We could have not asked for better weather. The day started out glorious and everyone was in high spirits loading camp and dive gear onto Captain Hong’s boat. After a quick briefing by SCDC’s Paul Bayne, we were on our way to our first dive site.

The non-diving group broke open the champagne and basked in the sun on the top deck, enjoying the stunning landscape of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the (more serious) divers broke open their tool kits and re-breathers, no less happy than their counterparts on the sun deck.

We had two dives at the small rocky island (of which name escaped me) while the non-divers swam and snorkelled. Hundreds of sea gulls put up a spectacular display of fine aviation skills and Kurt and Danielle tried their best to imitate them by jumping off the sun deck – not quite the same but still a thrill!

The water was a tad cold for the divers but thankfully we had Lucy who offered us her famous chocolate brownies, which went fabulously well with hot cups of tea. After all divers were accounted for, Captain Hong headed to the beach beneath Sharp Peak which we noticed was occupied by cows and stray dogs. While the boat was anchored a few of us swam to the beach to have a little “negotiation” with the animals. Jade and Kurt made some headway in the talks and managed to claim the left half of the beach for the campers.

After unloading the bags off the sampan, Irene, Amber and Sarah quickly set up the BBQ with help from Ron and Patrick. The rest of us set up tents, strategically choosing areas with no rocks and away from the tide line. The ice-cold Pimms were made by our Pimms-expert, Denvy, and it was a welcome relief from the humidity that we all felt. Soon after we started putting the food on the grill and a spectacular BBQ dinner followed.

Some of the hard-core divers went back to Hong’s boat to do a night dive and while we were initially a little envious of their adventure, we quickly surmised that it is better to be dry and warm with glorious BBQ food than wet and hungry underwater. Of course the divers had plenty of food when they returned to the beach – and plenty of alcohol too. I don’t think I have ever seen the eskie so full of wine, beer, vodka and jägermeister!

After everyone had their fill of lamb chops, steaks and chocolate bananas, we retired to our own tents. Of course it was still considered an early night for some so more revelling and swimming was on the agenda till 3am.

The next morning we had heavy clouds greeting us but miraculously there was no rain at all. A wonderful spread of scrambled eggs, baked beans, crispy bacon and toast made for breakfast. Hong came to the beach with his trusty sampan at 9am and we got our gear loaded back on the boat. Some of us did the traditional swim back to the main boat and while the water was cold it made for a refreshing “wake-up call”.

We then headed to Breakers’ Reef for more diving. The visibility was fantastic and there were plenty of marine life to keep the divers happy. Lucy and Ron were the luckiest pair; they managed to see the elusive blue-ringed octopus! Whoever said that there is nothing to see in Hong Kong waters? Catherine took down the details of where the octopus was from Lucy and together with her dive buddy they ventured back into the sea. This time Catherine hit the jackpot and even managed to snap a few photos of the beautiful creature!

It was a great weekend for all – if only every weekend is like this, full of adventures, diving, fun, laughter and friends.

Denvy Lo, all photos by ArchHK
22nd May 2011