We left early for a our Great Barrier Reef sail on the Reef Daytripper. It was a full day tour on a beautiful catamaran with 16 passengers and 3 crew. Of the 16 passengers, 2 were from the US, 2 from Japan, and 14 from the Czech Republic. So for a change we were in the minority.

It took us 2.5 hours to sail to Upola reef. I say sail, but we motored half of the time, and were under sail the second half. It was a very beautiful location situated on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef, and teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. We had 2 dives, the first was guided through a large horseshoe shaped portion. We hooked onto a mooring, and jumped off.

To protect us from the jellyfish, it was recommended, but optional, to wear neoprene stinger full body suits. Not only does it protect you from jellies, but also the sun. Not a very flattering thing to wear, but everyone wore them, so we did also. In the sheltered lagoonish area we saw a multitude of giant clams, turtles, blue star fish and reef fish. The warm protected waters made it easy to see everything. One thing you have to know is that MyLisa is not a good swimmer. Her mother thought she was a little cra cra for even doing this. Two of the crew stayed with the group with plastic life rings for people who needed to hold onto it, and since they know the reef so well, to also point out the cool stuff. Her first reaction after getting in the ocean was that she was going to die. Her first dive was brief, got to the edge of the reef, saw a few things, and wanted to go back to the boat. Or should I say, demanded to go back. Her second dive was much more successful, but more on that later.

We ate lunch before our second dive. They had a nice spread and we were all hungry after being out on the reef for an hour. The captain moved the boat to another portion of the reef, instructed us on where to go. MyLisa’s personal crew man was determined to get her out on the reef again, he told her he was ready, and made her go with him. She was much more comfortable this time. At first he pulled her around on the life saver, telling her where to look, what to see. I followed them since the rule – don’t snorkel alone – is drilled in my head. We saw three sand sharks, a turtle, and tons of coral and fish. So now I can officially say I went swimming with sharks. MA crew (we don’t know his name so this the abbreviated for MyLisa Allen’s Personal crew) had a plan, just wasn’t telling her. He was slowly weaning her off of him, so she could do this on her own; he was good. In no time, she had a noodle and was snorkeling by herself. And she was loving it. Not a bad place to learn was it. After our second dive ended, we were exhausted and struggled even getting back on the boat. I jammed my toe, which is now black and blue. MyLisa felt the slipperyness of the ladder too, but finally made it up. We took a group photo and started to back for Cairns. The crew served us fruit and cheese and crackers. We were all hungry again. After such a great experience, we had to get our own photo with the crew.

We went back to our apt, showered and had an amazing dinner at Barnacle Bills. We had crocodile and kangaroo as an appetizer, MyLisa had Morney fish and prawns, and I had the bugs and prawns. Not real bugs, the crustacean bug. The tail was a similar consistency of lobster, but a little more dense and not as sweet, but delish. To top it off, we met Bill himself. He was an older gentleman, still working hard, but loving what he does.

Carol and George are in Sydney until Wednesday. They toured the opera house today and did a bit of exploring. Tomorrow they are taking the foot path across the bridge. It’s free and not nearly as high as what Nancy and John are doing.

Mom toured the rainforest and the Mossman Gorge. Then they walked around downtown Port Douglas, which is a small city. Tomorrow they do the Great Barrier Reef.

Tomorrow morning we have our helicopter ride. Can’t wait! Check out photos here