Great Barrier Reef

The main reason for going to Cairns was to see the Great Barrier Reef. We got up early and boarded our boat that took us out to the reef. 

We bounced along for about 60km out to sea until we reached the anchor point. We were taken to 2 different reefs and were able to snorkel (or scuba dive if you were brave/had money).

HD underwater digital camera were available to hire, but we went the cheapy route of a disposable. The photos don't do the reef justice. It was so colourful and teeming with life. 

There's a turtle in the middle background! He seemed so much closer!

At first jumping off a boat in the middle of the ocean was terrifying. And then I slipped on m snorkel mask and looked below. Absolute magic. 

It was perfect aside from all the seawater that I managed to swallow. I had a hard time remembering not to breathe out of my nose. And as I'm really buoyant I could hardly get my legs underwater to make my flippers work. Clearly I need to go back and practise more!

I'm a mermaid! Finally!

It felt like these animals were right below me. That I could reach out my hand and touch them. Of course, they were quite a ways down and paid little attention to me. 

After all that seawater and the gentle rocking of the boat I discovered that I couldn't be a pirate as I felt rather ill. Too ill for the free buffet lunch that was provided! Boo!

We made our way to the second reef and jumped in the water again. Since we were in the water and we had sunscreened up, it didn't feel that hot. But because we were scooting across the top of the water our backs were exposed to the sun all day. OUCH! Aloe gel became my new best friend. 

On the way back to shore they served fruit, wine and cheese. Luckily I was feeling well enough by this point to participate!

Going to the Great Barrier Reef was always one of the things that I wanted to do in my life. I feel so lucky that I was able to have this experience. It was truly incredible. And exhausting. It took this old bod over a day to recover! Worth it!

Today I am thankful for the natural beauty in the world and that I've been able to see it while it's still here.