DDCN at Mermet?

[DivingCRNA]

Originally Posted by gNats

Was there this summer with CRNA.

Compared to Oronogo, the quarry is very small and much shallower. Vis is a wash. It was a bad day for Mermet but still close to Oronogo's better days.

Plus:

1. Lots of lines to guide you in the murky vis from one object to another.
2. The staff was incredible, really hospitable.
3. Food and beverage on site and made to order.
4. OMG - the plane. Worth the trip.
5. Lots of fish of all sizes to watch as you hang.
6. Plenty of areas to enter and exit. We parked at the end near the beach and had an easy walk into the shallows.
7. Restrooms and changing areas.
8. Reasonably priced air fills.

Everyone has his or her hot button and what they like or don't like. I will not list the things I did not like compared to other dive sites. Those are my opinions after all.

However, because of size, if this is something DDCN is seriously considering, I would try to make arrangements with the owners for a reserved area. Parking was at a premium and the Saturday we showed up was a full house. Everyone at the quarry seemed to handle the close quarters well, but if arrangements are not made in advance I could see everyone being split up big time.

This is also a highly favored dive location for dive schools and instruction. Avoid the bus at all costs. Some noob crashed into CRNA. I kept asking him if he caught the license of the noob that ran him over.




Overall, the experience was very enjoyable and worth trying as a new dive site.
gNats

Squirrel pretty much sums it up. It would be a bonus if they turned off the cheesy underwater 80s music.....

Who was whining about Oronogo being too far? This summer I have been to Gilboa, Haigh (x3), Mermet and lake Huron. I live 3 miles from Oronogo. Sack up, fella.

[Vlane]

I'm interested, just depends on when the trip is.

[SEMO Scuba]

Only a 50 mile drive for me. Mermet is my LDS.

[snagel]

Originally Posted by SEMO Scuba

Only a 50 mile drive for me. Mermet is my LDS.

Semo, stop rubbing it in.

Snagel

[SEMO Scuba]

I guess I could rub it in on how close I am to Bonne Terre too but I haven't been there yet!

[Vlane]

Originally Posted by SEMO Scuba

I guess I could rub it in on how close I am to Bonne Terre too but I haven't been there yet!

Another place I'd like to go to one of these days too. Some of you guys have no idea how nice you have it!

[medicdiver]

I'll go if my schedule allows it.

[Vlane]

Navy you thinking of doing this during winter, early spring, or you just thinking really far ahead?

[snagel]

I think he said something about this spring.

I believe Mermet is closed in January, but do open up for a New Years Dive. I probably should go back through some of my information, but I'm thinking early spring really is not good (viz) at Mermet. Really the good viz at Mermet comes in June through Aug. I may be a little off because I'm going on memory here.

I did a February dive last year thinking it might be crystal clear, but it really wasn't that great - but it was during a ice storm when we were diving.

Snagel

[snagel]

Originally Posted by Vlane

Another place I'd like to go to one of these days too. Some of you guys have no idea how nice you have it!

I've done Bonne Terre and will never do it again - just wasn't my cup of tea, but others in my group loved it. I guess it's one of those either you will love it or hate it.

I second the "you don't know how nice you have it". Most of my dive buddies are in the St. Louis area. They have several dive options - New Melle, Mermet, Haigh, and several smaller places in the Illinois. It seems the East side of the state has it for diving. The west side does not have much - pretty much have to drive south to Oronogo or Table Rock.

I hear several complain about New Melle (price, depth, not much to see, etc.). But, it is basically, 1/2 an hour west of St. Louis and can be done in a quick trip for most and even after work for most. The Kansas City area would kill for something like this. Only if I had the funds and opportunity, I would open some dive quarry up in the middle of the state or closer to the Kansas City area.

Snagel