Come on along!: From the Desert to the Great Barrier Reef

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

From the Desert to the Great Barrier Reef

We are home now, but I wanted to add some photos from our spectacular day of snorkeling and underwater adventures on Michaelmas Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns. Neither Rusty or I had ever snorkeled before and we so looked forward to this opportunity. We were not disappointed! Decked out in our lycra full-body suits, flippers, and appropriate masks and breathing tubes, we walked into the strikingly blue, but clear water. Only yards from the shore we entered another world - a land of coral and other amazing underwater creatures. There were fish of every color - purple, blue, yellow, orange, black and white striped and even a big turtle came by to say howdy! The coral itself was alive and responded by closing up if we got too close. I confess it took a few minutes to get used to having my nose closed and having to breathe through my mouth. But, once I got the hang of it I was able to focus on the extraordinary world before me. I kept making these little ooh and aah sounds as another beautiful creature swam by.

After about an hour and half we reluctantly came into shore for a break. We were also offered the chance to ride on a semi-submersible boat to take photographs underwater. I couldn't resist and so while I did that Rusty stayed and had another amazing round of snorkeling personally escorted by Dave, our guide, who took her to his favorite haunts and to visit favorite fish friends amongst the coral. My semi-submersible experience was disappointing in that it was too dark to really get any good photos, but I did try to enjoy what I saw.

The reef where we snorkeled was covered with birds who made a constant racket and let it be known that we were encroaching on their territory! It was a gorgeous clear day and our boat ride from Cairns to and from the reef was a delight. I think I am safe to say that both Rusty and I are eager for more snorkeling adventures! We were pretty darn lucky to start on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!