Wondering what month it gets warm enough to swim (comfortably) in?

thanks

3/29/2012 1:07:58 PM

If this weather holds I would say about a month.

Though "comfortably" is subjective. For me it's 70°

3/29/2012 1:10:11 PM

bout half a month before when the body parts start floating to the surface

3/29/2012 1:10:43 PM

I wanna go now!

3/29/2012 1:21:35 PM

that place scarees the shit outta me

3/29/2012 1:26:43 PM

I'd rather jump out of an airplane (which i will never do) than swim in a quarry (although this one in Durham doesn't look as scary as I envision them).


Interesting article - http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/what-lies-beneath/Content?oid=1202163

Quote :

"No rules. No lifeguard. No swimsuit. You'll want to keep the noise down since you don't know who's around and whether they'll want to run you off. Something primal surfaces into your psyche and your heart shifts gears when a big pit viper water moccasin swims by. You're alert and full of sauce, gratified to be reminded of the richness of direct sensual experience. Go ahead, dive in. The secret, unsanctioned swim is a chance to revel in wildness, but it's getting harder to come by in litigious America—especially in the crowded East, which, if the oil holds out, is destined to become one giant interconnected strip mall. Recently, I had an interesting exchange with Dave Cook, the superintendent of Eno River State Park. It started while discussing the secluded Eno Quarry. When I suggested that signage implied that swimming in the 4-acre lake was permitted, he instantly bristled: "Tell me where it says that. It says 'Swimming is not recommended.'" "So swimming is prohibited?" "I didn't say that. I said swimming is not recommended." "So it's allowed then." "It's not recommended." With bullheadedness fit for an attorney general, Cook steadfastly refused to clearly answer my question: Does the park officially allow swimming at this increasing popular site? Though Cook wouldn't acknowledge it, the de facto answer is yes, swimming is allowed, as state law would require the posting of a sign if officials were intending to make and enforce a rule banning bathing. Cook doesn't want to publicize the fact that swimming is being tolerated, and being a certified divemaster and former lifeguard, I understand why he would want to keep this place under wraps: It's extremely dangerous for unaccomplished swimmers. And even those who are confident in their ability must use caution around this treacherous chasm. The water in the old gravel pit is uniformly deep (reportedly 60 feet), and there's no place to wade. Cook says the quarry is bowl-shaped, with steep walls that drop straight off into an abyss. Also perilous are underwater hazards such as tree trunks, rock outcroppings and man-made debris, all potentially fatal if dove upon or entangled in. I hesitate to draw further attention to the place for another reason. When I go into the woods, it's often for solitude and communion with the wild, and encounters with people operating cell phones and portable stereos are exceptionally onerous. Before the park acquired the property from the Coile estate and opened it to the general public, it was possible to hop the fence, take a refreshing skinny-dip and then lie on the quarry's bank to enjoy a good book, say Walden, for example. No more. Now word has spread far and wide, and even on weekdays, the quarry commonly sees a steady stream of unruly adventurers, a sizable percentage of which, I suspect, lack proficient swimming ability. I also find the monitoring presence of the park service dispiriting—it tends to shatter the illusion that you're visiting a wild place. And since these moral police seem intent on making sure that no "private part" ever sees summer sunlight, those who prefer to swim without encumbering apparel are likely to find themselves entangled in some legal hassle. (For a rundown on how I beat a public nudity rap, see "Uniform citation.") The reason the quarry was once a more idyllic place probably has to do with the reputation of one self-described "quarry protector," Ron Schores. I encountered Schores only once, but the encounter is memorable since it happened at the end of his rifle. On the telephone from Texas, where he now lives, Schores seemed surprised that I was able to track him down. He acknowledged carrying a firearm when patrolling the quarry, but denied ever firing it to scare trespassers. Still, he allowed himself some wiggle room by admitting to partaking in "target practice." (I distinctly recall the manner in which he caught my attention: a rifle blast that ricocheted in the trees above my head.) In 1993, a drowning occurred, and, according to Schores, the estate's widow "wanted a man around" to discourage trespassing. Having the ability to synthesize a persona that more than one person has described as something out of Deliverance, Schores adequately fulfilled his charge. His tenure lasted until 1998. In 2002, the land became part of the Eno River State Park. In mid-May, I decided to dive to the bottom of Eno Quarry. Cook had assured me that there was nothing of interest below the quarry's algae-green surface. Still, I wanted to see for myself. I'm not telling where, but there's another quarry, this one crystalline-clear, that has a crane and old dumptruck that are sometimes visible from the surface. I was also spurred on by teenage memories of discovering a safe from a local robbery in yet another secret swimming quarry. When I contacted Scott Powell, the proprietor of Down Under Surf and Scuba in Raleigh, he quickly agreed to help. Powell seemed excited about the prospect of exploring a place that isn't regularly visited by recreational divers. While donning our wetsuits and scuba gear at water's edge, we were approached by a park ranger speaking familiar "swimming is not recommended" language. After radioing in the situation, he returned to again try to dissuade us from entering the water. Finally, he departed when it became apparent that we understood the park's unspoken position: We don't like what you're doing but we're not going to stop you. Powell and I descended near the quarry's center. At 55 feet, we hit the muddy bottom and found the temperature to be a frigid 48 degrees. No sunlight penetrated to this depth, and the water was so murky that it was impossible to see our flashlights at arm's length. If there's anything at the bottom of Eno Quarry, it would likely take an incredible stroke of dumb luck to land on top of it. Scuba diving may or may not be officially permitted, but considering the abuse my back suffered carrying the 40-pound tank on my shoulder during the nearly 2-mile round trip from the car, I wouldn't recommend it."

