Tale of two cities. It was the best of times, it was the wettest of times. Above all it was the time to experience winter diving at a diverse and interesting yet mildly freezing area and coming from Canberra the weather was not the drawing card. It was Pat’s insistence that the pancakes were too good to miss. And he was right.

A good bunch of friends you first meet along with the companionship of diving made for a great weekend. The lure of flat waters and warm weather entice us to stay in the water a little longer than the occasional chill we experienced. Thanks for a great time and see you all soon Jay from Sydney.

Another good weekend aboard OceanTrek and it certainly makes a change from an early winter’s weekend in Orange, although Jim (Faulconbridge) and Doug (Brisbane) thought it a bit cool – but that’s because they’re soft. Once again the crew and tucker were excellent, and the diving good although the viz was not as good as usual –still it’s good to be away diving with mates once again. A very good intro to diving for Geoff (the Paddy) from Orange on his first diving excursion since certifying, and he was diving well –for an Irishman.

Inland Orange – a far cry from the coastal Jervis Bay. This was my first weekend trip away on a ship and diving since I completed my Open Water training. The crew were fantastic and the meals were scrumptious. It was an excellent experience for a novice diver such as myself – although a little scary at times as well. The marine life was gorgeous – especially the very friendly Blue Groper on the first dive, and the dolphins are always fantastic. A good weekend away.

A weekend of diving in the coastal waters off Australia is a long way from home for an Irishman. Well bejasus and begorrah, the older divers think I did all right for the first time boat diving…and they think I’m mad. The food onboard was great (thanks Kylie) and the boat crew were very professional. There was too much to see from nudi’s, gropers, kingie’s, spongie’s, slugs. and that was just the other divers. Goood time & I look forward to coming back.

Last time I found dive gear, masks, snorkels etc, this time it was anchors and fry pans. Tried to entice some fish into the fry pan but they wouldn’t be in it. It was very nice diving. Lots of weedies and weeds, huge cuttlefish, and some rare Blue Devil fish – lots of them. I look forward to coming again.