Great Barrier Reef

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It was dark when we tendered back to the ship, not late, but still dark. It gave me time to reflect about the glorious day I just had and realize how luck to be me.

We were picked up earlier in the day by the Hamilton Air Company and brought to the airport for our flight over the Great Barrier Reef.

Thankfully we all had a window seat and off we went over a breathtaking landscape out to the great barrier reef. Our pilot was so accommodating and took several go rounds so we could especially see and photograph Heart Reef. He did a splash landing into the water and back up again so we could see the reef from different heights.

After awhile we landed on pristine Whitehaven Beach where we were given blankets and a cooler complete with a cold bottle of sparkling wine, cheese, crackers, fruit and cookies.

Bob and Sandra, our friends from Ottawa, who were also cruising with us two years ago around South America, set up their blanket next to ours and we delighted in taking pictures and enjoying our snacks. Two seagulls joined us and without intending to, entertained us as well.

After and hour and a half, we boarded the seaplane and went back into town where we boarded an island shuttle bus. By this time, the sun was setting as we toured the island and saw some beautiful resorts.

Back on the tender to reflect on a perfect day.

BUT, the excitement wasn’t over! After dinner, on our way to our room, I was told that reception had good news for me. One week ago when we were on Komodo Island I had used the toilet facility before we embarked on the tender. I had taken money out to give a tip and that is the last I remember seeing it. One of the dragons surely would have munched on the little purse that had belonged to my Aunt Marie along with my credit card and about $15 in cash. Okay - you have probably figured it out. Someone found the wallet on a tender today. Whew! Found by fellow travelers who gave it to the receptionist.



A very happy ending!

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Photos

Whitsunday Island
Notice air strip on upper right. This is paradise...

The Great Barrier Reef
The white specks in the channel are boats

Comments

[Maria Brown]

the beginning
Oh how breathtaking beautiful you are a lucky girl for sure!!!