On Wednesday, June 30, 2004 10:28 AM, Bjorn wrote:

> > Mate!  That's the other side of the Blue Mountains - and bloody cold
> > in winter.

> Ah, but we are also going to construct a Sydney-based central distribution
> center for Oz, a project that clearly requires regional oversight :-)

Mate!  In my humble opinion, that's a decision that shouldn't be made
quickly - and that requires many, many exploratory trips to Sydney (and New
South Wales) before deciding on a suitable area! :-)))

(I'd love to suggest the Northern Beaches, but it's not as practical as,
say, the Western Suburbs) :-(

> >> so I may yet get to dive the Wembley of Diving - wearing my new
> >> Halcyon backplate :-)

While still being in a minority, you'll be surprised by just how many people
are making the switch - or, at least, are no longer casting rocks and
boulders at those who do!  And the Weedy seadragons, Wobbegongs, Port
Jackson, Whaler, Nurse, Angel and Cat sharks, Eagle rays, squid and octopus
are demanding to be photographed!  :-)))

> > How do you like it, so far?

> I like the look of it, and the way it feels to wear it. That's as far as
> I've come :-) But I do plan to take Natalie on a weekend live-aboard
towards
> the end of July, so I'll test it then. At least I don't have
backplate-envy
> anymore :-)

Given the vocal - and sometimes vitriolic debates surrounding the use of
backplates, wings and long hoses, I've always tried to avoid being too
outspoken about their virtues.  However .... it will be interesting to hear
your comments.  (And don't make the mistake - as some people do - that it's
a return to an earlier diving equipment system.  It's not!  The design,
weight, etc. is very, very different - as is the way in which it's used in
an emergency!)  :-)

>>t'd be great to see you down here at last - and to be able to have a
> > beer or ten in the 'Stinky Drain', after the obligatory dive at the
> > 'Wembley of Diving' and the equally obligatory BBQ at "Strike's
> > Reef"!  :-))))

> I can't wait!

I can't claim that it will be as lavish as your hosptality when we were in
Singapore recently - but what it lacks in quality we'll try and make up for
with quantity (and good friendship!!)  :-)))

Strike