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[Polley]

OK, Time to call on the history buffs...

I've been looking at some old pictures of lake silver and comparing them with recent photos.  Does anyone know if these two photos are of the same thing? It looks to me that the old lake Submersible use to fit in the large hole under LRoTO shown in the first picture. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30708145@N02/4198010598/
(By tinmann620)

and

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan/4268553105/
(By JuniorDugan)

[sanddunerider]

excellent pics,

[Ozark Outlaw]

You know, I have always assumed that they were both the exact same spot, but now that I compare them they do have their minor differences. Perhaps it was a result of a facelift? Either way, I am fairly certain that they are indeed the same hole, but Junior is the ultimate authority around here for anything Diving Bell related. 

[Junior]

Gee, thanks for the complement! The two photos show the same rock "cave" that the old lake sub came out of in the diving bell days. I never had seen the lake level that low before seeing the photos from December, 2009. They draw down the lake level in winter to maintain the structures around the lake. They have to really pull down the water level now because of all the stuff in it! You would be surprised, but the lake really is not that deep. About six feet into the lake from the old diving bell wharf the water in summer was only about three and a half feet deep. I don't know how deep it is in the middle of the lake but if it is over five to seven feet deep I would be surprised.

[Zephon]

The lake is about 15' deep where the tower on the entrance walkway is, and maybe a little over 20' deep out toward the center.

[Polley]

Is the old cave used for anything now? LRoTO maintenance maybe?

[Junior]

Wow, the lake that deep? I'm surprised at that!

[Ozark Outlaw]

Is the old cave used for anything now? LRoTO maintenance maybe?

Speaking of that, Junior where does that cave lead to? Anywhere special, or just a brick wall?

[sanddunerider]

surprised  it is that deep.   i wonder when they will add something else to the lake?

[Junior]

The cave led nowhere. It went back about ten feet or so, just enough to partically hide the fake fiberglass diving bell top that was in the lake. The top of the diving bell came out guided on a track about ten feet out into the lake before submerging. When the sub went under, an air line was triggered that allowed a big rush of bubbles to come to the surface. It gave the effect that in a few minutes everyone would really be going underwater. It did convence many people in it's day!

[Junior]

Oh, to my knowledge, the cave is NOT used for anything now. It's easier to leave the fake rocks in place then tear it all out. It's a nice atmosphering spot, and I'm actually glad the powers that be left it in place, as it in some respects, it pays homage to what was located there originally. I'm proud to have been a part of the crew that worked for several years in that building.

[Polley]

Since i'm never got to experience/see the diving bell, it would be interesting to see what parts of the lost river are new and are old.  Anyone have any before and after photos of various lost river/diving bell site? 

[Junior]

Check out my Flickr site, specifically pages 11, 10, 7, and 1. They have shots of the diving bell days, and on page 1, you will see a shot of the Lost River from this year that shows the lake sub cave and part of the old diving bell wharf.  If you have not cruised my Flickr site before, go through all 11 pages for an overview of a lot of the old days stuff we have talked about on various threads.

                            http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan