45 replies to this topic

[Walter]

So does that mean you think we can get some of those Texans to come for some real diving?

I'm sure they'd love to come. They might even enjoy some of my Texas jokes.

[sapphire]

Hi Marvel! Maybe you should start a thread with a different title if you want to know what the non-Floridians would like...

I would come out for a 3-day dive trip... and I would love to go the the Keys, I like the reefs in the middle Keys much more than Key Largo, however...

But if the majority vote for Ft. Lauderdale I would consider that. Much will depend on what kind of airfare I can find.

Keep us posted!

Jennifer

[nextariel]

I'm sure they'd love to come.  They might even enjoy some of my Texas jokes.

Do we get a preview at Happy Hour(s)?

Edited by nextariel, 01 June 2004 - 07:55 PM.

[Marvel]

Duh! The blonde finally got enough coffee in her to attach a poll for your voting convenience!!!

[WreckWench]

Hey Marvel...can you list the key sites and/or attractions for each area you are requesting a vote on along with vis and temps kind of info. For people who have never dove Florida all they know is the Keys usually. Thanks!

[WisconsinGal]

Hi Marvel,

I voted for the Keys, however, I'm planning for few trips to Fla yet this year, so I'm open to whatever the majority vote is (3-4 days would be great)

Warning! You WILL want to stay!

Oh so true.. get's more difficult to come back each time!


WG

Edited by WisconsinGal, 02 June 2004 - 09:35 AM.

[coppermaus]

As an out o' towner, I'd consider a 3-4 day diving adventure in Florida. As WW says, all I know is the keys area, so please do tell us what the other locations have to offer. Otherwise my vote would be for the keys again.

[Walter]

please do tell us what the other locations have to offer.

Your wish etc.

Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach are very similar. Most of the reef diving is float diving, often incorrectly called drift diving. Typically, you'll find you are traveling north (sometimes south) with the current along a ledge, similar to a wall, but not tall enough to qualify as a wall. You'll typically see lots of life, including turtles, rays, sometimes sharks, as well as typical reef fish and lobster. Navigation is extremely easy - follow the ledge.

Both areas, especially Ft. Lauderdale, have lots of wrecks. If you like wreck diving, Ft. Lauderdale is a much better choice than the Keys (although, the Keys have the Eagle, which is hard to beat). It's easy to complete a wreck course in the Ft. Lauderdale area, but almost impossible in the Keys.

Palm Beach is the point where the Florida Current (not yet the Gulf Stream, although everyone calls it that) comes closest to shore and the current is almost always north as a result. Also as a result, you'll see more turtles and large pelagics like Eagle & Manta rays as well as the the odd Whale Shark (don't vote for PB expecting to see a Whale Shark, they are extremely rare).

Do I also need to describe the Keys?

[coppermaus]

Thanks, Walter! Great descriptions. They both sound fun. Is this Florida Current warm? What temps to expect in both locations?

[KBScarlett]

Well, since I live here, any of the above is fine.

However, I'll technically vote for WPB and Ft Lauderdale, as that would allow me to host one or two out of towners as well--so long as they don't mind a little cat hair

Edited by KBScarlett, 02 June 2004 - 11:06 AM.

[WreckWench]

Great descriptions Walter. Also how far is Key Largo from Lauderdale? We may be able to do 15 passenger vans and do several sites in the area if people are up for it.

Would anyone consider doing 4-5 days of diving especially if we planned to hit several dive sites in the area????? (This might even appeal to locals who might not get to do all the variety of Florida diving!)

[MNJoe]

Marvel,

Do you have a date picked out for this event?

MNJoe

[coppermaus]

Would anyone consider doing 4-5 days of diving especially if we planned to hit several dive sites in the area????? 

Definitely. If I'm gonna travel that far, I wanna do some diving!
And I'm all for cat hair (as well as purrs, meows, cuddling).

[WreckWench]

Marvel,

Do you have a date picked out for this event?

MNJoe

No dates have been picked yet...we are trying to see what dates will work and who all is interested. Any dates you CAN'T make it???

[Blublood]

If the dates work I'm there.