Wednesday

Wednesday - Great Barrier Reef We were up a doubt early this morning as we had to be down at the harbour by 8.15. We found the recommended car park and walked to the check in. From there we went to our catamaran which takes up to 350 people but they like to keep it t 200 but fortunately, we only had about a hundred which is fine by me. I was a little worried about Jon this morning as he said he had a tummy ache and he doesn't usually say anything unless it is bad. I was briefly in panic mode and said if he was not up to it we should not go but he said he would be fine. A few words has an effect on my tummy that's NO laxative has!!! We boarded our vessel and found sets in the sun on the rear deck. The trip to the Reef takes 90 minutes and is 50km offshore. I was Fine but I hate seeing people who are not and the trip could not be over soon enough for me. We arrived at our platform, all very well set up this operation, and had morning coffee and cakes which was good and I was more than ready for it though the same cannot be said for many others!
I was the first group to do he snorkeling tour and I was with a guy from Dargaville (a gay dairy farmer, and I didn't tell him he awful we thought Dargaville was when we were there over Easter! ) we also had an Australian boy of about 10 and a Chinese boy of about 12 who I had to help a lot and also hold him back when he would have just launched himself from the platform! It was good to go with a guide as she showed us things that we would not have otherwise seen. The time went over so fast. A huge Maori Wrasse fish, named Wally, came over and I touched him but unfortunately not when the photographer was looking my way so missed a real photo op. Once finished I went to see Jon and we went on a semi sub boat trip and looked at the coral and fish we also did a glass bottom boat trip before stopping to have luch which was really good. I presume everything is brought over on a daily basis but it is all very efficient and works well. I went in for another snorkel after lunch and really enjoyed floating round on my own but couldn't find Wally again. We were then given afternoon tea while we all gathered ourselves and our belongings to get back on the catamaran to head back. The ride was more bumpy than when we came across but sitting on deck at the top in the sun was fine and we got back bout 5.00 a very long but good day. We got back Nd showered and it felt good to be salt free! I prepared and cooked our dinner and we sat on the balcony to eat but it did get cold later and we had to come in. I prepared our packed lunch for tomorrow so we will just need to sort ourselves out We need our beds now!