Port Douglas, Queensland: Sunny, Hot, Humid! 32

Unbelievable...

The Great Barrier Reef runs for some 2,900 kms along the east coast of Austrailia. Even from 38,000' it's quite the sight! As we flew up from Brisbane yesterday we were treated to a 2 hour show...amazing cloud patterns, reefs and artistic sandbars...needless to say, I didn't sleep on this leg.

The Whit Sunday Islands...where our friends Linda and David hung out while winds blew 30-40 knots if memory serves.

When we stepped off the plane in Cairns to meet our transfer ride to Port Douglas, we were met by a wall of humidity! We were warned, and even with the mental prep we were still taken back by the feel of the moisture. My hat felt immediately wet, as did everything we were wearing! Wow!! Our shuttle driver was a wealth of information during the one hour drive north...salt water crocs, stingers, box jelly fish, poisonous spiders, nasty nasty snakes. 

Why did we come here? 

We have 6 nights in Port Douglas and lots to do...for a price! Today we started with the real reason we came here...THE Reef. Something that has long been on my mind. Well today we fully satisfied that itch! Our daughter Caitlin had been here a short time ago and we used her research to select the company to take us out to the reef. We chose to travel to the outer reefs where the water is clearer, Agincourt Reef. There were three stops where the reef and inhabitants were slightly different. Most group charters don't go out this far and the experience isn't of the same quality.

So off we went...rain threatened, but we had a brilliant day on the water, well away from the humidity weighing down the mainland.

On the way we were intercepted by a very welcome pod of Dolphins who put on quite the show!!

Then it was onwards to the reefs...

Where I had the opportunity to rent a camera. However, to my own surprise I decided to visit this special place and just completely enjoy the moment. It was special. The sharks were there, both White and Black Tip...teenagers, maybe 5-6' long (fortunately well fed). There were uncountable fish of all colours and shapes, giant clams with their multicoloured maws...mouths wide open. And then there was the coral, in colourful splendour, all shapes and types, housing the most amazing collection of fish! In all, 3-4 hours was spent in the water, simply taking it all in. A very special experience, one not easily forgotten. We have been fortunate to snorkel many times in some beautiful Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hawaiian and Mexico waters, but this was by far the best...what I'd thought it should be like.

Then all too soon...well, it was 8 hours later...we were done and dusted, back in Port Douglas.

And trying to decide what to do for dinner? Daily trivia follows one even on the road! Pasta tonight, but first,

See Peter. Stubby beer holder in place...you need it here!

Tomorrow a quieter day walking beaches, swimming (behind the nets...everything here wants to kill you!) reading, writing and figuring out what to make for dinner...again. We are staying in a decemt place that we booked from home knowing that it was school break and busy in Queensland. A much better abode than in Sydney.

Will leave you with odd signage from Brisbane...still trying to sort this one through! I guess they are fast fisher people in Brisbane?! Or maybe there are just so many of them!?