Day 50 – Feb 24 – Cairns, Australia

We docked at 7 am at the Port of Cairns which is in a sheltered position in the natural harbor of Trinity Inlet.  Our approach was incredibly difficult as we sailed from the Coral Sea through the narrow openings in the Great Barrier Reef.  It was all very well marked with buoys and lights ensuring that we could pass through safely with enough depth and width for the ms Amsterdam.

At most Australian custom sites we are greeted by these adorable Beagles, who are all work.  No petting allowed.

Rain had been predicted and in spite of my positive thoughts and praying to the Sun God, it continued to rain all day in the city.  It poured.  My plan was to go snorkeling.  I’d even made reservations with the “Down Under Reef Adventures”.  So off I went, to be joined by Monty, Carol and Gary.  

The high speed boat took about an hour to get to the first snorkeling and dive site and it was quite a wild ride.  I knew I was with the right crowd when Gary said as he was holding onto the outside deck; “Not too many people get to experience this kind of sea up close and personal”.  Maybe my prayers were heard because when we reached the first location the rain was dwindling off to just a drizzle.

Before I got into the water, “Wally” a very large fish that is fed quite regularly by the boat’s crew came up to our platform.

Difficult to capture him but there he is to the left of the dive instructors hand.

Oh, what mysterious bliss I experienced for the next 5 hours (2 at one spot and 3 at the next one).  I kept thinking that I was in a National Geographical film.  Keep in mind this is only my 3rd time snorkeling and here I am at the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s best place for snorkelers and divers.  I mystically floated above this unimaginable magnificent beauty for hours immensely content.  The temperature of the water was in the 80’s, not something that I’m used to outside of my bathtub. 

The Great Barrier Reef is the 7th natural wonder of the world is home for over 1500 species of fish and 400 species or coral.  I saw enough to be rightfully astounded.  A huge loggerhead turtle swam beneath me and many tropical fish swam beside me.  I understand that some species of these fish are rare and endangered.  The colors (Pink, yellow, purple, green, blue, etc.) and different sizes and forms of these fish and coral are mind blowing.  I even held a sea cucumber that was handed to me by the boat’s photographer.  No I didn’t buy the picture.  Hard to tell us all apart with our lovely blue “stinker suits” on.  The jelly fish in this area are known for their painful stings.

Yes I used a “noodle” in no way was this shallow water.

No way that “bluey” nickname for the blue jelly fish are getting to my skin.  Even my hands are enclosed.

Not the most flattering attire and it wasn’t much fun putting on when it’s wet.

 

The crew on this boat were very cautious and looking out for our safety all the time.  A whistle would be blown if you had veered away from the designated area.  It was blown for me at least 3 to 4 times and a young male Aussie would YELL at me “Snorkeler come into the middle”.  At our last place, I was the last one to get out of the water.  It’s quite something to lift your head from ocean waters to see that you are the only one out there.  I was never afraid.  The boat was always near by and I was constantly watched.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest living organism in the world, it is larger than Great Britain.  It also became a World Heritage Area in 1981.