Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)

Friday 2 November

10:00 AM. We left for a one and half hour trip to the Reef. Meanwhile you could watch some videos on board, sit back and relax, get some sleep or just go outside and enjoy the view. Once we arrived at the pontoon, we got our last instructions, time schedules regarding to our optional things. No time to waste. Got some fins, goggles, a snorkel and I was went off to the platform. The water was dead calm, no waves at all! Just like a swimming pool, but a bit larger. Helped out Maria and Verena with the gear. Swam near the platform while waiting for my swimming partner Sean. Due to safety reasons you have got to swim together.

It was amazing to see the Reef so full of life. Sean has done a scenic helicopter flight above the Reef and decided to do something else. Helga who had done the same flight wanted to team up with me. That was fine. She had to bring some of her stuff away and get some gear too. Once back at the platform I helped her out. Together we swam around. The Reef was amazing. I didn't have my camera with me. I had to go back to get it. Once back at the platform they were feeding the fish. Good timing and went back into the water to take pictures of the event. Time was limited and I needed to go for lunch before my guided snorkel tour at the Reef.

Six of us, Andrew, Caroline, Ciska, Mariesha, Laurette, Paul, me and a couple other people went for the guided tour. By speedboat we travelled about five minutes away from the pontoon. Under guidance of two marine biologists the group of was split into two groups. As we entered the water, the marine biologist told us what we were going to do today. She also told us that the water has never been so calm like today. And she has been working here for almost seven years! Not bad to hear.

We swam around the area till 2:30 PM. It was absolutely amazing! So much marine life down here it's just unbelievable. While swimming and enjoying the Reef, I took as much photos as I could. The water temperature changed every few seconds, because we were swimming in deep water and sometimes in shallow. The sun heated up the shallow water much quicker than deep water. At one time we swam just above the coral. It was so shallow you could easily touch the coral. It wasn't easy to swim across and not trying to hit the coral.

Sadly enough time flies when you're having fun. Back on the speedboat we travelled back to the pontoon. It was already time to leave and get back to the mainland. I wish I could stay here for some time. At the platform I changed my clothes and because I didn't have an extra shirt I used my towel for cover. Fortunately it wasn't cold.

Caught the bus back to our resort. Took a shower and got dressed for our last night out at the Woolshed. I checked my e-mails before we left to the city. Once in the Woolshed I ordered a medium pizza "Woolshed Special". I asked the woman behind the counter if that was enough for one person. She answered: That's enough for one. When it was time to pick up my order, the pizza was massive! I could only eat just half the pizza and even Stephen had a slice.

I had brought the Contiki address list along to check if any of the e-mail addresses was correct and if they wanted to be on the mailing list. I was planning to make a website about the trip along the East coast, so that's why I needed the right e-mail addresses. Besides getting info and eating, also taking pictures of our last night. Danny pulled a condom over his head; the boys are doing their tequila slammers again. Talked about what everyone was going to do after this trip. Spoke with Helga and Luise and their plans. Took some more pictures.

After dinner we danced on the tables. Particularly when the morning song came along. Everyone on their feet and dance. Got some beer from Robert and Paul to drink. It wasn't that much so I drank. The taste of beer. It wasn't that tasteful but I got big cheers from the group! Drank a couple drinks, not beer anymore, but I needed to go to the toilet many times. Half an hour past midnight said farewell to the group and took a taxi back to the resort. Back in my room talked with Jens and went off to bed.