12/6/05 Eden Report
2am Saturday, alarm wakes me from my sleep, time to get up so MF can pick me up. 2.30am, I’m out the front as the Diesel Cruiser pulls up, I throw my gear in and away we go, first traveling to Caringbah to pick up the boat (Titanic) as well as Rob and Laurie for our drive down to Eden. We were also meeting 20 plus other St. George Club members down there. A few of us haven’t dive this comp before so we were looking forward to it after reports of the great diving and experiencing species we haven't come across.
Wollongong, Kiama, Nowra, Bewong, Milton, Termeil, Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Cobargo, Brogo, Bega, Woluma and finally……………"EDEN" 11am.
A few minutes south of town is Shadracks, where we were staying. After checking in we found our cabin which was right on the beach, looking across to the boat ramp
So throwing our bags in the rooms it was straight to the boat ramp for a bit of a snoop around to see if we could find any places of interest. The N/Easter was blowing a gale at this stage as that predicted front came through, so the South side of the Bay was to rough, never mind we will head over to the Northern headland for a bit of protection.
First boat we pass had a couple of suspects in it, Jools and Bonnici mmmmmm. Second boat we pass was full of Dolphins, Trippey and Co. mmmmmmmmmmm. Arriving at the headland there was 3 boats full of Dragons aahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, that’s better.
Fish was a bit scarce, though you could of easily picked up more than enough for a feed if you wanted, but we settled on a few Mussels for dinner which were plentiful. On the way back we stopped at a place which we spied on the way out to have a quick dive , BL**DY HELL Big Bluethroats, Tassies, Blue Mowong, Bream, Blackfish, Jackets and the list goes on, pencil that in for tomorrow.
That Night we had a big Entree of Garlic Mussels in White Wine , courtesy of Rob.
Mind you a bunch of starving Locusts descended on our place after the smell wafted to their Cabins, though this was explained as Tactical because Mick A was there with a map pointing out spots. Mick has been going to this comp for many years and was happy to share a few spots,
Team Dragon Meeting
The next day dawned perfect little wind with an abating sea
View next morning from our cabin
Of to the ramp we headed and even with 30 odd Comp boats plus line fishing boats to put in it all went smoothly. Log and I went and signed in also checking fish that was off the score sheet while the TITANIC was launched.
Some off the boats just before the Start
8am, off we go with some heading North, some hanging local while the majority heading South, which we did also. Funny when you have never dived a spot before where do you start, so we ran south to a big headland and jumped in, first fish I see is a Zebra, then Wrasse of different species, Drummer, Blackfish, then a good Blue Mowie.
The day progressed like this, hunting in the White Water close to the rocks, to the deeper stuff which was exciting as you were never sure which new fish you would come across. Then hopping back in the boat to see what the others had, ribbing each other if you had a fish that the others had yet to get. Though we all came back with Blue Mowies Log had to out do us we a beauty, as well as a 1.2kg Blackfish Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
2.9kg Blue Mowie. 
Rob and I with a couple of Blue Throat Wrasse.
2pm every body back to the weigh in. We were back a bit early so we were closer to the front of the line and got our fish weighed promptly. Also checking to see how the other Dragons faired, by the look of it they all had a good time. Big Al Briggs had a thumper 2.4kg Banded Mowie, The Mole had a 1.6kg Blue Throat, everybody had good fish. Many thanks to Mick Arentz for the help.
As the line was still long we thought we’d go back to the cabin have a shower, kick back and catch up with everybody at Tea that night, though a few ended up at our cabin for a pre-dinner drinks. Most went to the Pub for dinner but we ended up having Pizza mmmmmmm. Then it was off to the Presso. What a great roll up, by the time we go there seating was at a premium, the Dragons table was full, few more chairs made it even more so. We sat around laughed, joked and told tall stories, this was even before the Presso started.
The MC was great, trying to keep a bunch of excited /hyped people quiet for a period of time is not an easy thing.
St George did very well with 1st in Veterans, 1st in seniors, 1st & 3rd overall, & 3rd in Masters. Log got beaten by 1point for Most Meritorious, I think 116 to 117 points. Though let me stress, this Comp is just as much as a BIG Social as trying to win (you can see I didn’t do very well, but had a great time)
The winner GUNTHER!
Some of the guys from St George at the Presso.
We bailed early after the finish of the awards, though we still had time to catch up with other Club people, Dolphins, Whalers & Sea Hawks. Back at the cabin with time for one more beer before going to bed as we had a extra day and we were going spearing tomorrow.
Next morning every one was in pack up mode except us, we were in pack the boat to go spearing mode. Saying good bye to most, then back to the ramp to launch. This time we traveled North and was still surprised with the amount of fish Life, a Million Mowies, big Jackets, Zebra Fish , Drummer. Blackfish, Etc etc.. Then back in the Bay to get a few more Mussels to take home.
Back at the Cabin we were surprised, the place was deserted, bit earie. That night we had a great wood fired BBQ with Chef Rob cooking Garlic Steak with Pepper Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread (you can see the wife's weren’t with us).
Next day a quick pack up in the morning and headed for home at 8 am. Stories of the weekend were the topic of conversation till the M.F. had to stop and buy the Herald for Cryptic Crossword which amused The NERDS in the front seat till we got back to Sydney.
What a great weekend, what a Great comp. If you can only get one Pass out from the Missus, Partner, girl/boy friend do this comp or take them with you. No wonder so many from Sydney make the trip down. Take the extra day too. See you down there next year.
Team Reasonable,
Gordon Black.