High hopes and low expectations are the key to happy diving - and our expectations started fairly low for the last club dive of 2015!

Our group was the first out of Brunswick Heads after two days of strong winds. Light drizzle dampened our preparations but the morning was calm at least. Most importantly conditions at Julian Rocks were good and there was little current - hooray.

Jo took care of the trainees, Laura, Russell and Andre, all hoping to finally sign off the last dives of their certifications.

For the rest of us the first dive of the day was to the Cod Hole and surrounds. As the first through, Wally was greeted by big fish in the swimthrough. Second dive was on the southern side in the vicinity of the Needles - shallow and full of life.

Viz averaged 5-10m with patches of clearer water - enough to see the wobbies, nudis, an elusive GNS and plenty of small stuff.

Kudos to Michael Manning who completed his first open water dive in 15 years with aplomb - and in a shorty wetsuit too! Also to Jo who had her hands full with three trainees but generously contributed her time and skill to finalise some important training.

Lunch at the pub was great and the beer was cold and very welcome.

Thanks to all who made the time in their busy pre-Christmas schedules, made long trips, and juggled work commitments to come along.

Perhaps it was our low expectations but it ended up being a good day and just enough to tide me over to the big Straddle trip next month!

Gavin Wills