My buddy and I are thinking about a dive trip to Key Largo with my TI to do some diving Dec. 12-15, 2014. I have read a similar post about the kayaking / diving in the keys and fusioneng and others provided some very helpful advice. I was hoping to get some expert advice on the following idea in particular (or better alternatives):
- Trailer the TI behind the truck to Key Largo (I live in Georgia), stay at Hampton Inn in Key Largo (I actually prefer hammock camping on the beach in the ten thousand islands, but apparently Key Largo is a bit developed for that)
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- Put in at Garden Cove Park, a side-of-the-road put in point about 5 miles north of Hampton Inn on Garden Cove Road (I'm a little worried about parking and leaving the truck and trailer).
- Pedal / Sail out to North Dry Rocks. 5 miles out seems do-able in a stock TI, but fusioneng's comments about the current and winding up in North Caroline has me a bit spooked!
I'm very comfortable with multi-day trips to the ten thousand islands, but this trip is new to me - in location, in distance offshore, and that I'm easing back into shallow scuba diving after a hiatus.
Is this trip feasible? Are there any particular precautions or areas of naivety that could get us into trouble? Any particular tips regarding what weather patterns, etc to look out for?
Also, information I've read on this forum specific to using the TI as a dive platform have been very helpful and much appreciated. Any additional nuggets of knowledge are much appreciated as well.
I've only had my TI since August, and these forums have been very helpful and entertaining. Hopefully soon I'll be contributing to the knowledge base!
Thanks much.