A Day on the Great Barrier Reef

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April 1

Port Douglas. Rolled in at 7:30 and set up camp for the night.

April 2


Up early to catch the bus to the Wavelength Reef Boat. The bus driver/marine biologist/photographer/host named Fluffy kept us entertained on the ride. When we got to the dock, we all got lycra dive suits to protect us from jellyfish stings and sun (you don't have to put on too much sunscreen that harms the coral). Adam was eager to put on his suit and put it on immediately. He wore it for the entire 1 hour 45 minute ride to the first spot.

We had to stay in groups of at least 2 during the snorkeling. We all swam together at the first site. Before getting in the water, there was a huge wrasse fish behind the boat. Apparently, he was very friendly and wanted food. Fluffy took pictures of us with the fish. We saw lots of spectacular fish and coral during that swim. Jonathan and Dad saw a reef shark. Magic.

After a short ride, we got into the water again. It was like swimming through a soup of 'sea squirts'. We saw 2 sharks and a special sea star without arms. Jonathan and Adam held it and it stuck to their hands.

During lunch, Fluffy gave a biology lesson about all the things we wanted to know about reefs. The key lesson: why is most coral brown (a question that Fluffy suggested we ask during the lesson) was very interesting. It is the colour of the single celled Algae plants that live inside the coral animal.

Fluffy said that the third site would be the best! The area was called Turtle Bay. Adam agreed with Fluffy and thought this site was "terrific!!!" We had to get onto the water quickly because the turtles have learned that the sound of a boat means run away (some divers have gone there in the past and scared the turtles). Within the first 5 minutes Fluffy spotted a turtle. This turtle swam away so we continued the search for another. We were in luck. We came across two more turtles and one of them who was in a feeding zone was very active and eating lots of sea squirts and squid. We all quietly followed the turtle for 30 minutes watching it feed and gliding right next to us...Awesome!!! Fluffy was as excited as we all were because he said it doesn't happen often that you get to see a turtle so active and feeding. They are usually more relaxed.

This day was one of the best days we've had in Australia!!!!

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Photos

Fluffy
Guide, Biologist, Photographer and Host

Comments

[Melissa & Scott]

amazing
your pics are amazing guys!

[Gram]

Very exciting
I just got your last pics, boy what an adventure for you guys. Sure sounds like you are having loads of fun and learning a lot of great things, Keep having fun and be safe. Sorry Gram missed you on MSN Jon, try again when you can for a chat. Luv you guys...xo

[BRADLES]

:(
DONT MAKE NE JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>:P

[BRADLES]

:(
DONT MAKE NE JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>:P

[Mr. Vermeer]

Amazing Stuff
Wow, looks like you guys are really having an amazing adventure! Mrs. Brown and I are looking forward to the Aboriginal dance for your Drama and Dance mark. Ms. Black says she can't wait to hear you play the diggeri do...she also hopes you can smuggle her back some green ant butts to lick she's always looking for new sources of vitamin C. Things are pretty ordinary here. We have snow today...yes snow in April... and just when my spring bulbs were starting...do you miss the cold yet? You missed the big AFD we had on April 1st. Our first ever Ayr Flood Drill went spectacularly well....to bad AFD really stood for April Fools Drill. I'll let the class tell you about it but they are still mad I think we pulled one over on them all. The teachers had a good laugh anyway... We've been following your posts and are really enthralled by the pictures. Literally the whole class is standing most days over my shoulder as we scroll through them. Everyone loved the croc! here's hoping the rest of your days are as good as this last and we look forward to your next post. Mr. Vermeer

[Mr. Vermeer]

Awesome
Well, looks like you guys are having the time of your lives. Here in Ayr we have our own excitement. You should ask the other students about the April Fools prank we (the teachers) played on them..they were so mad. Then we had our beautiful warm weekend people were walking in t-shirts and shorts and then today we have 15cm of snow and -6 temperatures. I bet you guys don't miss that. The class has been following your adventure, they love the photo's the fairy penguins were a big hit and the guys loved the croc pictures. Mrs. Brown and I are really looking forward to your aboriginal dance for our drama and dance mark and Ms Black wants to hear the Didgeri doo songs. She'd also like some green ants she's always looking for new sources of vitamin C so smuggle a few back for her. We recieved your postcards yesterday and the class was very excited to hear from you. Hope your days continue to be filled with excitement and adventure. Mr. Vermeer