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Joined on
1/22/2009
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So we had another trip down to the mine. It really is a place that you will either love or just be ok with. I happen to be a person that loves that place. I think the history is amazing. To think of all the people that used to be working in this place and the whole thing operating like a well oiled machine... Now to see it underwater (where I would be every day if possible!) just completely adds to the wonderment.
Anyway - so after the last time I was down there I thought I had the best dives I possibly could. This time there was a group of about 11 people. Darrick had a group of three students that he was training, There were a few first timers, a few second timers, a fourth timer (Chris) and myself (a fifth timer). In order to accomodate us to see some new trails, Chris and I were given a basically a private tour. Mike Cody and Bear (I don't know his real name :) sorry Bear! ) The first dive was basically a Trail 10 which is what I saw last time which includes the time keepers shack and the locomotive that is on its side. It is a great dive and I was happy that Chris got to see it.
The second dive was just Mike, Chris and myself. We did a sort of custom trail. We took a secret passage (of sorts) to the lake room. This room is about 70 feet deep. The water is crystal clear. The light shimmers down through the water. To me it was a total "heaven" scene from a movie. I think they need to add some lawn chairs so I can just go lounge and relax and enjoy the view for the whole dive. I doubt they ever would, but maybe I can sneak one in :). I feel bad becasue there is so much on these trails that is worth looking at like the old rail road ties that are turning blue from the preservatives in the wood, the remnants of old rail lines - a true indication of the work that went on in there, to misc tools ore carts, etc. Oh - and we went through a room that had an amazing amount of "smoke" swirling around. I can't remember what the smoke is caused by right now - sorry everyone.
The third dive was just the three of us again. This one was a "deep" trail 3. We went through a couple of tight areas, a bunch of long tunnels (which I love doing with the lights turned off) stopped by the grating where we got a glimpse of where the city would be (John had said earlier that you could see it that day, but I didn't :( I will get there some day!)
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Anyway, the entire staff at the mine, as always, went above and beyond in making us all feel welcome. It was a true pleasure having these people that made an impact on me the first time I was down there two years ago start to remember me. I know they see different people all the time, but they made mefeel like part of the group. I wish I lived closer so that I could get there more often.
I am planning on taking a cavern course down there. It is a great value and is with some people that have a vast amount of knowleged. I have been lucky in my diving to get training and dive experience with some people that have a vast amount of knowledge and experience like Darrick, Hal Watts, Capt. Dale Bennett, Mike Cody and Bear. These people that have been around a while really do have a lot that we can learn from them and I thank them all for being so patient with me!
Steve
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Joined on
1/26/2006
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Steve,
I'd like to second your comments. My first trip was about three years ago when we were there with a custom tour as you describe. We were doing a feature for the magazine and had a wonderful experience. This past weekend, as part of Darrick's group, my wife, daugher megan, and I experienced the mine on trails one, three, and four. While relatively shallow as compared to the more "senior" trails, a great experience was had by all. Many thanks to Capt. Darrick and Bonne Terre for a great weekend!
Dan
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