Outer Great Barrier Reef

The Poseidon

08.04.08: Early Monday morning, we were off on a boat out to the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of snorkeling. We all felt that seeing this 8th wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage sight was an absolute must before it might not be there anymore. When we were in Ko Tao, Thailand, we heard how there used to be so much more reef, but how it’s dying because climate change has increased the water’s temperature by 1 to 2 degrees. What a sad reality that is! Although the boat we were on, The Poseidon, seemed a bit too large for our taste carrying probably 100-150 people, it was nothing compared to another boat, The Quicksilver, which carried more like 300. And, we did like the fact that it made three various stops that was determined on the conditions of the day, which meant that they didn’t always stop at the same place, thus minimizing damage to the reef. The great thing about when we went out was the fact that it was whale sighting season. And as luck had it, we saw whales three different times: on the way to the reef and twice on the way home. The first time, we saw at least 5 whales as close as 15-20 feet, warming their bellies by lying on their backs. Even the crew was excited and taking pictures. After that was the journey to the reef. I was pretty tired that morning and, although I’ve never gotten sea sick before, was feeling a bit green. Perhaps, I overdid it on the wine the night before, after not having anything “good” for several months in Southeast Asia. But somehow, I never expected poor Kailani to beat me to the punch (considering no issues after several boat rides throughout Asia), losing her entire breakfast as she was sitting on her poor sister’s lap…facing her! After cleaning up both girls, we finally made it to the reef. Kai and I decided to sit it out. But, Tutu, Caitlin and Sean had a great time snorkeling. Our second dive sight, the water was 24° C (72° F). Didn’t sound too cold, but with the wind, was still way too cold for Kai. She was just not going to jump in! I got to jump in for both sights #2 and 3 and they were both pretty spectacular. Caitlin sighted a squid at sight #2. At sight #3, it pretty much resembled “The Drop-Off” in the movie, Finding Nemo, which we’ve been traveling with and have probably seen at least 1000 times. Basically, we can almost recite the entire movie. Anyway, Sean dove down the deepest he’s ever been. And, he got to touch the largest clam he’s touched, probably at least 4 feet wide. After he got out, I went out. Caitlin and I had fun exploring together. We found several large clams as well and anemones that housed several “Nemo” clownfish. I tried my hand at diving as well. But, I can’t compare to Caitlin, who can go down about 30 feet after learning on her kayak/camping trip to Palau with Tutu last summer. On the way back, we had two more whale sightings. The last was also pretty spectacular because it was a mother and a calf. Overall, we all had a great day. Even though Kailani got sick in the beginning and didn’t get to go out in the water, I think she had a great time just being on the boat and seeing the whales.