I've heard the history of Bone Terre Mine many times. Each time I've heard it said that, in its heyday, the mine was the largest lead producer in North America. However, I've found that statement to be incorrect. Bonne Terre Mine did not reach its heyday until it was purchased by Doug and Cathy and turned into a dive destination. And the pinnacle of the mine's history, thus far, was the 2011 Treasure Dive.
The wealth of knowledge and plans for future trips and gadgets that I gained from talking to my fellow divers and all of the wonderful vendors who attended the event, were by far the greatest prize that I brought home that day. The best part is that I know that each and every diver there got to share in that prize. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you, including the staff of the mine, the vendors and the divers, for making it such a memorable event. This was my first Treasure Dive at the mine, but you can count on the fact that it won't be my last.
In the auction, I also came out a winner. While I had my heart set on the Mares HD Computer (Totally jealous of Butterdub. But, congratulations on winning such a great prize, man), I ended up winning a prize that I was equally as happy to receive.
I am the proud new owner of an Equinox Video Housing for my camera. And while I couldn't take my prize home with me to play with that day (it has to be custom made), it should be here next week and I'm so excited. I'm leaving on a Caribbean Cruise in early July and my prize should be here just in time to taste the salty water of the Bahamas with me.
Thanks again to everyone who worked so hard to make the event so successful. I look forward the doing it all again next year. But don't worry, you'll see me at the mine before then.