Peacock, Orange Grove, Little River, Devils Ear

[jeandiver]

You could always go up the line at Pothole and take a peek into the sink ...
I've been right up to the top of the horizontal rock (where the line takes sharp turn into the basin) but never into the basin myself.

Jean

 

[ucfdiver]

You could always go up the line at Pothole and take a peek into the sink ...
I've been right up to the top of the horizontal rock (where the line takes sharp turn into the basin) but never into the basin myself.

Jean

I'm only basic, and there's a line there.....that'd be a jump AND a traverse, and if I didn't connect the two lines that are a foot away, a visual jump at that!........how dare you tempt me!!! :no

LOL.....I am curious to see what the topside looks like. Looks like I might be getting in a dive AND a hike thursday.

 

[jeandiver]

I'm only basic, and there's a line there.....that'd be a jump AND a traverse, and if I didn't connect the two lines that are a foot away, a visual jump at that!........how dare you tempt me!!! :no

LOL.....I am curious to see what the topside looks like. Looks like I might be getting in a dive AND a hike thursday.

Just out of curiosity , what time on Thursday? I might be in the area

Er , thanks for using prudence when I tried to tempt you ... ( lol )

Note: At one time , the gold line went UP into Pothole and then came down and continued to Olson. So you HAD to make a jump/gap.
That was removed by the time I got into Peacock so I never saw that configuation.

Jeano

 

[ucfdiver]

Just out of curiosity , what time on Thursday? I might be in the area

Er , thanks for using prudence when I tried to tempt you ... ( lol )

Note: At one time , the gold line went UP into Pothole and then came down and continued to Olson. So you HAD to make a jump/gap.
That was removed by the time I got into Peacock so I never saw that configuation.

Jeano

Should be around noon. My dad is doing his intro cave, and I was supposed to meet him for his last dive (ie "graduation dive") if things go well. If you see me, be sure to drop by and introduce yourself

 

[Bull Gator]

UCFDiver:

I just have to ask is this for the University of Central Florida? If so I am an alum, but of FTU (now UCF), Biology 1974. Then on to UF for graduate school.

I very much enjoyed your photos of Devils' Eye, and Peacock and Orange Grove. It as oh some many years, but Devils' Eye was always my favorite dive. I can't believe there is a sign inside. Also, it looks as if there are permanent lines. Is this correct? Does one still have to take off ones tanks to get inside? I know that all things change but STEPS!! down to Orange Grove?! Amazing!

Having relocated to Kentucky in 1980, my cave diving days are long over, but I sure loved those places. All the improvements however, do make me wonder if the better access has adversely affected the caves. We had to drive down rutted dirt (in know sand) roads across private property to get to these places. I guess now they are commercial.

Thanks again for the photos.

Bull Gator

 

[ucfdiver]

Yes, it's for UCF .....I should be graduating from the college of engineering next fall (1.5 yrs to go, can't believe it's this close!).

Most all caves now have permanent lines in them, called "gold line" that's really thick gold line, almost like shock cord. It's cut back around where the cavern zone ends typically, and you run your primary to where it starts. It's my understanding that there has almost always been line in devils ear, it was just cut back past the keyhole at one point?

As for gear removal, I never have, and I don't think I ever will. I couldn't help a buddy in need going through something that tight, and I don't want to put myself in a position where I'm not confident that I could help my buddy with an emergency. The "main passage" in devils has changed over the years from what I understand, hopefully an old timer can chip in here. but I don't think you always went through the lips and keyhole...I think I've overheard people saying one area was more restrictive at one time.

I think the steps are a necessary evil. With more and more people diving, if they weren't there, I could see even more damage being done, at least now it's only in one spot. If you want an amazing, pristine cavern/cave, go to B****d (look around to find it, I'm not going to post the name on scubaboard), it's amazing!

 

[jeandiver]

I believe you are correct on the Gold line at Ginnie. They used to have to run reels all the way back around the keyhole area (etc).
There is no permanent line in the Eye. There have been temporary/permanent (EEK - lol) lines in the Eye from time to time , but that deals with traffic issues.

And the placement of the gold line in the gallery will change from time to time. That always makes it interesting.

Jean

 

[ucfdiver]

And the placement of the gold line in the gallery will change from time to time. That always makes it interesting.

Jean

I wish someone would tie it to the wall and up higher, I hate having to get in the middle of the flow to tie off. Not sure if it's possible, or why it's not done that way, but to a n00b like me, it seems like it would work. Any idea why it's on the floor?

 

[ianr33]

There is no permanent line in the Eye.

How far is it from the eye to the start of the goldline?

 

[ucfdiver]

How far is it from the eye to the start of the goldline?

If you enter through the eye, it's about 150-200ft. I don't see many divers enter via the eye, it's typically an exit point for easy deco.