A better night’s sleep last night and up and ready to go by 8:00. As Michelle says, “wheels rolling at 8:00.”
Today we sped our way to Port Douglas. Chris, the coach driver, drives the narrow road 4 times a day and probably knows the road like the back of his hand, but it was definitely a roller coaster ride.
It took us a little over an hour to get to the port city where we would board our sailing ship, the WaveDancer, to the Great Barrier Reef.
As we boarded, we were offered coffee, tea, and biscuits. It is not England, but the British influence still reigns. It was quite the choppy ride out to our anchoring post off the coast of Low Isles. Auriah, the marine biologist on board, did a wonderful job explaining the reef and the life cycle of coral. She was so knowledgeable. It was about an hour and a quarter out into the sea toward Low Isles.
Just before we reached our destination, the crew did an in-depth demonstration of snorkeling and the gear required. Of the 7 of us, Sharon was the only brave one to hit the water. The tides are very low and much of the coral is very close to the surface. Unfortunately, we have no pics so show her in her wet suit, fully geared for the adventure.
After all the snorkelers departed for the island on a shuttle boat, Lois, Gerald, Barbara, Charles, Earle, and I boarded a glass bottom boat for a cruise to see what we could underneath the surface of the water. Pictures don’t do it justice from what you can see with your eyes. Although the coral was not brilliantly colored, the formations were so unique and amazing. We spotted a number of clown fish, some beautifully colored yellow tail fish, and a huge sea turtle.
After about a half hour’s journey, we headed back to the WaveDancer for lunch. It was a buffet of salads, fruit, and some cold cuts. Simple and satisfying.
At 1:30 we boarded a shuttle and headed over to Low Isle for a beach walk. We lathered up with sunscreen as it was a beautifully sunny day with temperatures reaching near 80°. Auriah led the walk and spoke about the the history and exploration of the island, the fauna and flora. There is a lighthouse in the center of the island and on its roof a huge osprey’s nest. When the lighthouse was being painted, they carefully moved the nest into some high trees. However, when the painting was completed, the ospreys rebuilt the nest, twig by twig
While we were exploring, Sharon was drying off on the main boat, having lunch and spying a shark in the water.
On our way back to the boat from the island we were treated to another glass bottom ride. Saw many fish and another turtle.
Back on board about 3:00 for a 3:15 departure. We were treated to some tea, coffee, biscuits, cheese and crackers and a refreshing glass of champagne. The return trip was not so bumpy, probably due to the wind speed and direction.
We arrived back in Port Douglas about 4:30 and found Chris, our driver. He drove through the village of Port Douglas that reminded me much of Monterey by the Sea with boutiques and restaurants, excluding McDonalds!
At bit of a harrowing drive back as we almost took out a cyclist while avoiding a very large truck.
At the hotel with plans to meet for dinner at 7, giving us some time to get organized for our departure tomorrow. Had wanted to go to Dundee’s, but they were booked. So we headed off for the Esplanade and decided on The Backyard. The menu had 2 parts: a small plates section and a “share a plate” section. The waitress told us that the scallops on the small plates side were only very small ones and so we took that into consideration when ordering. Drinks first and then the food. Since we were only expecting about a dozen or fewer mussels, Earle and I ordered those and a half chicken to share. It came with a spicy corn on the cob, a portion of French fries, and a pickled cucumber. Sharon had the scallops and an order of fries. We were shocked to see so many mussels and so many fries. Barb and Charles also had the chicken. Lois had a peach and tomato salad that had some cheese on top and Gerald the scallops. Truth be told, he helped Sharon eat her fries.
Back to the hotel around 9 and final packing for departure. It was a fantastic day to say the least.
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