This thread is absolutely bloody hilarious!
I have spent some time in Florida and I absolutely loved it! It is very basic American living, keep that in mind and you are good to go. Things are slower, more relaxed, and things are slightly different.
Hey, keep in mind that I was Born in Stoke and now live in Dallas and YES damn it I drive a truck! Best scuba gear hauler I know.
There are a few things that you will need to get over. But hey you send a red neck to Hong Kong and tell him to find dinner it will be the same process.
Keep in mind that this part of Florida is slightly off the beaten path and in the States you HAVE to travel to get to things. Once you have that in mind you are a step ahead.
As far as food and drink talk to your host and they will line you out. A couple of folks hang here as well as
www.cavediver.net and
www.thedecostop.com. Lots of folks enjoy coming out and diving with new folks. Plus, they can advise on food and lodging.
Now the really downer-
American society considers beer to be about 3 to 6 % alcohol. If you are a big drinker this can be a bit of a nightmare. There are quite a few British Ex-pats that live in Florida and I can ask around if you would like for recommendations for food and drink. That’s not a problem. Oh, and DO nOt expect Chinese food to be anything like what you get at home. American Chinese food is a subculture all to its own (not bad but different.)
Breathing gas has never been a problem at Renneker’s but as mentioned DOT is huge here and they take it pretty seriously. I would consider contacting someone about how you get your unit into the States. Homeland Security is bit of a nightmare, left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Oh, bring spares of anything specific to your unit. Steam Machines is now in Tennessee but some parts could be hard to find in “cave country.”
My favorite cave sites are Ginnie Springs, Peacock, and Jackson Blue (little further north.)
If I can help give me a yell.