Today Kevin and I were up before dawn (and before the fruit bats went to bed) to catch a boat out to the Barrier Reef. It was along and very tiring day,but absolutely worth it as far as we are concerned.
The boat we chose was the SeaStar. We chose it because it offered one of the highest times actually on the reef of any of the cruises on offer — a combination of a fast boat and concentration on reef time rather than tourism. The SeaStar and her crew certainly delivered on this. Indeed, given how exhausted we both are, we could perhaps have done with a little less reef time. But we have only one day on the reef, so we wanted to make the most of it.
Some of you, I am sure, will have no great interest in swimming around a coral reef looking at fish. That’s OK. But for us it was an awesome experience — more so for Kevin as he’s never been here before. Me, I just love the sea, and fish. I am, to be rather corny about it, in my element here.
There are downsides, of course. We are sunburned. This was probably inevitable. We are fairly careful with the sunscreen, but once you go in the water it washes off. The crew gave out wet suits to help protect us, but they didn’t cover the lower legs and we both have badly burned calves because those are bits of you that poke above the water a lot when you are snorkeling.
We do have photos (including, as requested by a certain Hugo-winning podcast editor), one of me in a wetsuit (it is not a pretty sight). However, these do need processing, and the underwater cameras we bought shoot film rather than digital so they will have to wait until we get home.
Huh, a cat who’s in her element in water. Would that make you a catfish? 😉
Seriously, I’m glad you and Kevin are having a great time down in Australia. Someday, I hope to make it down there.
No, that’s a fishcat.
I note that Kevin is exceptionally fond of catfish, though possibly not is a positive way for the fish.
I’m glad you two are enjoying yourselves and appreciate the travelogue, especially as this is a trip I will most likely never take for a variety of reasons. I especially look forward to seeing pics of fish! I love the ocean, in theory if not much in practice (I’m terrified of various vertebrate and invertebrate beasties) . . .
The reef must be beautiful; did the guides talk any about efforts to protect it? I imagine global warming and ocean pollution have been having an effect. Or maybe I’m just too pessimistic.
The boat crews are well aware that their livelihoods are dependent on the survival of the reef, and make very clear to passengers that they are expected to behave responsible. The mantra, “take only photographs, leave only footprints” is displayed widely and heavily reinforced.
We skipped a lot of the “about the reef” lectures in favor of more time in the water. However, I get the impression that they concentrate on taking care of the beautiful animals and avoid politically more sensitive issues. I can’t say I blame them. I know of no subject more likely to attract nut jobs on both sides of the debate than climate change.
But yes, the primary reason for this trip was so that Kevin could get to see the reef while it is still alive.