Bonne Terre Mine: A Unique Diving Experience

It was the French who first discovered the rich lead sources in Missouri and began mining operations in the area. In 1865, the St. Joseph Lead Company built the Bonne Terre (”Good Earth”) Mine and dug a large mining complex beneath the earth. After a hundred years, the lead ran out and the owners simply left. With the pumps shut downs the man-made caverns filled with cold water, flooding the entire mine. For years, it was left abandoned until Doug and Cathy Georgens bought the mine and transformed it into THE mid-west diving destination. There is practically no marine life inside the mine (or Billion Gallon Lake, as they like to call it). The main attraction is the various historical artifacts - ranging from simple shovels and tools to mine carts, tracks and even an old steam locomotive. What’s fascinating is that even though Missouri has 2 seasons, the water remains at a constant 58F temperature year-round. The entire cavern is lit up with over 500,000 watts of light and visibility is 100 feet.

This eerily beautiful dive site has been hailed by National Geographic Magazine as one of America’s Top Ten Adventures and has attracted even well-known ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. West End Diving in Missouri conducts weekend dives year round. For more information, visit the official website here.

Kids Sea Camp: Don’t Leave the Kids Behind

It used to be that for parents, taking the kids with you on your dive vacation meant that your time would be split between diving and spending time with them, splitting “babysitting” duties and kids who complain that they are bored and have nothing to do. These days, however, many resorts are labeled “Family Friendly” and provide facilities just for children.

Kids Sea Camp (which partners with various 5-star PADI resorts around the world) offers lots of fun activities for kids and adults too! The week-long camps offer Junior Open Water courses, Bubblemaker and a host of other activities like swimming with dolphins, turtles, kissing sea lions, kayaking, and horseback riding. The best part? Since you’ll be with other parents and kids, you won’t have to endure the dirty looks from single people!

If you want to check out their schedule or find out more just visit their website at http://www.kidsseacamp.com/.

Go Back in Time at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum

If you find yourself in the Florida Keys and looking for something to do (aside from diving, of course), then you should take a trip to the  Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.

The museum’s interesting displays, as well as interactive exhibits will delight any diving enthusiast. Over 4,000 years worth of diving-related history are on display, as well as early forms of diving gear and even a replica of Captain Nemo’s helmet from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Every now and then, the museum holds special events such as lectures from experts or book signings by well-known authors, seminars (every 3rd Wednesday of the month) and even film showings.

The museum is located at Mile Marker 88 bayside, 82990 Overseas Highway in Islamorada. For further information, you can visit the museum’s website here.

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