PORT GORE
Version 2 - 24th March 2007
With this month's dive delayed a week, I had the opportunity for a last minute sign up. We set out to Duncan Bay with the newly named ‘DOWN TIME' in tow, timing our trip perfectly to coincide with a crossing of deflated dairy cows in the valley, we finally pulled into Duncan Bay to greet an extremely patient Peter and his wife, Anna, along with a spectacular late summers morning.
Dive suits on, we followed Peter, in his McLay aptly named ‘Snap N Squeal', out to the agreed destination around Port Gore. An hour later the boys were fairly keen to get in the water for a look around. Mark H and Bryan were back up first disheartened by no cray's but relieved to have some fish in their catch bags, while Mark Kerr managed to pick up a couple of cray's in his travels and a few more fish. In went Dino and I, Dino skilfully bagged another couple of crays; unfortunately this was just another dive where my skills remained spectator only!!
By the end of the first dive the wind had picked up substantially so we headed back towards Waitui Bay to find a slightly more sheltered dive spot. Here, Mark K and Bryan picked up a few more crayfish, however apparently there really wasn't much to see in amongst the weeds. With our constant awareness that we were going to be very close with our fuel consumption we again headed further back into The Sounds for a look at Guards Bay. While a couple healthy Blue Cod were caught here, all diving ventures were purely for the viewing pleasure.
Overall, good company and weather are always a good mix and I think it is fair to say that all on ‘DOWN TIME' had an enjoyable day. Thanks must go to those who generously shared their catch with the rest of the divers.
Mary