Knuckle Reef

Aug 13th:  Today we took a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, specifically Knuckle Reef, which is approximately 95 km from Day Dream Island.

Our boat out was big and comfortable.  They served food and drinks, and had a massage therapist on board!  Several activities were available to us when we arrived at the Pontoon next to the reef:  snorkeling, scuba diving, glass bottom and submersible boat excursions, and helicopter rides.  It took about 2 hours to reach the site.

I had every intention of getting into the water.  We'd been assured there was nothing to fear, that sharks didn't think there was anything big enough worth munching on around the reef.  Sharie, however, was sticking to the dry dock.  She planned to have that persistent pinched nerve in her neck massaged away.

First, Gary (Sue's assistant) and I tested the water temperature by climbing down the ladder along the side of the float.

Then, Goran and I donned our wet suits ... 

... and took the plunge!

Goran was over the experience about 10 minutes later ...

... while I wanted to make this experience last a little longer.  How often do you get to explore the Great Barrier Reef?!  I swam out to the middle of the reef and explored for another another 30 minutes.

That's me out in the middle of the ring of buoys!

Although I'd expected more vibrant and varied colors of coral and fish, there was a lot of activity down there.  I could have explored all day ... until the lunch bell rang, and that call is hard to ignore.  

We were drained after an early morning departure, hours travelling and playing under the sun, a plentiful meal, and the gentle rock of the boat.  By mid-afternoon, we made our way back to the island.