Great Barrier Reef

We took a 90min Quicksilver wavepiercing cateraman to the Outer Barrier Reef.  The weather was perfect calm seas with clear blue skies and temp of 32c. We arrived to the Quicksilver reef activity platforms that are moored at the outer edge of the reef and first went to the underwater observatory which was cloudy saw a few nice fish go by. Then we had a lovely lunch on the catamaran and were ready to explore the reef. We went on a semi-submersible that was like a submarine inside this adventure was great we weaved our way thru the coral  which was like an underwater secret garden busting with colours of every hue of purples blues yellows greens and reds. These colours were matched by the tropical fish darting thru and fro individually and in schools big and small in many colours. A guide on board was pointing out what to look at. Kevin really enjoyed this experience. Next it was my turn to snorkel Kevin decided not to do it. I got into my Lycra suit which was recommended due to the huge amount
of Jelly fish which we saw from the submersible. When I later saw a photo of myself it's diet time for sure when I go home. I was concerned I would not be able to see without my glasses I was lucky they had one pair of goggles that were very close to my prescription I had perfect vision. Next I got my fins and took Brideen's advise and got a life jacket  At first I was nervous and not sure what to do then the instructions the lifeguard had given came to me and I was off. I could not believe what I was seeing I was close to the platform with lots of other people and wanted to go out further it was then my swimming skills from my youth in Salthill kicked in and off I went to the outer edge. First the fish swimming all around me was amazing then I started to look at the reef words cannot describe how beautiful it is the colours were even more beautiful than from the submersible  I felt I was in an aquarium the water was crystal clear with the sun rays shinning all the way to ocean bed. I was hoping to see Nemo I think he went by very fast but I did see his cousin the Clown he swam right in front of me  I lost all track of time Kevin told me I  was out over an hour it was one of the best moments of my life. All the while I was snorkelling Kevin was following me from the platform to make sure I was ok as I was alone and not with a group. I will remember this day for ever. After I got showered and dressed we had a lovely cool beer watching the reef for one last time. Back at our resort we had another lovely swim and packed our bags ready to leave at 7am for our flight to Brisbane.  MR&K





Mary Rose