Vortex is clearing up 2-2-10

[wjefferis]

I made it out to Vortex again today (2-2-10) to get in some more dives with my NOMAD. I didn't have anyone to meet up with, so I just solo dived. There were a couple other people diving at the same and I was diving with two tanks, so I felt comfortable with it (let the flames begin). The water had definately cleared up from last week when Glen, JBM, and I went. I would say that the water clarity is almost back to gin clear. Most of the particulate is no longer suspended. There is however a slight smoky appearance to the water which is more prevalent in the cavern/grotto area. You can almost not feel any flow again by the sign in the cavern, so hopefully things will return to normal soon. Still a good dive for those thinking about it.


Only bad part of the day occured once I got back home. I had picked up my kids once I got back into town and when we got home my son opened my passenger side door (where I had my tanks) and one of them fell out of the truck. Luckily it missed him and fell into the grass. The bad part was is that is cracked my DIN connection on my Dive Rite 1208 1st stage and jacked up my hp hose to my SPG. After almost having a breakdown in the front yard, I called Edd and ordered another 1st stage and HP hose. I should get it by Friday so I will still be able to dive this weekend. Once I get a replacement piece for my broken 1st stage at least I will have a back up when ever Murphy decides to strike again.

 

[Hetland]

Ouch!

I always drop stuff on me, which saves the gear, but doesn't do much for the fingers and toes...

 

[jhayes75]

After almost having a breakdown in the front yard, I called Edd and ordered another 1st stage and HP hose. .

That would have made a nice you-tube video. I would have been admitted. Heck, I don't even like to leave my gear at home alone, afraid the wife will take scissors to all my gear.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Thanks for the update W, sorry to hear about the gear. Same thing happened to Shagman on one of our trips, he mushroomed the DIN valve on his though - ever since then, he used SS DIN plugs in his valves and packed his first stages away after the dives.

Might be something to think about. I have some, rarely use them anymore... I should start using them again after reading this - sucks that it takes a reminder to get back into the habit.

 

[wjefferis]

I still had my tanks totally set-up. My 1st stages were still screwed into my tanks. My valve on the tank that fell was just fine. The part on my 1st stage that screws into the valve (called the DIN connector) wasn't so lucky. I was on the other side of the truck when my son opened the door or believe me I would have let it fall on me to save it. I just took apart my first stage and the DIN Conector stem is cracked. Hopefully that piece isn't too expensive to replace. Everything else looks fine, although I will most likely put it in for servce to make sure everything is ok.

 

[GLENFWB]

Sorry to hear about that Walter....heck, I know a guy who dropped his new doubles in the middle of the highway...new back plate and all! Now, what was that guys name??? Anybody???

I still had my tanks totally set-up. My 1st stages were still screwed into my tanks. My valve on the tank that fell was just fine. The part on my 1st stage that screws into the valve (called the DIN connector) wasn't so lucky. I was on the other side of the truck when my son opened the door or believe me I would have let it fall on me to save it. I just took apart my first stage and the DIN Conector stem is cracked. Hopefully that piece isn't too expensive to replace. Everything else looks fine, although I will most likely put it in for servce to make sure everything is ok.

 

[GLENFWB]

Has anyone ever seen a DIN plug that was vented to release pressure. I don't use mine cause every now and then I turn the handle when carrying the tank. I remember that happening to someone once and they had a heck of a time getting the plug out.

I was thinking of getting some of those plastic DIN plugs, and drilling a hole in them.

Thanks for the update W, sorry to hear about the gear. Same thing happened to Shagman on one of our trips, he mushroomed the DIN valve on his though - ever since then, he used SS DIN plugs in his valves and packed his first stages away after the dives.

Might be something to think about. I have some, rarely use them anymore... I should start using them again after reading this - sucks that it takes a reminder to get back into the habit.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Sorry to hear about your mishap, Walter. Glad no one got hurt. I dropped a single AL80 off my truck tailgate once and it landed right on my foot. It didn't stop hurting for a few days!

Glen, one of the reasons people use the DIN plugs is to keep from losing air so it's not likely you'll find one with a hole drilled in it.

 

[joystershell]

Sorry to hear about that Walter....heck, I know a guy who dropped his new doubles in the middle of the highway...new back plate and all! Now, what was that guys name??? Anybody???

You talking about yourself, or my husband's dive buddy? Didn't even know that he lost his rig, till he returned to Ginnie to find the tailgate open, and no gear. :shocked2:

 

[GLENFWB]

No, it wasn't me...fortunately. But, it was a member of the Deep Dixie Divers....I just didn't want to rat him out on this one unless he confesses.

You talking about yourself, or my husband's dive buddy? Didn't even know that he lost his rig, till he returned to Ginnie to find the tailgate open, and no gear. :shocked2: