Whitsunday Islands Great Barrier Reef
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2012
1
44
144
Trip End
Apr 29, 2012
Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
Saturday, February 18, 2012
No word yet from my mentor acknowledging receipt of my proposal, so I resent it. At work I was offered and accepted a promotion that will be in effect around the time we finish this voyage. I'm excited about that. I did not have enough time to call John because we needed to head out on our excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The ship moored in the Whitsunday islands around 7:45AM this morning, surrounded by beautiful weather. Sunny with some clouds. All passengers scheduled to take an excursion congregated in the Royal Court Theater. From there we boarded a transporter boat that was able to pull right up to the QM2 and let us board. Other passengers were tendered to their destinations by the lifeboats as QM2 did not dock.
The boat ride out to the Great Barrier Reef took about 2 hours. At times the waters were choppy and some people got sick. We were fine, enjoying the sun and sites. We could see the Whitsunday islands along the way, most seemed unpopulated. The transporter boat moored along side a larger platform base where we were provided with snorkel gear and access to the water. The water was calm, clear and warm. Ideal for snorkeling. At first I had difficulty with my breathing tube as salt water entered my mouth. After a few adjustments, when I knew I would not drown, I became more relaxed with the apparatus and salt water. The reef is shallow so fish life and plant life is very close to the swimmer. It was exhilarating to snorkel there. JoRina followed a turtle for a long while. We each found our independent directions while snorkeling. Back on the platform base an hour or so later, I went down to the underwater viewing theater, where I was able to photograph some fish. Then lunch followed by a ride on a glass bottom boat where I could photograph the reef. All very cool. Beautiful. Back on the transporter boat we took a different route back that allowed for additional views of the Whitsunday Islands. I stood at the front of the boat for most of the ride, steadying myself with the railing. JoRina absorbed the sun and chatted with passengers. The sun was perfect, complemented by the wind. Absolutely wonderful. When the transporter boat tethered to QM2 we could see what onlookers see when they come out to greet the QM2. We waved to the passengers on QM2 and they waved back. Fun.
Back on board, JoRina went to the Sail Away Party and I showered and dressed for dinner (elegant casual). I was able to talk with John, while getting ready for dinner, and share my good news about work. Dinner was delicious, and the conversation lively. We discussed our day ashore and plans for tomorrow, mixed in with cooking techniques. I skipped desert and met up with JoRina in the Atlantic Room. Beloge brought us coffee and tea while JoRina studied and I wrote this blog. He confirmed a story that a man paid Cunard $10,000 to put a red heart on the stack of QM2, and a banner proposing to his girlfriend. How romantic. The couple are not passengers, he proposed to her on Valentine's day in Sydney.
The ship has sailed and is lightly swaying on the sea. We plan to turn in early and get a good night's rest. That was the plan last night but although we were home by 10:30 we stayed up till 2. Tonight I am going straight to bed.
More later.
Kit
