Great Barrier Reef

All right, I am really going to try to finish up our Australia trip entries (and get an entry in about Jacqui's dance recital 2 weekends ago...)

One of the activities that was very high on my list of things to do was a snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef. After looking through a dozen or more brochures at our condo, we picked an outfitter and made our reservation.

It was really a great trip, despite the rocky seas on the hour and a half long boat trip out and back. Gabbi and Jacqui both got seasick while we were in the 2 meter seas. Finally, when we made it to Michaelmas Cay, the boat steadied and we got our sea legs under us. When we signed in, we found out that the trip included an introductory scuba dive! Gabbi and Jacqui were quite jealous as Danielle and I took turns being guided down to about 15 feet under. It was an incredible experience. I really enjoy snorkeling, but this really was completely different. Usually I will take a deep breath and get down to 15 feet or more during a snorkel trip. But, it involves diving down quickly, maybe equalizing, taking a quick look around, and shooting back to the surface. The 20 minutes or so that we spent with anemone fish, wrasses, and the chance to put our hands into a giant clam was quite enjoyable.

Danielle retuning from her scuba adventure.

Gabbi and Jacqui in their wetsuits!


Gearing up for the descent...

Gabbi and Jacqui (as usual) were incredible snorkelers. They are constantly pointing out interesting coral formations, fish (did you see that Moorish idol?), and sea cucumbers. Gabbi has gotten the hang of diving down for a closer look as well.

Looking up at Jacqui as she works her way through the water.

We were really impressed with this sea cucumber! It was quite different from the smooth black ones we usually see.

Gabbi diving by...

The coral was quite stunning!

and the giant clams were absolutely amazing!

On the return to Cairns, we enjoyed a glass of wine and endured the salt spray that kept us fairly drenched!