BLU DIVER
November 22nd, 2009, 09:43 PM
Had a very enjoyable diving experience today at Mermet Springs. The weather was beautiful; high in the low to mid sixities and an abundance of SUNSHINE, which has been scarce lately. The surface temp was in the low to mid 60's and the viziblity was the best I have seen all year in the midwest. We began our first dive at the 85' platform where you could clearly see the forward cabin of the Boeing 727....absolutely amazing!!! The water temperature at 85' was holding at 62* and I don't recall seeing a thermocline....what a fabulous day for diving. -just kidding!
The surface temp was in the 60's and the fell to the usual 43* past the thermocline at 45'. As we made our descent down the line to the 85' platform. You could see the outline of the platform at 37' and at 45' the platform was very clear. Therefore, I would say we had great viz (45 foot visibility).We began our dive at the 85' platform and made our way along the wall and out to the jet before turning back towards the primary dock. The albino catfish was cruising the 727 and followed us back toward the dock. I brought a ziplock bag of hotdogs along, therefore I was attacked by the killer Bluegill of Mermet.
Our second dive was again off the deep dock, where we made a descent to 60' and followed the wall back through the cove near the rock crusher. There were schooling Spoonbill of all sizes and they were being very curious/active today. There were countless times where they were within arms length and a few times where they would come at you head on. It was fascinating how close they were to us, usually they keep a safe distance, today they were in the mood to befriend you. Even "Stubby" was spotted today (the Spoonbill without a bill).
On the way home we stopped in Marion, IL at "Tequilas" for a Mexican dinner. Which hit the spot and was a great recommendation by Theskull.
Good Times and Safe diving!
BLU
P.S.
I forgot to add this to the trip report...They have built three new pavilions since the first of November. Accompanied by new tables for gearing up. There are two nice size metal pavilions and one extra wide pavillion. The new pavilions stretch from near the primary dock over to the deep dock
The surface temp was in the 60's and the fell to the usual 43* past the thermocline at 45'. As we made our descent down the line to the 85' platform. You could see the outline of the platform at 37' and at 45' the platform was very clear. Therefore, I would say we had great viz (45 foot visibility).We began our dive at the 85' platform and made our way along the wall and out to the jet before turning back towards the primary dock. The albino catfish was cruising the 727 and followed us back toward the dock. I brought a ziplock bag of hotdogs along, therefore I was attacked by the killer Bluegill of Mermet.
Our second dive was again off the deep dock, where we made a descent to 60' and followed the wall back through the cove near the rock crusher. There were schooling Spoonbill of all sizes and they were being very curious/active today. There were countless times where they were within arms length and a few times where they would come at you head on. It was fascinating how close they were to us, usually they keep a safe distance, today they were in the mood to befriend you. Even "Stubby" was spotted today (the Spoonbill without a bill).
On the way home we stopped in Marion, IL at "Tequilas" for a Mexican dinner. Which hit the spot and was a great recommendation by Theskull.
Good Times and Safe diving!
BLU
P.S.
I forgot to add this to the trip report...They have built three new pavilions since the first of November. Accompanied by new tables for gearing up. There are two nice size metal pavilions and one extra wide pavillion. The new pavilions stretch from near the primary dock over to the deep dock