19th November 2007 - Cairns, Australia - Great Barrier Reef
Another early start, but this time we had to get to the reef terminal under our own steam; but we did have enough time for a quick brecky before departing at 8.00am for the reef. We went with an outfit called Sea Star in a very fast boat for 40, but there were only 12 of us aboard which made it ever so roomy. On the way out, around 8.30, we passed the van Gogh on the way in to Cairns from Darwin and M videoed them, just as they videoed us! At about 9.15 we arrived at Michaelmas Cay a small sandy island in the middle reef containing a bird sanctuary and limited island access (piccy attached) Sea Star are one of only 3 companies with a commercial permit to visit this island and we had 2.5 hrs looking at the coral and fishes. M took a tour with the Sea Star team whilst D did his own thing with an underwater camera purchased on the boat. Unfortunately, no pics from this source, but M did a shot of D. Lunch on board before we set off again, comprising the usual prwns and salad with bbq chicken wing and veggie lasagne.
Hastings Reef on the outer reef was our next port of call. This was hard coral as opposed to soft coral and a fair amount was barren unfortunately. There were no landing points on this reef and we did all of our snorkelling from the back of the craft which we only pictured on our return - but it had a full width above water line platform and 2 stels for sea access. Others did their SCUBA dives. M was again feeling unwell and didn't go in for the second session but contented herself with half an hour in the glass bottom boat which appears to be left on the reef. D, meanwhile, continued his new role as underwater photographer. We were on this reef to about 3.30pm when we had our afternoon cake and tea before our return. (They'd hate this, but the Aussies are so like the Brits). We arrived back about 4.45 after a very speedy and rough crossing, being buffeted all the way.
We took a shot or two of Cairns on the way in and one of van Gogh in the berth next to the Reef Terminal. Sorry the underwater shots await development.
We walked back to van Gogh and back on board to finish the evening with an Abbo evening with associated pics.
Finally, happy birthday to Trena and Jack.
