Port Gore - Mikhail Lermontov
7th August 2005
With fingers crossed and an eye skyward all week after the first trip was cancelled, the weather forecast finally sounded ok so we met at 5.45am at Big Blue, and then endured a foggy trip to Waikawa bay to meet the others and the charter boat. Twelve divers in all, we loaded the boat and we were off in very flat but foggy conditions, but prospects looking brighter further out.
Our first dive on the Lermontov was great, with viz good, and the boat lit up well by my buddy (thanks Doc), but recommend shades are worn next time! We were greeted with hot soup etc after the dive, great stuff and very welcome with the cold breeze blowing. After everyone had returned we shifted to Spot XXX for a scallop dive which turned out to be very successful. This was a very easy dive with everyone returning with their quota.
Those brave enough to endure a third dive in the cold conditions were taken to Cape Lambert to look for some crays. These proved very scarce, with yours truly climbing aboard with a good size buck. After a gear sort out, it was back to Waikawa Bay through a slight chop and increasing cloud. We arrived at the wharf at 5.30pm, had the usual debriefing at the Jolly Rodger, then off home again.
A great days diving had aboard the MV Playmate. Next time we won’t need weight belts after all the coffee / tea, soup, pizza, muffins etc!! What great hospitality from a great couple on a good boat. It was excellent to see many new faces as well.
Safe Diving - NKB (Nigel)