Great Barrier Reef

The last few days have been so busy with activities I have not been able to update on here quick enough. Also I have been a bit lazy enjoying my time with Bobbi, Nick, London, Gord and Diane. Basically I have been shopping, going to aboriginal displays, visiting national parks and today I went to the Great Barrier Reef. This morning Gord, Diane and I went into Cairns and got on a boat to the reef. The ride out was very rough!! Before we left I took two ginger tablets to help calm my stomach, and I am so glad I did. I thought I was going to be sick! At one point even Gord wanted a bag, because he turned a little green. There were people all around us filling their bags. That wasn't pleasant but the boat wasn't full of people so it wasn't so bad. Once we got to the reef I rented a Lycra wet suit. There are still box jellyfish in the water and they can sting you badly. I am glad I did since I also didn't have to worry about sunscreen since I was covered head to toe. I learned from experience that you should always have sunscreen on when your snorkeling, especially on your butt. So the three of us went out and we all decided to take purple noodles so we could spot each other if we got too far away. I was worried because it was a bit choppy out there and I am not the greatest swimmer. I did awesome. In fact, I stayed out longer than Gord and Diane. It was very beautiful coral. It was a little brighter and more colourful than the ningaloo reef in WA. But most of the fish were the same. We made three different stops to snorkel. Some people were diving as well, (none of us). On the second stop I saw a shark! It was pretty big, about 5 feet long. It was just on the bottom in the sand. Once everyone spotted and the divers got close it swam away. They are reef sharks and they are very shy and scared of us. Unfortunately I didn't see a turtle, I was really hoping too since they live in this area. But since I saw one at the ningaloo reef I wasn't that disappointed. The third stop I was having trouble with my goggles. I think I somehow got switched with someone and they weren't fitting properly. At one point when I was far away from the boat my goggles came apart and I had to try swim back to the boat. Luckily the lifeguard on the top of the boat was watching me after she signaled to me asking if I was okay. I got back on the boat and fixed my goggles and headed out again. I met Gord and Diane coming back onto the boat. Diane thought there were too many jellyfish for her since she didn't have on a wetsuit. On the first stop she was stung on the finger. I was glad I had my suit because there were alot of jellyfish. I seemed to still be having trouble with my goggles so I went back in. I was one of the last in. I then took some ginger tablets because I didn't want to toss up my delicious lunch. Thank goodness it was a smoother ride home. I also purchased a picture from the underwater photographer. I have decided that is what I would like to do. Diane joked that I would be the only one with a noodle.
All in all I had a fantastic time. I think Diane and Gord also enjoyed it very much.
Tomorrow is white water rafting so hopefully I have just as much fun.
Until next time,
Cindy