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View Full Version : Merritts Mill Pond in Marianna FL 9.3.06

photohikedive
09-04-06, 08:43 AM
It was a beautiful day for a dive, even if it was just snorkeling. If you have to be forced into a snorkeling trip, Merrits Mill Pond in Marianna is the place to be dragged. MDB insisted on a trip out there. So, we made a posting, invited all to go, one person agreed. She had all night to think about what she had done, and wisely backed out. :D

We were wusses, we admit this. I wore a 1 mil, with a shortie over it, and was very very warm. MDB wore a (I think) 3mil full suit with a hooded vest. She stayed cofortable for quite a while. (which is saying something, her wussiness makes me look macho, why do you think I keep her around?)

We arrived at the boat launch sometime after eleven. It had a pretty full lot, but the ramp itself was pretty tame. A large pontoon boat had just left, as well as a couple guys in a smallish fiberglass boat. There was the ONE guy who caused me boat envy, but he seemed nice enough.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1637.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1638.jpg

We started rowing our way out, since I bought new oars, and replaced a missing oar lock. This went well for a bit (aside from the fact the boat kept turning circles, I am sure it was the wind, or something). Then WHAM, one of the mounts let loose. The one I almost replaced, but thought, "hey, it's in there, I am sure it will hold". So back to electric (and slow) motoring for us.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1640.jpg

We made our way over to Shang Ri La and tied off there. It is an interesting site, with a large cliff. Out past the cavern entrance, there is an odd fissure in the pond floor, filled with weeds. On top there is the remains of an old foundation that someone cut out of the rock. The woods around had a interesting jungle feel, as if I had discovered some ancient ruins on some tropical island.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1645.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1643.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1652.jpg

We then putted back towards the boat launch. Much of the way with myself dragging the boat as I snorkeled. MDB stayed with me for quite a while, then pulled herself up into the boat for lunch. We ate in the boat, then discovered the platform for Twin Caves. We took a few moments to rest there.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1657.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1658.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1662.jpg

We left there, and decided to stop in at the dive shop. It is an interesting place. Not only do they cater to divers, but they have pontoon boats for rent, at very reasonable prices.

http://www.caveadventurers.com/

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1668.jpg

Next stop, more meandering and goofing off.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1670.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1672-1.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1674-1.jpg

We had a great time. I will confess, there is a noticable lack of underwater shots. My main reason for going so early in the day. The housing's shutter release broke off inside the housing, making it impossible to use. The other reason for going here, is the crawfish. Unfortunately, it was too early in the day to get many of them. We ended up with a dozzen, a couple rather large ones. Next time we will get more, I promise.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/photohikedive/Marianna%20September%203%202006/DSCN1686-1.jpg
Cold_H2O
09-04-06, 11:01 AM
sounds and looks like a fun filled day.

I really enjoy your reports and pics.
photohikedive
09-04-06, 02:39 PM
So, when do you plan to come join us then?
photohikedive
09-04-06, 08:21 PM
ok, where are all my regular reviewers? Everytime I post, there are the same people who respond, I am not seeing them.......

well, YOU came at least Cold_H2O ;)
pennypue
09-04-06, 08:41 PM
:wavey:
I'm here....I'm back!!!

I was in Florida cave diving!!!!
Didn't get quite that far west though......nice pics.
Some time I'd like to be a good enough cave diver to make it out there too.
PerroneFord
09-04-06, 09:12 PM
Penny! Welcome back. I am sorry I couldn't catch up with you guys. Hopefully you had a good time diving.
pennypue
09-04-06, 10:26 PM
Perrone, it was nice getting to briefly meet me you!!

I hope we didn't interrupt your class. :)
I thought you looked like you.....but couldn't be sure, I didn't have the Morrison pics for comparison....and you were halfway above water!!!!

You do still owe me a hug though. :D
PacketSniffer
09-04-06, 11:42 PM
ok, where are all my regular reviewers? Everytime I post, there are the same people who respond, I am not seeing them.......

well, YOU came at least Cold_H2O ;)


We've all been out diving. :D

(Just walked in the door from the Channel Islands in California.)
photohikedive
09-05-06, 06:23 AM
:wavey:
I'm here....I'm back!!!

I was in Florida cave diving!!!!
Didn't get quite that far west though......nice pics.
Some time I'd like to be a good enough cave diver to make it out there too.

you didn't come see US???? oh the pain.......
photohikedive
09-05-06, 06:24 AM
We've all been out diving. :D

(Just walked in the door from the Channel Islands in California.)


hey, snorkeling is LIKE diving :nope:
pennypue
09-05-06, 02:03 PM
you didn't come see US???? oh the pain.......

I made it 12 hours closer...YOU should have come to see me!!!!:D
photohikedive
09-05-06, 06:00 PM
bah
wb416
09-05-06, 06:08 PM
bah

...hence our enthusiam to drive 3 hours out of our way to see you! roflmao
SeaYoda
09-05-06, 09:27 PM
Don't feel bad, PHD doesn't even come an hour out of his way to dive with kchFLA and me anymore. I do brush my teeth and use deoderant :) .
photohikedive
09-05-06, 09:40 PM
...hence our enthusiam to drive 3 hours out of our way to see you! roflmao


you mean YOU were there? Now for THAT I would have traveled!!!
photohikedive
09-05-06, 09:41 PM
Don't feel bad, PHD doesn't even come an hour out of his way to dive with kchFLA and me anymore. I do brush my teeth and use deoderant :) .


you told me you didn't have to on dive days. that fish can't smell!!!!!!!!!!!
wb416
09-05-06, 09:55 PM
you mean YOU were there? Now for THAT I would have traveled!!!

nice try! :D

...but it won't work... ya see... it's all about the princess... {did I get that right sweetie?} :lmao:
pennypue
09-05-06, 09:59 PM
nice try! :D

...but it won't work... ya see... it's all about the princess... {did I get that right sweetie?} :lmao:Yes you did, Baby. :)

Can you believe the ends that I actually went to.....to place myself in Northern Florida....do you know how badly WB had to suffer to drive me all the way down there and back? And then you expect him to drive me another 3 hours??? Poor WB......roflmao
photohikedive
09-06-06, 04:27 AM
it's all about the princess


the WHO?
wb416
09-06-06, 06:14 AM
the WHO?

