Milestones: Doug Spirelis
The Abe Davis Safety Award recognizes those NSS-CDS members who have made 100 safe cave dives past full Cave Diver certification — a significant achievement, by any standard. Doug Spirelis made his 100th safe cave dive on January 3, 2009 with his buddy Mike McNally. Doug had this to say:
“As a Wreck diver from Pittsburgh, I had never really had much of an interest in cave diving until 1999. A new dive shop opened near my house, and, of course, like all ‘new’ shops I had to check it out!
“While talking to the owner, he showed me some pictures of the caves in Florida. I was amazed at how beautiful they were. We talked for hours and I knew I had to ‘check it out.’ I made my 1st trip down to cave country a few weeks later, and did 2 days of cavern. I knew I was hooked. I came back to Pittsburgh, and we planned a trip back to cave country get my full cave over the Christmas/New Year holidays.
“The instructor had two students, an ex-Navy guy named Mike, and me. We headed down to the springs….
“Little did we know what we were in for: seven days, 700 min of bottom time. We were up before the sun building gear, diving all day, and taking our written tests at Sonny’s BBQ in Lake City over a late dinner. Then we got to do it all again the next day. When it was all over, Mike and I became the best of friends. We agreed to pursue this new passion! We became full Cave Divers on December 31, 2000.
“The years passed and we continued to pursue our passion at least two trips a year to the springs. After Mike and his wife moved down to Florida, like so many people do, I shipped my gear to their house in Orlando and flew back and forth three or four times a year.
“Finally, we were almost there…the goal of the Abe Davis to join a special family of cavers. Mike, of course, living in Florida, reached his “Abe” a little sooner than me, in Little River on the September, 2008 trip. I knew, however, that on the Christmas trip of 2008 I was going to make my Abe Davis dive. We planned many dives that holiday. It worked out that on the last diveable day, before I had to fly home, I was at my 100th. So, we elected to have some fun.”
Doug Spirelis made his 100th safe cave dive on January 3, 2009 with Mike McNally. Doug had this to say:
“We decided to go back to Peacock III and head to the castle. We had done this dive many times before, but planned to really stretch it out and enjoy the nice VIZ for a change. We planned to make it one to remember, with lots of deco. Of course, it was!
“After coming out, I ran into John Orlowski and asked for the “sign off” from my fellow Pittsburgher. (Go Steelers!) John was happy to sign me off. We chatted about the football season and laughed, wondering if we could make it to the Super Bowl. Little did we know at the time…surprise! We made it…and won it, too!
“It was getting late, and we had a long drive back to Orlando. After getting back to Orlando, Mike and I had a drink, congratulated each other, and started planning our next trip, scheduled for May, 2009. Now, the door is open, and we have joined that special family.
“As for my Abe Davis award…it will be framed and posted proudly on my wall next to my full cave certificate.”
Thanks to everyone who has submitted his or her story. Email your milestone stories and photographs to Shirley Kasser, 2612 Grassy Point Dr, #110, Lake Mary, FL 32746, or contact me by selecting Abe Davis Award from the drop-down menu on the contact form.