WKPP Returns to Chips Hole
On the Weekend of 19Jul14 WKPP divers returned to continue the exploration of the Lost Hope tunnel in downstream Chips Hole. After approximately 18 months of poor conditions the NW Florida weather has started to cooperate allowing the visibility and flow to be at an acceptable level for safe and efficient exploration. Each utilizing the Halcyon RB80 rebreather, 5x drive bottles, and 3x Suex XK1 scooters, WKPP divers Steve Cox and Blake Wilson made their way approximately 12,000’ downstream to the end of their previous line. Armed with silt stakes, the team was able to secure the guideline and push through a very low and silty restriction that hindered their previous exploration. Once through the relatively short, low section the team was delighted to discover that the cave opened up again into larger passage. Continuing for a few hundred feet further, the cave again provided an obstacle in the way of a silty collapse pile. Once through two small and silty sections near the previous end of line, the cave changed completely; the walls and ceiling, previously dark and crumbly, turned into white cream colored limestone. The cave passage significantly increased in size and averaged slightly deeper. The cave continued like this for another 1500’ where drive gas ultimately turned the dive at a total of approximately 2100’ of new line explored and surveyed. An uneventful return trip heading back upstream into a surprisingly strong siphoning current had the team back at their 1st deco gas with just under a 500min bottom time.
Shortly after starting deco, the meet and great team of Meredith Tanguay and Kate Pruden arrived to exchange messages and relay to the surface that all was good. A short time later, John Rose and Charlie Roberson, headed downstream to collect all the equipment dropped at the 3300’ depot. After several safety checks by the support team, all equipment moved back to the surface, and deco complete the team surfaced at approximately 11:00pm for a total run time of 14hrs.
A massive thanks to the support team; Curtis Baldwin, Meredith Tanguay, Kate Pruden, John Rose, and Charlie Roberson for all the hard work and support. The dive would not be possible without such a dedicated and hardworking team. Steve and Blake
