NACD - Art The Cave Bear

I was born on December 5, 1968 near Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. I grew up in the woods around the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers in North Florida. I have three siblings, (see picture below). Their names are Nicole (green), Sunshine (white), and Nick (yellow).

During my childhood, I would sit on the banks of these rivers watching the many divers go into the water and disappear for hours into the crystal clear depths below. From an early age, I wondered what was down there? Where did it go? And what did they see? I knew in my heart that one day, I would find out for my self what it feels like to be a Scuba Diver.

I was lucky enough to attend a very diverse school. I studied along side lions, tigers, and even humans. We went to a multilingual school, so I was able to learn French, Spanish and English all at the same time! Now there is no place in the world I can’t go!

Father Bear taught my first dive class when I was 12 years old. It was a junior open water class, with the open water portion taught in Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto in Williston, FL. This was my first look into the wonders held underneath the surface of the water. At Blue Grotto, I wasn’t able to go into the overhead environment, but became fascinated shinning my light into the depths below. I was hooked. The clarity of the water, formations of the rocks, and the explorer in me wanted more. I could see the yellow ‘permanent’ line and wondered where it went… But I was only 12, so I had to wait a few more years to take my Cavern class. Over the next 6 years, I was able to dive in the ocean. Father Bear took me diving in West Palm Beach, Key Largo, and Gulf Shores Alabama. All these dives were in the ocean, which were amazing. . I dove on the wrecks of the Spiegel Grove, and Benwood in the Keys of Florida. I saw my first shark and sea turtle in West Palm Beach. How cool was that... I obtained my ‘Advance Diver’ cert in 2004. My open water experience in the ocean was wonderful, but I could never get the thought of the crystal blue 72 degree water that seemed to appear from nowhere out of my mind.

Finally, my 18^th birthday arrived. One of the presents I received was my Father Bear teaching me cave diving. I was so excited. I started off with my NACD cavern class at Jackson Blue in Marianna, FL. We went through the lecture, land drills, open water skills. Signing all that paperwork was grueling and the anticipation of finally going into the overhead environment was killing me.

Then it was time. We completed our ‘S’ drill and calculated our gas for turn pressure. Father Bear asked if ‘I was ready’. My heart was racing. I answered a confident ‘Yes’. We put in place our masks and gave the descend signal. The dive plan was a short penetration in the cavern zone. Father Bear lead, running the reel. I followed. The overhead environment is amazing. Father Bear ran the reel in to the ‘stop’ sign. The clarity of the water and the formations of the rocks were incredible. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t realize that I was 150’ back in a cave! I shined my light further into the cave and wanted more. I knew, in time, I would go further. I called the dive, and Father Bear made us share air on the exit following the line. After our safety stop, we surfaced. I couldn’t stop babbling. We discussed the previous dive and then started planning the next one. I will never forget that first experience.

Since that first cavern dive, I have completed my NACD cave certification, stage, survey, side mount and DPV certification. I have over 175 dives in the overhead environment in North Florida and have achieved my ‘Wakulla Bronze’ award. Even today, every dive is just as exciting as that first cavern diving experience in Jackson Blue.

Now I’m ready to start an adventure. All of my life has been spent in North Florida. All of my diving experience has been in the southern United States. As a proud supporter and Lifetime member of the NACD, I’m looking for NACD friends who are willing to let me visit them in their hometown. I’m looking for NACD members who will take me to a special place in their town or county and take a picture with me. The place can be your favorite dive spot or a ‘Cool’ place of interest in your area. I don’t like to over stay my welcome, so a maximum of 7 days is all I want to stay with one of my friends.

5. It is your responsibility to send the bear to the next location. The NACD is NOT responsible for reimbursing any costs related to the photo, travel to and from, feeding, lodging, or mailing of the bear and journal.

6. The bear MUST be returned to Michael Browning no later than 10/15/2008 as he will be one of the guests of honor at the NACD conference in November.

b. Send your bear story and picture(s) to mailto:cavebear@safecavediving.com. Once the post and picture is approved, it will be posted on the NACD website

e. During Art’s stay at your house, you will be notified by email as to where to send the bear to the next.

Note: Any pictures and posts NOT suitable for family viewing will be edited and/or rejected

If you are not willing to follow the ‘Rules of my Adventure’, please do not sign up. Thanks for making my adventure happen.