The Great Barrier Reef

We made it up north to the Great Barrier Reef this weekend with Jonathan's parents. We took a tour that departed from the town of 1770. Yes, this town's name is a number. Quite interesting, I know. It is named after the year that Captain Cook sailed into the harbor. At least all the school kids will have the benefit of remembering a date in history + be able to spell their city correctly.Once aboard the "Spirit of 1770", we braved a 90 minute trip out to Lady Musgrave Island. I don't think any of us had been on such a long boat ride in the ocean before. Who ever knew that they (those boat people) have a similar "spiel" as flight attendants, including the life vest and barf bag demos. Their demonstrations came in handy as a poor little boy in front of us lost his breakfast during the trip. The crew on board were experienced barf exterminators, slipping on their plastic gloves in a moment's time to come to his rescue and then quickly dispose of the upchucked remnants. We were all grateful not to have to use our bags. Lady Musgrave is a small island in the southern section of the reef. It once boasted a resort but is now deserted except for campers who have to cart in all their own water and supplies. It is entirely made up of coral and has a very delicate and interesting ecosystem comprised mainly of the pasona trees and a few bird species. Green and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. It's absolutely beautiful. The coral cay surrounding the island is incredible as well. We spent hours snorkeling in the coral around the island and touring it in the glass bottom boat/partial submarine. We saw turtles, sting rays, and lots of colorful fish and coral. The blue you see in the pictures is the actual color of the water. It was so bright it almost looked fake!
The rest of our photos we took on our underwater cameras and these will have to wait to be developed, sadly. It's tough to capture this place with pictures. It was one of those days we'll never forget, and we're so glad we got to experience it with ma & pa Hook!