks a lot for the jump. I usually have my truck on dive trips. But, I brought the wifes van since we needed more space for this trip. So, I bought some new dive gear AND a new battery.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Right now, I'm good for any weekend, too.

 

[ShagMan]

Glen great posts man! Had a blast... Rob, I'd love to be able to dive with you recreationally... last time I saw you was cavern class and I was a mess, new gear, hasn't dove in a while... doing much better now!