Purpose
The purpose of publishing the Taming of the Slough is
to share with cavers and the general public a first-hand account
of the exploration of this widely-loved Peacock Springs State
Park. Sheck Exley’s preliminary manuscript—not in final
form at the time of his untimely death—has been expanded to
add sections on geology, history, cave-diving equipment, and the
re-mapping project. This places the manuscript in a time context
that brings the reader closer to the people and events and
hopefully enlightens readers about caving and cave preservation.
Audience
The Taming of the Slough will appeal to a wide variety
of readers. Those with an interest in history, particularly
Florida history, will find the book interesting. Cavers,
landowners, sports enthusiasts, natural history fans, tourists to
the north Florida area, anyone wishing to preserve and protect
cave and natural resources. And certainly cave divers.
Marketing
The book will be marketed through the NSS and Cave Diving
Section bookstores and at caving-related conventions and events.
There is also a marketability in larger chains in the
special-interest sections for books on Florida.
Description
In the 1970s, finished exploration and the resulting map of
the Peacock Slough revealed what was then the longest underwater
cave in the world. Renowned cave diver Sheck Exley started
writing a manuscript describing the exploration and the beauty of
this underwater system. The unfinished manuscript was a testament
to the excitement and enthusiasm of divers and visitors for the
area.
Sheck Exley's notes indicate that his intention was to thoroughly document the Peacock Springs area. From the geological formation through the ownership of the land through proposed modern uses, Exley's main intention was to generate enough interest to save the springs from proposed development. His hope was that the state of Florida would buy the land, thereby creating a park for everyone's enjoyment. In 1993, The Peacock Springs State Recreational Park opened after almost 20 years of being closed to the public.
Unfortunately, Exley died in 1994 while attempting a world-record deep dive in Mexico. His manuscript went unpublished. Exley's will granted his publications and collection of cave information to the National Speleological Society’s Cave Diving Section, which he founded in 1974.
Dr. John Zumrick, one of the original participants in the Peacock mapping project, had the manuscript in his possession. Dr. Zumrick and the NSS-CDS Board of Directors granted permission for Sandra Poucher to complete the book according to Sheck Exley's notes.
Major Sections
The book is divided into sections covering major events in
the life of Peacock Springs State Park. These are divided into:
The History of Peacock Slough. This section covers everything from geology to the establishment of the state park. It includes extensive researched social history of the area—the Timucuan tribe, Dr. Calvin Peacock, the spring's namesake, plus interesting details of the Luraville, the town nearest the system. Gerald Murphy edited the geology section.
The Conquest of Peacock Slough Caverns. Sheck Exley's manuscript detailing discoveries and the participants.
Peacock Re-survey. Michael Poucher's section describes the newest mapping effort and the similarities between the original map and the newer version. This section also brings home the difficulties cave-explorers and mappers have balancing diving with family and work obligations.
Appendixes. These include a glossary, additional notes, and an index.
Illustrations
Illustrations include maps, sketches, and tables. There are
22 photographs (18 color, four black and white), two tables, nine
maps (four of the slough area and four of the cave passage) and
four text scans.
Some of the maps have been incorporated into the text. Others can be printed independently. But again notes in the text indicate where the illustrations should be placed. Numerous photographs primarily of above-ground scenery have been selected for incorporation into the text. The manuscript includes blank areas (to indicate placement) with notes and captions. The photographs are best used in color. There are some historical photographs in black-and-white.
Scanned pages of articles written during the original mapping project would add greatly to the immediacy of the information to the reader, the sense that it is happening now would add intimacy between the reader and he information being related.
Summary
Many years have passed since the original manuscript was
written. The poignancy with which Sheck Exley writes to save the
beloved Peacock system is apparent in the ending of his
manuscript. Assistance from many residents and cavers help make
the finished book interesting to a great variety of readers.
Last-minute information from original participants continues to
roll in, however the book is considered complete at this time.
The book is approximately 122 manuscript pages including illustrations and index. As indicated, there are 22 photographs (18 color, four black and white), two tables, nine maps (four of the slough area and four of the cave passage) and four text scans. Some of the illustrations are original sketches, which need careful treatment.
Written in Word, the scanned photographs are on disks. It is very easy for me to reformat for presentation to a publisher. Any of the text or illustrations can be treated in any way required (I have all of the original illustrations and reference materials).
--David McClurg, Chairman, Special Publications Committee