Careful.... she hit's a hellava lot harder than MDB... and I've got the bruises to prove it! :troutslap


...anyone got that phone number for "battered boyfriends anonymous"? :)
photohikedive
09-06-06, 07:35 AM
Careful.... she hit's a hellava lot harder than MDB... and I've got the bruises to prove it! :troutslap


...anyone got that phone number for "battered boyfriends anonymous"? :)


yeah, it is listed under B!T@#slapped Wussies of America

I used to go, but then I learned about sleeping pills, duct tape and magic markers......

she doesn't hit me anymore :D
wb416
09-06-06, 07:54 AM
yeah, it is listed under B!T@#slapped Wussies of America

I used to go, but then I learned about sleeping pills, duct tape and magic markers......

she doesn't hit me anymore :D

Good idea! I need allot less sleep than she does anyway! Sweeeeet!! :evil_4:
pennypue
09-06-06, 08:46 AM
Good idea! I need allot less sleep than she does anyway! Sweeeeet!! :evil_4:Sometimes it's really hard for someone to see the unintended results of their actions until it's too late. Do you really want to be a member of that club?:abadsmile

I'd love a sleeping pill......my skin is too old and dry for markers to even leave a trace.....and the duct tape....well let's just say that sounds like a lotta fun:evil_4: But do you really think that it would hold me?
wb416
09-06-06, 09:40 AM
Sometimes it's really hard for someone to see the unintended results of their actions until it's too late. Do you really want to be a member of that club?:abadsmile

I'd love a sleeping pill......my skin is too old and dry for markers to even leave a trace.....and the duct tape....well let's just say that sounds like a lotta fun:evil_4: But do you really think that it would hold me?

What? Are you talkin' to ME??? ::p:::p:

:hiding:



:whistle:
Cold_H2O
09-06-06, 11:14 AM
PHD ~ I have Florida on my list of places I need to dive.
As for now ~ I will get there SOMEDAY.


Keep the reports and pics coming in. I love them.
pennypue
09-06-06, 12:58 PM
What? Are you talkin' to ME??? ::p:::p:

:hiding:



:whistle:Nope. Just that "other" guy I'd like to duct tape me up!!!!:evil_4:

:troutslap YES, I'm talking to YOU!!!!!
wb416
09-06-06, 01:02 PM
Nope. Just that "other" guy I'd like to duct tape me up!!!!:evil_4:

:troutslap YES, I'm talking to YOU!!!!!

Perhaps when we make it down to Merritts Mill Pond, PHD can show me how to operate duct tape. :D ... the markers I understand, but not the tape!
photohikedive
09-06-06, 05:03 PM
Well, Bob, when you are ready, I will send you the application to join MANAGN, (Making Almost Nuetered Affiliates Grow Nads). The official handbook is full of great ideas on how to get your masculinity back!
photohikedive
09-06-06, 05:04 PM
Nope. Just that "other" guy I'd like to duct tape me up!!!!:evil_4:

:troutslap YES, I'm talking to YOU!!!!!


no no no, I wasn't offering to tape YOU. I was just saying that it came in handy before. I appreciate the thought though. You seem like a nice girl, really you do, but, I can't fufill this fantasy of yours (so please stop writing, calling, and emailing, thanks) :D
pennypue
09-06-06, 09:01 PM
no no no, I wasn't offering to tape YOU. I was just saying that it came in handy before. I appreciate the thought though. You seem like a nice girl, really you do, but, I can't fufill this fantasy of yours (so please stop writing, calling, and emailing, thanks) :DBut why do you keep asking for more pictures????
pennypue
09-06-06, 09:03 PM
Well, Bob, when you are ready, I will send you the application to join MANAGN, (Making Almost Nuetered Affiliates Grow Nads). The official handbook is full of great ideas on how to get your masculinity back!

His masculinity is fully intact, and working quite well.:D
photohikedive
09-07-06, 04:04 AM
PHD ~ I have Florida on my list of places I need to dive.
As for now ~ I will get there SOMEDAY.


Keep the reports and pics coming in. I love them.


I'll be watching for ya ;)
photohikedive
09-07-06, 04:05 AM
But why do you keep asking for more pictures????


because there are some people out there, that will buy ANYTHING!!! roflmao
photohikedive
09-08-06, 07:05 AM
uh oh, everything stopped......

was it something I said?
pennypue
09-08-06, 07:10 AM
uh oh, everything stopped......

was it something I said?Nope. Just waitin' for more pictures. :)
photohikedive
09-08-06, 07:30 AM
uh huh, maybe this weekend. might get in a boat dive
pennypue
09-08-06, 07:38 AM
MDB going too? Could this turn out to be a snorkel?? :D

I'm looking forward to the pics!
photohikedive
09-09-06, 06:57 AM
oh, sorry, you thought I said BOAT DIVE, no, I said GOAT DRIVE, we are going to take a trip to the goat farm. no snorkels required