On the second day down in Florida of this year, we hit the Blue Grotto. This is an interesting dive, it has one single guide line which takes you on a round trip through the cavern. From surface to 95 feet is about a 20 minute trip, and my partner and I managed to swim the round trip twice, and then swim the mouth of the cavern at 50 feet all on one tank.
Immediately after the cavern, it began to rain and we started our drive down to the Ft. Myers area. We had a nice surprise when we finally arrived through all the rain. We got a nice little text message that read, hey we are hanging out at a friends house, come to this address. We showed up at the community and had to call for the gate code. After calling we arrived at a Huge house on the water. It had a open design with sliding window walls that opened onto a large pool. The best part was apparently the pool was just for the dog. Who was a old female golden retriever lab mix.
Well this is going to be a recap of the commute down to FL and our first day of diving at Ginnie Springs. We left Haslett, MI at approximately 2pm and made it through to Georgia without any difficulties. We decided to take a sleep break in Georgia this time, rather than attempting to drive straight through. So, at about 1:30 we pulled off into the Georgia welcome area. It took quite some time to get into a comfortable sleeping position but with how tired both of us were, we were quickly asleep. We were suprised to be awoke by knocking on the side of the car by a hobo, who was asking for money. First, who the hell knocks on a car. Second, who asks for money at 230 am.
We made it down to Ginnie springs, where after paying and checking in they informed us that there were upwards of 150 divers in the bowl and cavern.We got down into the cavern, swam up to the gate and actually managed to find new part of the cavern that we had not previously explored. After that, we made the long haul over to the Devils Ear. We decided not to dive devils ear, because they require that non cave certified divers not carry flashlights into the cavern. It looked as if there wouldnt be much to see becides the 70 foot vertical drop into the mouth. From there, we actually floated down the tannin stained river past the devils eye. It was quite unique to ride down to the river and end up into the crystal clear spring water of the Ginnie Springs.
The more I see of life the more I realize there are upsides and downsides to everything. The pessimist only sees the negative, and the Optimist sees only the positive. The reality is somewhere in between.
I love going on diving trips, but it takes away from my 'down time' that I use to relax. Sometimes, driving for 18 hours and diving for 6 over a three day weekend can be exhausting.
I really enjoy my job, and I am compensated pretty well but I am always exhausted by the weekend.
I have been asked several times, why would anyone want to participate in Scuba diving. What drives me to dive, and why do I go through all of this work and expense for so little time.
Before I participated in diving, I wasn't that active in college. I had plenty of people that I associated with but I don't think I really had what I considered any really good friends. I had someone come up to me and ask if I would be interested in getting a scuba certification though the group at my school. I initially bounced the first common questions off of him, "How much does it cost?", "Is it risky?", "I don't have any equipment.". He reassured me that it was inexpensive when done through the school, it was safe, and the school had all of the necessary equipment. Then he told me about the fun that could be had on the dive trips, that was what sold me. Little did I know that within a few months, this guy would become my new dive buddy and my new best friend.
So, over the next semester I went though with certifications. The more involved I got in the Diving community the more I became interested. Like the typical nerd, I was attracted to all the different options and features of every product. From wet suits to regulators to bcd's I researched to find out as much as I could about them. I distinctly remember my first pool session. There were two big moments that I remember feeling particularly stressed about. First, was mask clearing underwater. For those of you who don't know this process involves removing your mask underwater and getting it back on. It was one of those, well there is no choice things and before I knew it, it didn't bother me anymore. The other thing that bothered me slightly was the giant stride. This is the maneuver where divers walk and intentionally fall into the water. After rehearsing it a few times I am used to it also, although its not my preferred entry means.
Before I knew it, it was time to certify. I made the drive with my new friend and four others down to Loch Low Minn down in Athens, TN. The water was cold and slightly murky, but before I new it I had that c-card in hand. I had no idea that I would face my first serious scuba situation on this dive. I was diving with my assigned partner, he started dropping intentionally like a rock. I looked at him and signaled to come up and then realized he kept dropping. At the edge of the visibility envelope, I thought to my self "Thats my dive buddy, I have to go where he goes." I dumped my BCD at a rapid rate to try to keep up with my buddy. I eventually caught up with him at 74 feet. This was 50 feet deeper than our planned depth. Everything worked out fine.
So, now I get to the whole why scuba part. It seems like every day of my life whether at work or school or even home, I am assaulted with emails, phone calls, instant messages, advertising, marketing and junk mail. It is getting to the point where you can't survive without being a good multitasker. Scuba is an opportunity to shut out the outside world, and focus solely on having a good time. From the second that I setup my scuba rig, to the moment that I pack my dive bag my whole focus is on having a safe and fun dive. Its a great way to isolate yourself from the demands of every day life. In the deep dark quiet of water there are no texts, emails or reminders to shake your focus, just the calm surreal absence of sound except drawing and bubbling of inhalation and exhalation.
I am going to attempt to wrap this up in a nice package. I am truly fortunate for many things in life. Being able to afford such a great activity, being able to have met such great friends and being safe every time.
