More new line and cave

Yesterday we left Fernando's at 9am sharp headed for the Ranch. Since last time we left the reel tied off with open cave directly ahead, we were pretty confident that there would be at least a few feet of new line to be laid.

We took the scooters up to about 5000ft and dropped them....if you remember I mentioned they are a huge benefit on the way out against the flow. The flow is not like "Florida Flow" which can blow your mask off and send you for a ride, but it is noticable and warrants a few pull and glides...especially after you have been diving for a few hours.

We found the reel where we had left it at about an hour and 45 minutes in. Fernando picked it up and headed off. The cave just keeps going! After a bit John re-directed the proposed line laying route and we took off again! We passed a really large room that was highly decorated and after that we passed through another room which we have yet to name. It had really long stalagtites hanging from the ceiling. Fernando described as having a jailhouse look, and I think it resembles a bunch of highly decorated chandeliers. We definately have to name it because you know you are in a special room when you get there and it deserves a name....just not sure what it is yet.

We went a bit further and the dive was called.....it was now 2 hours and 20 minutes. On the way out, I counted the knots, almost 800 ft of new line...780 to be exact. Woohooo!!! And agian the reel was left with open cave ahead..

The going home part when you are that far back in is always a bit of a relief. On open circuit people have a tendency to speed up the exit...but on rebreathers you just can't....or your lungs will feel it. We exited the cave at about 4 hours and 47 minutes, and figure we were around 7700ft back.

Sunday will be a day off and if all goes well, the stars and planets are aligned and the tanks get filled John and I will return on Monday to survey and get the remaining 2 stages. Remember Fernando was on open circuit so he needed 7 stages....we left 2 in to clean up later. If that doesn't work out, John will have to figure something out as I leave on Tuesday.


Miss everyone.

Karen and John