Motion sickness and overheating caused a near collapse, but I am very proud that I did not puke in the ocean! We had to go inside the lowest level of the boat to fill in forms and pay for our guided snorkeling experience. The rocking and heat sent me back on deck nauseous and dizzy. A ninety minute journey turned miserable. By the time we reached the catamaran, I recovered.
Minutes later, we squeezed into wet suits, strapped on life jackets and picked up snorkeling gear. A very patient marine biologist taught us what to do and provided guidance as we explored the reef. I held it together for thirty minutes despite being short of breath from the tight jacket and suit. We finally got to the platform and I was in trouble. Steve and The guide stripped the suits off, got ice, and put me in a cold shower. In an hour, I was back to normal.
Later, we took a trip through the reef in a glass- bottomed boat. Colorful fish, corals and sponges filled the ocean floor. Much of the reef has been harmed by rising sea temperatures, human actions and pollutants. There was very little new growth which is blue. Middle aged coral is golden and aged coral is a gray/tan. Farther up the coast, vast swaths of it is dead.
This evening we had a lovely dinner at The Boathouse, a fantastic restaurant on the famous Cairns Boardwalk right next to the bay. Then we strolled through the Night Market, a collection of shops, food stalls and artisans.
I'm very grateful for all the help I got today, both to learn about the reef and to recover from illness.
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