I can always recommend a weekend away diving off Stradbroke Island.

These fabulous weekends away are primarily organized by Mark Stenhouse who has the
trips operational procedures down to a fine art. It is not only the diving that is the highlight
of the weekend, the food and meal’s produced are exceptional.

I have to admit that I am also biased because I can bring Bentley my golden retriever, who
has a fantastic time playing in the surf at Cylinder Beach or running around Ken’s place
greeting the divers when they return from their day’s exertions.

This weekend’s diving activities covered leisure diving for some and skill assessments for
others. Both day’s boat launches were a breeze. Always a potential issue for me in regards
to my short stature. The weather on the Saturday was overcast, although the not too
inspiring surface conditions did not detract from the glorious manta displays at the aptly
named Manta Bommie. The grey nurse sharks were patrolling the gutters on the Sunday,
which is always a joy to see.

A walk along the boardwalk and an ice cream at the Gelato shop at Point Lookout always
round’s off the day’s activities on a high note.

However, the highlight of the weekend for me was to watch Russel erect his tent with no
tent poles. Ken’s place looked like a refugee camp. I feel a Dory award may be in the offing.
Unfortunately for Russel it rained heavily that night!

Bernie please don’t leave him on his own again.

Greta Derrick