PADDOCK ROCKS
ANZAC DAY 2007
Originally this trip was to be a scenic dive in the Long Island Marine Reserve. But after a possible addition of a cray dive and change in some personnel, the final crew opted for a dive at Paddock Rocks. This was a 6:00 am start, meeting at Grant's place were Mark and I. Grant had arranged for a few 4th divers who all pulled out for various reasons. So we had the pleasure of Grant's wife Dawn as Boat person.
Off to Okiwi Bay for launching, noticing on the way many people going to the ANZAC Day dawn parade. We motored out to paddock Rocks in crisp clear (at sea) mirror flat conditions. Grant had notice the previous weekend that a crew went to a particular spot very near to where he had previously dived with modest success. We thought it was worth a look, as it could be very scenic. We all three went in together and noticed immediately some feelers. As we happened to have our catch bags in hand, we thought it would be very remiss of us not to make use of them. Very good looking country and as it turned out, there was no need to use a second tank that day for crays. So a very happy crew thought what now, have a cup of tea and it would be rude not to have a fish. Well Blue cod was on the menu and we managed a full quota even with Marks new catch a release system of the larger Cod. It was now just after midday and time to go. On the trip back to Okiwi Bay, Dolphins accompanied us for some of the way.
Mark gave us a very entertaining backing demonstration at the ramp, the club may have to look into a driver backing training course.... Mark would be keen to sign up!
Then it was on to Grant and Dawn's home for a debrief. I haven't been for dive for a while and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks to Grant and Dawn for the use of their boat and Dawn as Boat Person.
Cheers Allan McMillan