also - http://www.swimmingholes.org/nc.html

3/29/2012 1:30:22 PM

if i were a diver id love to go to the bottom

supposedly some monster catfish down there

3/29/2012 1:31:40 PM

after i urinate in it

3/29/2012 1:31:44 PM

3/29/2012 1:33:39 PM

Quote :

"I'd rather jump out of an airplane (which i will never do) than swim in a quarry (although this one in Durham doesn't look as scary as I envision them)."

I don't know how the one in Durham is but I went quarry swimming in Vermont and it was perfectly fine. If anything it's better than swimming somewhere like Falls Lake because you're not dealing with gross, squishy mud.

3/29/2012 2:04:09 PM

i dont imagine the eno quarry is dirty or anything

the eno is a pretty clean river system

3/29/2012 2:05:56 PM

Quote :

"I don't know how the one in Durham is but I went quarry swimming in Vermont and it was perfectly fine. If anything it's better than swimming somewhere like Falls Lake because you're not dealing with gross, squishy mud."

I always picture quarries as these huge scary industrial areas where mobsters take people to get whacked.

3/29/2012 2:09:27 PM

I used to go to the Eno Quarry all the time when I was in highschool. that place is awesome!! the water i very clear (spring fed) and there are lots of places for cliff jumping. lots of hippies there though.

3/29/2012 2:13:40 PM

I warms up when all the brain eating fungi awake from dormancy

I'm Krallum and I approved this message.

3/29/2012 2:57:31 PM

Quote :

"WET SOGGY CORPSE DRAGGED FROM MURKY DEPTHS OF QUARRY"

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1574059/

you could be next

3/29/2012 3:06:18 PM

wait, so can you legally swim there or not?

3/29/2012 8:38:49 PM

yes, but it is not recommended.

3/29/2012 9:05:25 PM

It's completely recommended. People swim laps, bring their kids etc. It's completely safe unless you can't swim or act like a tard.

3/29/2012 9:17:19 PM

3/29/2012 9:17:59 PM

theres no gradual grade from my understanding

once youre in the drink youre in the drink

climb in, climb out

thats what i dont like, its like 20 feet deep at the foot of the bank and the bank is still steep

3/29/2012 9:26:35 PM

Never been to that specific quarry, but I have a lot of dives in other rock quarries. They can be fun, and they can be boring. It just depends.

[Edited on March 29, 2012 at 9:31 PM. Reason : ]

3/29/2012 9:28:39 PM

So this is what I got in terms of the official policy regarding the place:

"you can swim there, but you might die"

To which I say, I'm going this motherfucking weekend. Who's with me?

3/29/2012 9:52:52 PM

The quarry in durham is a shit load of fun

I'm Krallum and I approved this message

3/29/2012 10:11:16 PM

I seen that quarry while flying into RDU. Looks clean from 10,000 ft.

my2cents

3/29/2012 10:13:52 PM

Quote :

""you can swim there, but you might die""

How is that different from swimming anywhere else?

3/29/2012 10:21:53 PM

Brain eating fungus

I'm Krallum and I approved this message.

3/29/2012 10:24:56 PM

You should really just relax, its an amoeba by the way and it doesn't eat your whole brain.

3/30/2012 12:03:50 AM

I'm going to collect all of the news stories about people dying there and make a Facebook event.

I WANT ALL OF MY FRANS TO COME BUT YOU MIGHT NOT ALL MAKE IT BACK.

3/30/2012 12:31:29 AM

Quote :

"They told authorities they saw Creath jump in and begin swimming toward an inflatable raft when he suddenly called for help and went under."

To me it sounds like a sea monster to me.

3/30/2012 3:11:14 AM

Synapse!! I love the writing find!!Q! so interesting make my heart leap. i read thins and make me think of sneaking into abandoned amusement park and bldgns. I do it recently too at the neglected Shanghai Museum of Natural History dying a slow death and like billion dollar realeastate 3 huge abandoned floors of junky old furniture filled rooms from the 50's

3/30/2012 3:39:05 AM

Engrish funny?

