The hubby and I went diving on Saturday at Quail Run Quarry just south of Malvern, IA. A local dive shop in Omaha, Underwater World, has access to the quarry and for $10.00 per person you can dive it when they're conducting OW training classes. You need to make arrangements ahead of time. The road to the quarry is accessed via a farm, here's a picture of the road as we were on our way back home.
Although a couple of people drove cars, I would recommend a 4 wheel drive vehicle, especially if the area had any rain recently.
Entrance to the dive site
Quail Run Quarry
We've found the easiest way to haul our gear when diving locally is in rubbermaid containers. We found a spot and set up a tarp, took at couple of portable folding chairs, and a cooler with some ice, water, sandwiches, etc. Then we haul the rubbermaid containers down to the tarp. The chairs make it a lot easier to don your wetsuit and boots.
Dive entry point at Quail Run Quarry
Unfortunately the visibility wasn't the best, we estimated 5 ft. in some places, a little more in others. Below the thermocline it got dark fast. We ended up following the shoreline of the lake, staying right at or just below the thermocline. Had to watch out for tree limbs, etc., since the vis was so low. A 69 minute dive, we decided to just do the one dive since the vis wasn't so great. The Bluegill were very friendly, appeared to be looking for a handout. Here's a few underwater shots.
Overall, it was a fun outing. Got a chance to practice my u/w navigation skills, and be more comfortable in low visibility. Number one rule, keep your buddy within sight at all times!
Although a couple of people drove cars, I would recommend a 4 wheel drive vehicle, especially if the area had any rain recently.
Entrance to the dive site
Quail Run Quarry
We've found the easiest way to haul our gear when diving locally is in rubbermaid containers. We found a spot and set up a tarp, took at couple of portable folding chairs, and a cooler with some ice, water, sandwiches, etc. Then we haul the rubbermaid containers down to the tarp. The chairs make it a lot easier to don your wetsuit and boots.
Dive entry point at Quail Run Quarry
Unfortunately the visibility wasn't the best, we estimated 5 ft. in some places, a little more in others. Below the thermocline it got dark fast. We ended up following the shoreline of the lake, staying right at or just below the thermocline. Had to watch out for tree limbs, etc., since the vis was so low. A 69 minute dive, we decided to just do the one dive since the vis wasn't so great. The Bluegill were very friendly, appeared to be looking for a handout. Here's a few underwater shots.
Overall, it was a fun outing. Got a chance to practice my u/w navigation skills, and be more comfortable in low visibility. Number one rule, keep your buddy within sight at all times!
