New diver in IL hooked already

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Welcome to the world of diving. If you ever make it out to the Seattle area, look me up. I'd be happy to show you around.

 

[edwants2dive]

You're only about 1 1/2 hours from Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, IL. Haigh is a decent quarry to go to. I'm more partial to Mermet Springs myself, but you're far enough north that Mermet is going to be about 4 hours away.

The Midwest quarries are not warm, clear, and pretty. However, they will improve your skills and make you a much better diver for when you go to the warm, clear, pretty destinations. Most quarries, including Haigh, will put items underwater for you to go see. Like Littlerayray said, if you can dive the cold fresh water, you'll be a better warm salt water diver.

I live in southwestern IL so I'm just under 1 1/2 hours from Bonne Terre Mines. I've not dove the mines yet because I wanted to get proficient at dry suit diving first. Although you could wear 7 mil, vest, hood, and gloves to dive there, I just don't want to be that cold. They have 24 trails and you have to dive the trails in order beginning with trail #1. If you make it to Bonne Terre, I hope you have a good time. Meanwhile, I seriously hope you dive your local quarries to improve and sharpen your skills.

I have looked at Mermet Springs and I plan to make a trip down there this spring. Haigh is close and I will propably go there too but the LDS here goes to Pearl lake WI they love it. I decided against Bonne Terre for now and am going to Ft.Lauderdale Dec 29-Jan2 to get my AOW.