Mine diving in Missouri

[amport]

Mine diving in Missouri?
At some time in the past I have heard of a mine in Missouri that was flooded and drivable. This was also a resort of sorts with an under ground lake. I cannot fond any thing by searching the archive threads or the Internet at large. My information is to lean to even do a successful search. Can any one help me? Any info or personal experiences would be most appreciated.

 

[makinbubbles]

Mine diving in Missouri?
At some time in the past I have heard of a mine in Missouri that was flooded and drivable. This was also a resort of sorts with an under ground lake. I cannot fond any thing by searching the archive threads or the Internet at large. My information is to lean to even do a successful search. Can any one help me? Any info or personal experiences would be most appreciated.

Bonne Terre Mine is prolly what you're thinking of. And sorry I haven't been there so no personal experiences to report. I sure there will be others that will join in this thread.

Bob

 

[diverbob]

Check out this thread...

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?threadid=19671&s=

I will give you my opinion real quick.

It is interesting to see, but very expensive. When I went, it was 60 bucks a dive, 3 dive minimum.

All dives need to be booked through www.2dive.com

You might find other information in the new Midwest Muck Divers forum.

 

[diver_paula]

Bonne Terre is a very unique dive. I've been there 3 or 4 times and will go again some time in the future. My trips have never been in consecutive years to keep the interest up. & although the dives may be pricey, they are good way to get ready for the Great Lakes dive season. The water temperature in the mine is constant year round so if you aren't a drysuit diver or ice diver, you can start the season at the mine more comfortably. & cheaper than a tropical trip.

Paula

 

[MgicTwnger]

GLWC member Netmage started a thread a while back about doing a group trip in November. How about it Tim?

 

[BuoyantC]

I agree with diver_paula. This is a unique place to go, and I'd go again. All the dives are led by guides, and there are numerous "trails" so you can do different dives each trip there.
Personally I find the visuals to be very cool, with the lighting angles, the columns, the old mine gear etc. I have enjoyed every dive there. I even enjoy the buoyancy challenges as you change depth, go through the cavern swimthroughs, and then over bottomless depths.
The downside is that it is NOT a resort. The on-site "accomodations" are rustic (to put it kindly), but there are motels nearby.

Dennis

 

[scubabamatxn]

I have not been there, but I understand that it is very interesting. However, I have seen several postings here and other boards that emphasize an important point: several paths are true 'overhead' environments for a considerable distance. If you don't have this kind of experience and training, call the dive operation on site ( there is only one) and get specifics. Don't rely on the assumption that the guides will watch you carefully-- they are spending time on a lot of other things. JMO

 

[diver_paula]

I have not been there, but I understand that it is very interesting. However, I have seen several postings here and other boards that emphasize an important point: several paths are true 'overhead' environments for a considerable distance. If you don't have this kind of experience and training, call the dive operation on site ( there is only one) and get specifics. Don't rely on the assumption that the guides will watch you carefully-- they are spending time on a lot of other things. JMO

Yes, there are some overhead conditions. However, the trails are numbered and increase in difficulty by number. No matter how much experience you have, you have to do the first 4 or 5 trails (no to very little overhead conditions) before progressing to trails 6 to 10, and 6 to 10 before 11+. (Or something like that, but you get the idea.) & the first dive starts with a buoyancy check and each diver proving they can clear their mask under water.

After your dives, your log book is stamped and marked with what trails you dove. You must show your log book in future trips / years to prove which trails you have already done.

Every dive is guided. There is a guide at the front that everyone follows and a guide at the back to make sure no one gets left behind. & the guides are the only ones allowed to have a dive light with them. It forces you to follow them!j

Not having a dive light is pretty cool given the overhead flourescent lighting.

Paula

 

[diverbob]

One more thing...if you havent been there in the past year, you will have to start over at trail number 1 and work your way back up again.

Yes, it is neat to see, but I think it could be run better.

 

[crawford]

One more thing...if you havent been there in the past year, you will have to start over at trail number 1 and work your way back up again.

Yes, it is neat to see, but I think it could be run better.

If you're interested in mine diving regularly, it'd probably be a better alternative to just get cave training, and then dive Mine LaMotte all you want for $20 a day and do what the heck you want. $60 a dive adds up quick.