Great Barrier Reef

It *must* be one of the natural wonders of the world. A vast coral reef, just under the surface of the Pacific Ocean, stretching along the coast of Queenland. Home to a myriad of multicoloured fish and other sea creatures.

[below: the Great Barrier Reef from space]
It was the first time Carolyn and I had been snorkeling and after an hour bouncing along in a fast ship to get to the reef feeling a bit sick, we wondered whether it was going to be worth it.

[below: Catamarans (ships with two hulls) are very fast, but this means that the travel is very bumpy!]
Wow! It was. It was a big help that the sea was warm for swimming (an amazing 27 degrees C) and the tour company provided good advice and the right equipment. Once you get used to a snorkel mask (breathing through the mouth, not the nose!)and get comfortable swimming about you experience a tremendous feeling of freedom in three dimensions. Remember this is salt water so you are more bouyant than in a swimming pool, so it takes very little effort to float. The feeling is one of weighlessness, and excitement of a new environment and sensation.

[below: What's this?? A monster from the deep?]

[below: No! It's snorkling dude!]