At the Great Barrier Reef

Yesterday we saw undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip - the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,600 kilometers. It's up there with the Grand Canyon and the pyramids of Gizeh as a UNESCO World Heritage site.



The day started with a 2 hour boat journey (from Cairns) through rather choppy waters. No suprise that anti-seasickness pills were handed out as we boarded and that the white sickness bags became treasured items for quite a few people on board, including poor little Fiona.

Morale on board was somewhat low, as also the weather in the morning did its bit to dampen spirits.

However, things changed when we finally arrived out on the reef...



When we got to the pontoon at first things seemed pretty normal: Just sea everywhere. Only the water colouration indicated that we were in an area with rather shallow water.



The "fireworks" started as soon as we had our snorkels and fins on and looked UNDER water. An amazing world presented itself: Lots of different corals and a multitude of fish and other sea creatures. I even came across a huge sea turtle under water - which was quite an encounter (for both of us, I guess). The fishes were of extraordinary colour and variety. And despite the fact that there were quite a few of us snorkeling and diving, we got incredibly close to everything.



It really was an out-of-this world experience, which we'll never forget. Unfortunately, we didn't have an underwater camera, but in addition to the snorkeling they also gave people a chance to see underwater through a semi-submarine and through a glass-bottom boat (so that we could at least take some photos).





By mid-day the sun had come out, too, and the ordeal of the journey out to the reef was quickly forgotten.



After a long day out at sea we made our way back home late afternoon and were exhausted, but very happy!