First, I want to thank everyone that responded to my manatee photos. If you want to read a full report about my day at Blue Springs please visit the Florida Conch Diver section of the forum.
Dr. Jay, in response to your questions, I snorkeled the entire time. My equipment consisted of mask, fins, snorkel, 5mm booties, a 3mm jumpsuit and a 3mm beenie. The sound of the bubbles from open circuit disturb the manatees.
I would estimate my total in water time with the manatees was 3 hours, observing and photographing. I shot about 80 frames of film.
The water leading from the diver entry point to the head spring is between 4 - 5 feet deep. Most of my photos were taken in this area.
Once you get to the head spring the bottom funnels down to the cavern enterence; I'd say about 15 - 20 ft below the surface. The enterence has several large tree branches lying across it. The cavern itself is a shaft that goes down 110 ft. Divers that are not cavern or cave certified are not allowed to carry lights and are not suppose to go below 60 ft. To dive the spring you have to show proof or certification at the front gate and have your gear inspected by one of the rangers.
As to your question Mapman, Blue Springs is located on West French Avenue in Orange City, about 5 miles south of Deland on 17-92.
I'm planning another trip to Blue Springs this Wednesday (2/05/03). I'll probably shoot another 80 to 100 frames of film. Boy! I really need that housed digital SLR with a 1 gig. CF or 1 gig microdrive.
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