Day 5
Today was amazing. I snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef. It was something I've always dreamt about and today I did it. And I saw a sea turtle! Of course I waived hello to it. And I saw lots and lots of colorful fish. I did the Green Island tour with Big Cat tours and along with my snorkeling, I also went down in the semi submersible. That was cool because it was a boat with a 'submarine' attached for people to sit down in and view the reef and see the fish, corals, sting rays (I saw one!) etc. They even feed the fish to bring a lot of them up close to the boat, which was really cool. I got a few pics, hopefully they're ok. I also got a lunch buffet on board the boat, which consisted of various lunch meats, salads, fruits, and bread. It wasn't bad.
But back to the snorkeling. I got off the boat about 10:30a and walked around a bit before deciding I should try my first time snorkeling between the flags on the only part of the island beach with lifeguards. So I put on my wetsuit (extra safety against marine stimgers) and walked to the beach with lifeguards. I picked a spot to set my bag and then struggled into my flippers and mask before wading backwards into the ocean. At first I was scared, but then I got used to it. I was kind of easy but hard to adjust the mask and mouthpiece while wading because you can't step on the corals so you keep getting saltwater in your face. I eventually got the hang of it and ventured out a bit further. And I saw a sea turtle having lunch on coral grass! Wicked cool! And lots of fish and coral and coral plants. All of it was brown, and I learned later in the semi sub that its normal for the corals to be brown, that means they're healthy (dead corals are white), and the brightly colored coral is very rare. So that's good to know.
I think I snorkeled for about an hour and a half, always trying to be near other people because I was alone and it's better to snorkel with people. (Many were couples and in the romantic mood, so I didn't want to disturb anyone. It was difficult finding other people I was comfortable snorkeling around!) Then I went back to the boat and had lunch. After lunch, I walked the entire island leisurly in about 30 minutes (it's small) and then made it back to the boat just in time to make the semi sub departure. That bit lasted only 30 minutes. It was really cool, but very motion-sickness inducing. No one got sick, but I'm sure I would have if I hadn't taken the motion meds. I was also very claustrophobic, as it was only about 2 people wide with maybe 20 rows, no aisles. I just focused on the fish out of the window and forgot about the rocking. We saw lots of fish! They had a fish guide above every window, and I saw some HUGE bass, and some coral... I forget the names. Just coral fish, but very big and very thin, plus some smaller blue/yellow ones with either blue or yellow tails. And a stingray!
After that, I went back to the beach to catch some rays for another hour before heading back to the boat to head for Cairns.
On the way out to Green Island in the morning, I met a lady who was traveling with her husband and son, and she told me about their experience at Kurundra and the Koala Gardens there. I'd heard about this also from a friend in Korea as well as from Jenny, my cousin who used to live in Australia, so I decided that's what I'm doing tomorrow, even if it is touristy. Who wouldn't want to hold a Koala?!
Happy travels!!
Today was amazing. I snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef. It was something I've always dreamt about and today I did it. And I saw a sea turtle! Of course I waived hello to it. And I saw lots and lots of colorful fish. I did the Green Island tour with Big Cat tours and along with my snorkeling, I also went down in the semi submersible. That was cool because it was a boat with a 'submarine' attached for people to sit down in and view the reef and see the fish, corals, sting rays (I saw one!) etc. They even feed the fish to bring a lot of them up close to the boat, which was really cool. I got a few pics, hopefully they're ok. I also got a lunch buffet on board the boat, which consisted of various lunch meats, salads, fruits, and bread. It wasn't bad.
But back to the snorkeling. I got off the boat about 10:30a and walked around a bit before deciding I should try my first time snorkeling between the flags on the only part of the island beach with lifeguards. So I put on my wetsuit (extra safety against marine stimgers) and walked to the beach with lifeguards. I picked a spot to set my bag and then struggled into my flippers and mask before wading backwards into the ocean. At first I was scared, but then I got used to it. I was kind of easy but hard to adjust the mask and mouthpiece while wading because you can't step on the corals so you keep getting saltwater in your face. I eventually got the hang of it and ventured out a bit further. And I saw a sea turtle having lunch on coral grass! Wicked cool! And lots of fish and coral and coral plants. All of it was brown, and I learned later in the semi sub that its normal for the corals to be brown, that means they're healthy (dead corals are white), and the brightly colored coral is very rare. So that's good to know.
I think I snorkeled for about an hour and a half, always trying to be near other people because I was alone and it's better to snorkel with people. (Many were couples and in the romantic mood, so I didn't want to disturb anyone. It was difficult finding other people I was comfortable snorkeling around!) Then I went back to the boat and had lunch. After lunch, I walked the entire island leisurly in about 30 minutes (it's small) and then made it back to the boat just in time to make the semi sub departure. That bit lasted only 30 minutes. It was really cool, but very motion-sickness inducing. No one got sick, but I'm sure I would have if I hadn't taken the motion meds. I was also very claustrophobic, as it was only about 2 people wide with maybe 20 rows, no aisles. I just focused on the fish out of the window and forgot about the rocking. We saw lots of fish! They had a fish guide above every window, and I saw some HUGE bass, and some coral... I forget the names. Just coral fish, but very big and very thin, plus some smaller blue/yellow ones with either blue or yellow tails. And a stingray!
After that, I went back to the beach to catch some rays for another hour before heading back to the boat to head for Cairns.
On the way out to Green Island in the morning, I met a lady who was traveling with her husband and son, and she told me about their experience at Kurundra and the Koala Gardens there. I'd heard about this also from a friend in Korea as well as from Jenny, my cousin who used to live in Australia, so I decided that's what I'm doing tomorrow, even if it is touristy. Who wouldn't want to hold a Koala?!
Happy travels!!
Hi Kate, have been looking to see if you had posted on your blog -- so glad to hear that you had fun in Australia! I look forward to reading the next installment. Enjoy your time at home! Love, Jenny
ReplyDeletedear kate, we are so pleased that you have found your happy place. lots of love, mom and dad
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