As it turns out, I was able to get a cabin at Blue Grotto for Thursday night only.
My wife, the dog, and I hung out in Venice for a while on Thursday morning and then left for Williston shortly before noon.
We got to Blue Grotto around 3:30 PM. I had arranged in advance for the Blue Grotto dive instructor (Kevin) to take me on a tour of the Grotto.
When we arrived, they checked me in and set me up with Kevin. Turns out they also sent a videographer with us. Honestly, not sure what they’re going to do with the video.
So, we geared up and walked down to the spring and it was completely deserted. Everyone who was diving that day had already finished. Kevin was doing a rebreather class later. But, we had the whole spring to ourselves. Absolutely incredible. Well worth the extra money for the guided tour IMHO.
The family saying next to us at the Grotto was from Georgia. The parents were both NAUI instructors doing an Open Water cert class for (I think) law enforcement/EMTs/fire fighters. Could be wrong about the exact makeup. Their oldest daughter is 15 years old and already has 60 logged dives (very cool). Anyway, they were diving on Friday at Devil’s Den to finish up the certs for their class. Since I didn’t have a dive buddy, they told me I could dive with them. Again, awesome. Pretty incredible family. I’m quite fortunate to have met them.
I feel very lucky to have been able to salvage at least a couple of dives from what could have been a long, potentially wasted trip. But, still have the urge to fossil dive in Venice. So, I will be going back. Hopefully soon.