The Great Barrier Reef
January 5th 2007 23:31
The mind boggles at this underwater fantasy land. We set sail from the Cairns harbour on an early morning cruise that would take us to 'Green Island' - a rather commercialised part of the region, however, when time is short you have to do what is necessary!
I must admit I was a little dubious about getting into the water, what with it being stinger season and the obvious threat of sharks, but once I saw it there was no way I could keep out. It literally glowed and once the boat had docked you could see all the way to the reef underneath.
The boats looked like they were floating on air as we walked the jetty to the shore. Seagulls arced lazily in the sky and fish glided gently through the crystal clear water below. I was in heaven. We got our gear out as soon as we touched the sandy beach and before long got lost in the world under the surface.
You cannot help but be a little terrified when you first step in the water, you are now in their territory, but soon you get so lost in the colours and life that all that is carried away on the calm currents. Our underwater adventure did not last as long as I would have liked when a small reef shark made his appearance. I was busy trying to use the underwater camera when I looked up to see my friends eyes as big as saucers through the goggles and arms spinning like windmills towards the shore. There was no amount of persuasion to get us back into the water so we decided to head for the safer option of the underwater sub.... magical!
Totally surrounded by huge glass windows we headed out over the reef. It was like we were scuba diving, just without getting wet. Thousands of fish swarmed around the boat as the guide on top threw in food for them. Some were small, others huge and all different colours and shapes. They had this tranquil music playing as we glided along under the water, it was great!
The rest of the day was spent walking along the pier looking down into the water at the star fish and rocks and other creatures that swam along. Just before we were due to leave they had a fish feeding off the back of the boat and the water came alive as big lips came sucking up to the surface. Heading back to reality after such a heavenly day was difficult, yet perfect, the scenery growing more and more gorgeous with the setting sun...
I must admit I was a little dubious about getting into the water, what with it being stinger season and the obvious threat of sharks, but once I saw it there was no way I could keep out. It literally glowed and once the boat had docked you could see all the way to the reef underneath.
The boats looked like they were floating on air as we walked the jetty to the shore. Seagulls arced lazily in the sky and fish glided gently through the crystal clear water below. I was in heaven. We got our gear out as soon as we touched the sandy beach and before long got lost in the world under the surface.
You cannot help but be a little terrified when you first step in the water, you are now in their territory, but soon you get so lost in the colours and life that all that is carried away on the calm currents. Our underwater adventure did not last as long as I would have liked when a small reef shark made his appearance. I was busy trying to use the underwater camera when I looked up to see my friends eyes as big as saucers through the goggles and arms spinning like windmills towards the shore. There was no amount of persuasion to get us back into the water so we decided to head for the safer option of the underwater sub.... magical!
Totally surrounded by huge glass windows we headed out over the reef. It was like we were scuba diving, just without getting wet. Thousands of fish swarmed around the boat as the guide on top threw in food for them. Some were small, others huge and all different colours and shapes. They had this tranquil music playing as we glided along under the water, it was great!
The rest of the day was spent walking along the pier looking down into the water at the star fish and rocks and other creatures that swam along. Just before we were due to leave they had a fish feeding off the back of the boat and the water came alive as big lips came sucking up to the surface. Heading back to reality after such a heavenly day was difficult, yet perfect, the scenery growing more and more gorgeous with the setting sun...
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Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
tanks for the memories... I took this trip myself!
I remember Green Island, did you by chance meet Schnack Schack?
An Ibis who had become quite tame for the locals...
Our boat pulled into Green Island on the way back from the reef and snorkling, and I had had a couple beers, it was warm, balmy and with a couple hours to kill, I went swimming off green island shore there ... just through the trees outside the crocodile exhibit. Not sure you were supposed to, but I did. Anyway, it was about 15 years ago now, but I'll remember that swim forever ... to waters are so clear, so warm, so welcoming ... I felt like had drifted away to another planet ... another dimension.
I think it's when I subconsciously decided I wouldn't mind living in the tropical north east of Australia, whilst palm trees swayed in the breeze as I wrote my memoirs ... and now here I am ... not completely on the beach, but not far from it ... with palm trees and sea breezes all around me - how blessed are we?
Thank you so much for the flight of fancy .. back to my trip, I never did do the glass submarine thingy, and I will now that you have spoken of it again ...
... any mishaps? *lol*
Caio
Lilla...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Glad to have taken you back, I did not see Schnack Schack, but I did not spend much time around the resort area so he could still be wandering around the place. I know how you felt, it was a dreamy day, got back to the hotel in a state of relaxation rivalled by none so far. (probably had something to do with the wine too :0) )
The water was incredible - I am a little scared about wandering into the sea - but when we pulled in I could not resist taking the plunge.
Surprisingly there were no mishaps on that particular day of the trip - it was just perfect.
We are very fortunate to live where we do - I agree. I have a giggle as I feed the ducks in the morning, they are scared of the fish *lol*, and I can take a short drive to see the moon rise over the ocean at night - what more could you ask for? Enjoy your semi-sub trip it is great!
Ah.....I fancy a trip back there now......
au revoir
Ash