>
> Steven replied to Bob thusly:
>
> Did you go into the main cavern at Ginnie? It's supposedly one of the
> few caverns safe enough for even OW divers to enter, for those who might
> suspect me of advocating people going where they shouldn't.

I've done the cavern at Ginnie several times, and I have to respectfully
disagree with da feeeesh.  I think Ginnie is worth the trip repeatedly.  If
you can go when the water table is low, the River is fed mostly with spring
water, and as such, flows very clear.  During these times, an interesting
dive is to start at Devil's ear, dive there, dive or snorkle out the run,
and then do a drift dive down the river.  Yup... a drift dive!  It helps to
have someone on the surface on a tube so you don't overshoot Ginnie's run.
Drift dive down the river, then swim up the run to Ginnie, and finish your
dive there.  If you're worried about the cavern, yes, it can be entered by
OW divers.  The cave system is grated off, and there isn't really anywhere
to get stuck, so if a cavern can be "safe" that one is about as good as it
gets.  Note that this is NOT true of the other caverns and caves on the
property!  Only the one in Ginnie Spring proper should be penetrated by
those not trained in the black arts of cave/cavern diving. :-)

In that same area is Devil's Den.  Also quite cool (as in neat).  Its worth
the trip at least once.  You could start a debate as if its worth a second
trip.  I've been there several times :-)


> gone. Based on what I read in a book by Ned DeLoach (Underwater Florida)
> you have mentioned some highly recommended spots to dive. I would be
> glad to send you some quotes from the book if you're interested. Or,
> better yet, I will loan you the book.

There are bunches and bunches of springs in the area, some commercially run,
and some just holes in the ground in National parks.  Most are worth at
least the first dive.  If you do nothing else, take Brad up on his offer,
and get that book.  Or better yet, go buy it yourself.  They update it every
couple of years as new dive sites open up, and the status on others changes.
The book costs in the $12-13 (perhaps a little more these days )
neighborhood, and has some 600-700 Florida dive sites in it, both inland,
and offshore.  Most or all of the inland sites include driving directions.

I have several copies (various releases) and no, I don't get anything for
promoting the book :-)

Steve Weigold
Hamilton, OH