Looking up the definition of almanac I found one that probably wraps up this book in one sentence: A publication, usually an annual, containing useful facts and statistical information ...
Clifton Gardens has always rated as one of my favourite Sydney night dives. I know - a maximum depth of 4m under the jetty means you could snorkel it with short length of garden hose, but it never fails to deliver a unique and unexpected encounter with interesting critters.
With cloudy skies, rain and the cooling of our beloved ocean upon us, it was time to migrate north in search of warmth and relaxation. Our destination was Coral Bay on the north coast of Western Australia about 1200 km from Perth, the state's capital.
How in god's name could "HE" have created such wonderful place and then kept it hidden away from all us mortals for so long? The crystal clear water, schools of big fish and warm tropical days all concealed from the world simply by a 12-hr flight back in time.
One look at the prognostic weather chart told me that we would not sail on schedule. The forecast was for 30 knot north-westerlies with gusts to 45 knots through out the night and for the next 24 hours.
Although Byron Bay is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, only few people realise the fantastic marine environment Byron Bay has to offer. This popular subtropical township renown for its beautiful beaches and stunning hinterland is part of the Cape Byron Marine Park and home to the Julian Rocks Marine Sanctuary.
For many, this question still arises: "Where the heck is the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?" and more than likely they proceed to look for Cocos in the Pacific Ocean.
Divers the world over can be divided into two groups, those who would like to visit Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef and those who would like to go back there.
Hanging onto the dorsal fin of a tiger shark as it swims is a truly awesome experience. Feeling the immense power and strength of these animals is incredible.
When cameraman Brenton Dean first approached me a few years ago, about writing a wildlife documentary script that would tell the life ecology of leafy sea dragons, I thought, "an entire hour on the one sea creature?" That would absolutely bore people to sleep right?
Driven by a love of the sea and its largest fish, the elusive whale shark, Australian naturalist Brad Norman has received a Rolex Award for Enterprise for creating a worldwide photo-identification system which enables ordinary people to assist in its conservation.
August 2006 was a milestone month for me. In 2005 I visited Florida and was keen to dive the Bahamas and with the manatee in Florida, but Hurricane Wilma ruined all these plans.
2006 saw a different holiday as our usual foursome had now become a twosome (plus youngest son Fletcher), nevertheless Andrew ("The Bitch") and I weren't going to let that stop us having our annual week away diving.