What else do you do on a long weekend except go diving…
Sunday– Clifton Gardens:
Seven (yep seven for a Clifton dive!) keen SSAC divers assembled at Clifton Gardens for a crisp winter dive under blue skies. The sun was out, but the water didn’t get the memo – a brisk 19°C kept everyone alert.
After the traditional kick around the pier, the group headed out in search of the elusive HMS wreck. Despite a valiant effort, the wreck remained hidden with the divers hitting 18m before admitting defeat and turning the dive.
The dive doubled as a successful gear shakeout, with several divers trailing new equipment. All returned in one piece and smiling, which counts as a win in our books. Post-dive debriefing was conducted over Bacino’s legendary bacon and egg rolls – still Sydney’s best, according to a very official SSAC poll.
Monday – Bare Island:
The cold turned it up a notch Monday, with computers reading a nippy 17°C but that didn’t deter Jono, Steve T, and Steve W. The planned route around the right side of Bare Island was quickly ditched due to choppy conditions, and the team opted for the left-hand route instead.
Visibility was surprisingly good at 10m. Marine life was quiet, perhaps also trying to stay warm, but weaving through the rocks kept things interesting. Jono found a shiny new anchor and spent a few minutes considering a salvage operation. Meanwhile, Steve W located a pair of sunglasses that are now enjoying retirement placed on an underwater buoy.
A solid 50-minute dive capped off the weekend. Coffee and bacon rolls at The Boatshed wrapped things up – a ritual nearly as important as the dives themselves.
No wrecks, but no regrets. Two great dives, some gear tested, some odd finds collected, and bacon rolls thoroughly enjoyed. Winter diving is alive and well – just bring your thermals.
