The Great Barrier Reef

This was one of my most thrilling experiences in Australia.  I went to Port Douglas and had a nice place to stay.  I told the people running the place that I wanted to snorkel and they suggested a local run boat group.  This turned out to be a good recommendation.  They picked me up and took very good care of me—I needed it.

Not many folks were on the boat to snorkel; they were interested in diving.  I had them put out a platform tied to the boat when I was snorkeling.  A short while before a honeymoon couple from the states were snorkeling and the boat pulled away and left them!  ….never to be seen again.  Not this boat you understand, however, Australians are not as litigious as Americans, and they do not “count heads” or make a big deal about keeping track of people.

The snorkeling was terrific, the best I’ve ever experienced.  I used an underwater camera and had a wonderful time—keeping an eye on that platform, you understand.  Anyway, they convinced me I should try diving.

They gave a 15 minute Resort Diving Instruction, suited you up and down you go.  My first dive was ruined (my fault) because I had to sit there awhile with all this “stuff” on while someone took a long time getting in.  All the while I am loosening weights and when I go down holding the rope line (ears hurting) and that’s when I find I have the weights in the wrong places.  So, I’m “crabbing” around, mostly not going the way I want…..Next dive in the afternoon, I stayed like they fixed me, down the rope slower so ears better, and I could maneuver properly.  One of the greatest experiences of my life!