Great, Great Barrier Reef

March 4

Semi-Submersible, Great Barrier Reef

We got up early this morning because we’ve got a trip planned out to the Great Barrier Reef.  By 8:30 we board a pretty large catamaran and head out.  Our destination is about 50 km’s offshore, and it takes one and a half hours to get to and through some rough seas.  Sammy got sick, and most of us got a little queasy, but when we made it out to the reef, we were truly amazed.  There was a large platform for the boat to dock at, there was a glass bottom boat available, and also a boat called a semi submersible.  We took rides on both boats and also went snorkeling from the platform.  The things we saw were amazing, there were so many different kinds of coral and fishes to observe.  Sam made an underwater friend in Wally, the local wrasse fish.  He would let you swim up to him and pet him.  Sam spent hours diving under the water and playing with his new friend.  Hudson, who is sometimes a bit reluctant to participate in such activities, also joined in.  Annie took her turn as the resident underwater mermaid - swimming in and around the sunken part of the boat and holdingont the rails to added effect. For lunch a buffet was served, and the whole experience was great.  What a way to spend our last day in Australia.

Annie on the Great Barrier Reef

Annie & Hudson at play

Hudson swims the Great Barrier Reef

We all agree that this was the best day we have had in a while and a perfect way to say good-bye to Australia. We go our for dinner at a local food court where we are once again able to satisfy all palettes and then do some final shopping to spend our Australian dollars before leaving town tomorrow.  We buy some t-shirts and a few other trinkets before returning to our hotel in order to pack and get ready for tomorrow.  Tomorrow we travel to Singapore.