The Hochmuth Adventures 2018 - CAFE - California, Australia, Florida and Europe: Trip to Australia - Day Ten - February 10, 2018

We were up at 6:30 today for Ron’s long awaited chance to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. We probably would have been up anyway though since our room was right next to the construction site of a new hotel and they started pounding at 6:40. On our way out we asked about a room change and they were very obliging but we had to go and pack up our suitcases quickly before we left. With that finished we were on our way to Finger A, Marlins Jetty. We made our way two blocks over to the Esplanade and followed it down to the harbor where we found our jetty. Then we had to figure out which one of the many boats was ours. We found the Tusa 6 and came on board. The crew was great and after initial instructions we settled in for our hour and 20 minute boat ride out to one of the seven natural wonders of the world - the Great Barrier Reef. We had 2 hours at our first stop which was Norman’s Reef. Getting into our sting suits was akin to wrestling on a body girdle but we were protected from the many jellyfish in the water. After donning our fins, snorkels and masks we were in for a treat. Ron went off on his own but I stayed near Michelle the snorkel guide who pointed out all sorts of fish and coral. We saw “Wally” a morai wrasse, a favorite local attraction, a large green turtle eating a jellyfish, a huge clam shell, nemos - clown fish, coral and many others sea creatures. At noon we were served a very nice lunch and were given a talk about the Reef by Gabriel the boat photographer. The boat moved to another Reef, the Saxon, and we were given more snorkel time. I sat out but Ron saw a white tip gray Reef shark that was about 5 feet long and became one with a school of fish swimming by. They put out cake after the second dive and we were back to the dock by 4:15. We made our way back to the hotel and found that we were moved to much nicer room. The shower felt great and then we headed back to the docks to try out a restaurant recommended by one of the Tusa staff. Prawn Stars lived up to its recommendation. The restaurant is actually two boats that aren’t huge but we had great food. We ordered beers - Coopers was the house draft - while we waited for a table. The seating was community style with people sharing a large table. We ordered the medium prawn plate and I can’t imagine what the large would be. The portion was huge and the seafood so fresh and yummy. I like to try different places but I may want to go back before we leave Tues. From there it was a walk back to the hotel with a gelato for dessert. With the sun, water, beer and good food I was asleep by 9:00 and didn’t have to set the alarm for tomorrow!

Views from The Great Barrier Reef