A right sparkling crew left for Stradbroke Island (Moreton Bay, South East Queensland) for a weekend of diving and accommodation courtesy of Point Lookout Dive Charters, most taking the Stradbroke Ferry aboard Ken’s troop carrier, with a couple of latecomers arriving the next day. The “Glamour Pusses” already had their tent and campervan set up in Ken’s yard when the crew arrived, then everybody pitched in to take the food supplies into the house. There was quite a lot of food to take up, as Brisbane BSAC tenth year anniversary would be celebrated on Saturday night, and non-diving partners and family members would be attending the party. As there were no other organisations involved we had access to both houses.

The next morning promised to be a good day for diving. A Briefing was given at 8AM, after stowing kit and and tanks, suited divers walked to the beach or rode in Ken’s carrier. The beach launch went smoothly, there being little wind or swell, there was no difficulty in getting the RIB into the water and turned seawards…

On arrival at Flat Rock it was apparent that there was a ripping current running on both sides of the rock, and instead of struggling with current it was decided to go to Shag Rock, closer inshore, and protected from current. 

Apart from large schools of Yellow Pomfrets, there wasn’t a lot of larger sea life be seen on the two dives taken on Saturday. Visibility was poor at around 5 m, but this didn’t dissuade us from enjoying being in the water, with the usual banter of it being much more interesting than diving in a quarry. Donna, however, did manage some video of a Leaf Scorpionfish, lucky lass. Temperatures in the water ranged from 18° to 21°, and there were a few complaints among the less hardy of us (self included) about the cold, particularly after surface intervals in the cool breeze. 

Saturday night was a very enjoyable 10th anniversary dinner sit down dinner held at a long table in the top house, shared among members and their families, with salads, barbecued meats, and desserts (including a range of fabulous homemade items), and various cordials, - with all the trimmings such as streamers, party hats, glow sticks and other festive ephemera.

Sunday proved to be much better diving weather. Arrival at Flat Rock gave us sunny morning, light breeze, and virtually no current and a slight swell. Visibility had improved markedly, and we now had about 15m. At the end of the first dive, the excitement was added to when a couple of whales broke surface about 50m from the boat. The pair of divers returning to the boat from the same position were so preoccupied with their task, that they didn’t see the whales in the water. On the second dive more Grey Nurse Sharks sighted, and a rare glimpse of a school of Mobula Rays - Mobula mobular  (and we did get footage), making this an eventful morning. After returning to shore and unloading the boat, washing down the gear, and grabbing a quick lunch, satisfied divers turned for home.

Russell Reinhardt

Ben showing how to decorate, BSAC-style!