Great Barrier Reef

I don't even know how to begin today's blog...It was a dream come true what I did today and is one of those items listed on my "Bucket List." Today I snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef (in two different locations). I was on such a high all day because of this - it has been a dream of mine ever since I first visited Australia.

The day started off (well, after my very humid run) with us checking in at the pier at 8am. We boarded our vessel and departed at around 9am - heading for the Great Barrier Reef. Matt and Cory booked the trip too, so the four of us spent the day together (I was nice catching up). We got out to the reef about 10:30am and had a quick snorkeling course - just safety tips and everything. It was weird how as we were boating out there, we were cool and it was a nice temp, but as soon as we anchored and were listening to our "lesson", it got extremely hot and we all started sweating and just wanted to jump in the water.

Finally we got suited up. We had to wear either wetsuits or stinger suits because it is just the end of stinger season and as a precaution, they make you all wear them. Mark and I quickly dressed and go into the water and were off for our first trip out into the open waters. WOW! That is about all I can say because I don't know what other words to use to describe it. The water was around 72 degrees, but along the reef felt a bit warmer. When you got to deeper waters though, it was strange how quickly the water got cold. We saw such beautiful coral and hundreds of fish. We were constantly swimming through schools of fish and then saw these massive fish called Big Bump Parrot Head (I think - now I can't remember). They feed off the coral though and look like they have big buck-teeth. Luckily, Mark brought an underwater camera, so we got a ton of pictures - I will upload his as soon as possible. All the fish were so colorful. It was neat to see how they all live together in the same environment.

We were out there for awhile just swimming around, when all of a sudden I spotted a sea turtle!! It was one of the best experiences because both Mark and I took turns swimming along side it and taking pictures. I can't believe how much wildlife I have seen in the last few weeks. This sighting just made my day. I probably could have stayed out there with the turtle for hours. We followed it as it came up for air and also dove with it. It was great!

After a hour and a half, we all got back on the boat for lunch - Mark and I were the last one's on - I think we were having a bit of fun! Lunch was good because all that swimming really worked up an appetite. After I finished eating, I sunbathed out on the front of the boat, but couldn't stay out there too long because it was so hot. Once everyone finished eating, we went to our second location. We all thought it would take some time to get there, but it seemed like they just moved 100 ft from where we were before so they were able to say "Yeah, two dive locations!" We all got back in - Mark and I were first off - and had another hour to snorkel around the reef. It was a lot more shallow here, so I got a bit scared thinking I was going to hit the coral and hurt myself or break some off. I managed to get away with neither of those things happening. The second trip out into the reef wasn't as exciting (no turtle), but we still saw a bunch of new fish and just heaps and heaps of them all around. It was cool to be a little closer to the reef because we were really able to check it out in more detail. The whole time I was out there, I just couldn't believe I was doing it - it felt unreal. Hopefully once I get the pictures uploaded, it will do the scenery justice, but probably not.

We all had to get back in the boat at 2:30 and then dropped some passengers off at a near by "Live-On Board" boat because they were sleeping out on the reef overnight. Pretty cool! I was impressed with how the boats were able to dock together and exchange passengers and goods. During this time, Matt, Cory, Mark and I just hung out on the back deck and drank and talked. There were a lot of people up there, so we talked with some others and just enjoyed the 90 minute ride back to Cairns. I just don't think I can say it enought - my day was absolutely amazing!