3/30/2012 8:58:03 AM

^^holy crap

3/30/2012 9:06:51 AM

so what's the status with this now?

4/6/2012 11:46:48 AM

Swimming is not recommended.

4/6/2012 11:49:03 AM

Quote :

"I'm going to collect all of the news stories about people dying there and make a Facebook event. I WANT ALL OF MY FRANS TO COME BUT YOU MIGHT NOT ALL MAKE IT BACK."

lol I like it.

4/6/2012 11:49:07 AM

Quote :

"Something primal surfaces into your psyche and your heart shifts gears when a big pit viper water moccasin water snake swims by. You're alert and full of sauce, gratified to be reminded of the richness of direct sensual experience. Go ahead, dive in."

Fixed that for him.


I had great fun at a quarry in Elm City (between Rocky Mount & Wilson) back in the day. There were 10-50 foot cliffs that we would jump off plus some cool abandoned hardware and fun trails to wheel. It flooded when Hurricane Floyd hit and never went back down as far as I know.

One of my professors at NCSU had a brother (iirc) who was a paraplegic from diving into a rock quarry head first and hitting a steel beam under the water surface. Be careful and make sure you're only jumping in the spots that are known to be clear of obstacles.

[Edited on April 6, 2012 at 12:05 PM. Reason : l]

4/6/2012 12:02:43 PM

Quote :

"One of my professors at NCSU had a brother (iirc) who was a paraplegic from diving into a rock quarry head first and hitting a steel beam under the water surface."

Yes, post more of these stories. I'm collecting them now.

4/6/2012 12:07:20 PM

^^ damn son

I'm Krallum and I approved this message.

[Edited on April 6, 2012 at 12:15 PM. Reason : that makes my body hurt, which is weird because his doesn't]

4/6/2012 12:14:57 PM

^zing

4/6/2012 12:17:11 PM

Quote :

"that makes my body hurt, which is weird because his doesn't"

Same here. Maybe it was the story telling. That point where you read "steel beam" does it. Then you're stuck with the mental image of the falling, falling, falling to the water with death just beneath the surface.

4/6/2012 12:24:53 PM

white people

4/6/2012 1:52:16 PM

to industrial equipment, white people are just as squishy as black people.

4/7/2012 6:25:32 PM

Quote :

"Synapse!! I love the writing find!!Q! so interesting make my heart leap. i read thins and make me think of sneaking into abandoned amusement park and bldgns. I do it recently too at the neglected Shanghai Museum of Natural History dying a slow death and like billion dollar realeastate 3 huge abandoned floors of junky old furniture filled rooms from the 50's"

LOL

4/7/2012 6:51:18 PM

Same one or a different locale?

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10958264/

4/8/2012 8:09:16 PM

Quote :

"Durham, N.C. — Durham police on Sunday were investigating a death at the old rock quarry at the end of Denfield Street, off North Roxboro Street. Authorities found the body around 11 a.m. The Durham Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Department are assisting with the incident, Durham police said. Investigators weren’t sure how the person died, but said they aren’t looking for any suspects. The person’s name was not released. No other information was available."

Of course they don't look for suspects... when Dearman attacks.

But yes, the news story gives a map to the exact location of the quarry. Or at least I think. Someone verify.

http://maps.google.com/?q=5000+Denfield+St@36.0665989,-78.8933764&t=m&hl=en&cbll=36.0665989,-78.8933764&cbp=11,,,0,5&iwloc=a&layer=c

You can check in anytime you like... but...

4/8/2012 8:44:29 PM

bump

4/21/2012 9:09:48 AM

Quote :

"To get here: From I-85 exit 173 (west of Durham), take Cole Mill Rd. north about 3 miles and turn left onto Sparger Rd.. Continue on Sparger almost to the I- 85 overpass (about 1.5 miles) and turn right onto Howe St.. Go about .5 mile down Howe St. and turn into the Cabe Land Access State Park parking area on the right. (The parking lot off Howe Street fills up and the rangers will turn you away, so get there early. The lot is open 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.) The trail head is easy to find. Begin walking and then take the first trail that goes off to the left. Keep walking and when the trail splits take the trail to the left again. There will be a sign pointing the way to the quarry. It’s about a mile and a half walk from the parking lot to the quarry. Not difficult but don't bring a lot of stuff. LAT, LON [NAD27] lat=36.042773, lon=-78.9998(source: measured by another) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Verified by another. Updated 12/2009."

Is there a good backup place to park anywhere around there?

4/21/2012 9:41:37 AM

Quote :

"when a big pit viper water moccasin swims by"

he did not see a water moccasin

4/21/2012 9:42:23 AM

Quote :

"Same one or a different locale? http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/10958264/"

Different

4/21/2012 10:35:30 AM

Sounds pretty neat.

4/21/2012 11:32:57 AM