Wonderland Down Under.

We left in the rain and headed out 40km to Norman Reef, one of the 2900 reefs making up the 5000km long Great Barrier Reef network. Our boat took us to a large platform where we could experience the reef in three ways: snorkel, a semi-submarine and an underwater observatory.

The dangerous jellies/ stingers generally stay close to land and are extremely rare at the outer reef but because it is peak stinger season, we all got gussied up in stinger suits that cover you from head to toe. We didn't see the feared box jelly on this excursion, but from what we hear, the sting is not worth the risk. The water was as warm and as flat as bathwater, making for easy swimming.

We started in the semi-sub which was pretty cool and gave us a neat preview of what was to come. Although water clarity was not great (by reef standards) due to the rains, we were able to see lots of fish and corals. It was also a cool primer for Addi who was thrilled to be in a submarine, was amazed that we were seeing these things in "the real ocean" (vs the aquarium) and couldn't get over the prospect of swimming with them.

Yes. You are drawing the right conclusion. Addi snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef. Like a pro...for two hours. Mask, snorkel breathing, head underwater, the whole thing! Without trepidation (although not without the occasional sputtering user error and with the support of a life jacket and parental arm) she plopped her face in the water to test her mask, popped in the mouth piece and started chasing fish! At one point she started to sing to the fish through the snorkel tube! It was so fun to experience this with her and is a testament to the power of excitement to overcome fear! Speaking of fear, Jim got bit on the neck by a tiny fish and keeps looking for blood.

I wish I had some pictures of the underwater odyssey, but we don't have an underwater camera. Imagine sea cucumbers, parrot fish, stag antler coral, brain coral; fish and corals in blues and yellows and reds and purples. Vibrant and alive and swimming all around you. The real treat for us was that Addi learned to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. This opens up new possibilities for the SE Asia leg of this adventure!!

We made a short video of Addi after the snorkel....we will try to upload it shortly.

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