England, Sweden, Australia 2005

March, 2005
London, Stockholm, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Mt. Gambier, Cairns

March is difficult diving in much of the world, leaving many dive show organizers to choose this time as an ideal chance to schedule diving shows. On March 3 GUE president Jarrod Jablonski set out for a whirlwind tour, conducting 10 presentations in 7 cities around the world, joining Oztek, teaching a Fundamentals course, diving the local caves in Mt Gambier (Australia), and taking in some of the local diving on the Barrier Reef.

Jarrod found the hospitality of everyone along the way was remarkable; noting that it is impossible to embark upon such a trip and not be immensely grateful for all the kind and generous people inhabiting these areas. The London and Stockholm dive shows provided a chance to catch up with good friends and meet many new divers. Jarrod conducted a wide variety of presentations, ranging from GUE to exploration diving; this provided a great chance to interact with many passionate divers. After many grueling days of travel he was afforded the chance to dive a range of caves and reefs in Australia.

Excerpt from Jarrod's notes: "There remains something especially intriguing about exploring caves on a different continent. Caves around the world have a unique combination of formations, structure, constituents; these somehow to combine magically to form what can only be expressed as a personality unique to that cave. Generally speaking, caves from different countries seem to take that contrast to the next level. Taken together with their local culture, the means of accessing the cave, and the many people revolving around the diving these excursions are one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.

It would be hard to select one or even several things that I found most rewarding about my time in Mt. Gambier. The people were all remarkable; the list of people to thank seems boundless. From the wonderful hospitality of Warrick and Jane McDonald to Steve Trewavas endless assistance to the generosity of spirit found with George and Tanya Yara to the great energy of Chris Ross and Terri Allen. There were so many great people in Australia that even casual reflection leaves me grateful.

Then of course one must consider the caves; these were actually more dramatic and unique than I anticipated. I most particularly enjoyed the variety found in Tank Cave. I was also impressed that the cave was holding up so well given its extremely fragile structure. This seems a testament to the efforts of the CDAA and the general ability of the local divers. The Shaft was truly the dive that took me most by surprise. At first I thought perhaps I was the victim of a cruel Australian joke- bring the daft American to a lonely paddock and then tell him to find the mud hole (we do something similar in the States). After locating the small entryway and beginning preparations I became more intrigued. Finally I was lowered to the water and my anticipation had grown considerably. After sinking below the surface I was very impressed by the dramatic size and breathtaking beauty of my surroundings. In American terms it is a lot like Eagles Nest (local Florida cave) but bigger, clearer, and prettier. With a final dive in Pics I was ushered off for another trip to Barrier Reef. I could not help being a bit annoyed by all the fish and color and looking forward to my next return to the caves of Australia. Thank you to all of you for your remarkable hospitality."