Great Barrier Reef

Yesterday was reef day, when we rode out on to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel or dive at three spots. It was sunny, windy, and choppy. I felt green all the way despite chewing a Bonine tablet about an hour ahead of getting on the boat. At our first spot, “The Three Sisters” there weren’t too many fish, but nearly everyone on the boat was in the water. Wisely, they had us situated so that it was easy to get back to the boat because the wind and waves were more than happy to push you there. That also meant that it was hard to get away from the boat. I was treated to a spectacular view of a diversity of coral in a variety of shapes and colors.

Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef

There were more fish at the second diving site and fewer snorkelers, but just as much wind pushing us around. 

At the third site, I didn’t bother to get in the water. The wind seemed even stronger and I was tired of the urp that bubbled up in me while bobbing in the water. I did sit at the back of the boat watching Robert while he valiantly attempted to navigate the water. He did well and just when I started to worry that the current was going to wash him away, he kicked his way back to us. Sarah, the diver in our group, saw some sea turtles.

Thanks to Al for taking our photo.

The boat ride back to Port Douglas was bumpier than the way out. I just rested with my eyes closed, occasionally falling asleep only to be jolted awake when the boat dropped into a deep valley. 

The shower when we got back to the hotel felt great.