Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

Beth here.


We had quite a day to-day.  Hot and full sunshine.  We managed to get on a 62 foot catamaran.  They have up to 23 people on board, but only 1 other couple signed up so we ended up having a private charter for a fraction of the price. The other couple were from Germany and the woman had not snorkled before.  Skipper and 1st mate were very attentive to her;. Larry was a little anxious at first because of the sharks in the area.  We were told that they don't bother with people and will swim away. The biggest were about a meter long. We did see them but not when we were swimming. The biggest danger is  the "stingers" or jelly fish. Apparantly, this is the worst time of year for them. There are little ones you can't see and big ones as well. We wore lycra suits covering our head and hands, snorkels covering feet. It doesn't bother you at all.  Apparantly if you get stung, you have to be air-lifted to a hospital tout de suite.  They had one woman who wanted to wear her bikini (after many surgeries) and was not young.  When told that when she gets stung, it would ruin everybody else's holliday, she acquiessed
I was very proud of Larry who is not a big swimmer and is nervous of things he is not accustumed to. He got over his nervousness and enjoyed the snorkelling. We had a lovely lunch,lots of drinks and treats.  Not much wind, but at least their were no swells.  The sails were up anyways.
Our skipper was very funny and regaled us with lots of stories.  The 1st mate, Jo  was petite and pretty and I am sure the boys couldn't take their eyes of her..


The corral and fish are spectacular.  It was so worth it. All the boats are careful about the reef because of the decline of the corral, so they instruct you not to touch the corral with your fins.. We went  to 2 different areas that were very different.


I am so glad I have seen this.  It was probably my  favourite so far. And our apartment is incredible here. We have not eaten out as it is expensive.  But last night we had steak on the barbie with potatoes and roast veggies. The night before we cooked prawns (shrimp) with A spicey tomato sauce. I don't think we are going to loose any weight this trip


Tomorrow we fly to Sidney  where we will be for 5 day;s. I am hoping to run in to Olivia Newton John.


love to all xxoo