Day 40 14/07/2013 Raft Point to Talbot Bay via Montgomery Reef.

Montgomery Reef is the largest inshore reef system in Australia. It extends over 280 sq km. rising up to 4m out of the sea at low tide. As the tide falls there are myriads of cascading waterfalls along the perimeter of the reef. We anchored inside the main channel of the reef and then took an excursion by tender further up the channel. We were able to see several turtles and, in shallower water, lots of coral. This is not an area you would want to snorkel in though, because of the presence of tiger sharks and also the possibility still, of crocodiles.
Some of us, (yes, Dave and I included!), then took an optional scenic helicopter flight over the reef and enjoyed a completely different perspective of this unique area.
All this was achieved before breakfast!
We had a 'lazy' morning whilst cruising and Dave and I took advantage of the spa for a half hour or so.
This would be a good time to mention that there are 'little touches' which we will remember from the cruise, such as the cool drinks which always await us as we get back on the boat from the tenders, following an excursion. The fact that our cabins are serviced daily, promptly, but unobtrusively, (usually while we are all out) and also the complimentary laundry service.
After lunch the boys prepared the crab pots and went off into the tenders to put them out. About 30 minutes later a few of us went out to check them. Sure enough, we had got crabs! Some were too small to keep, but in the end we caught12 good size mud crabs.
Around 1.30pm we went off in the tenders up Red Cone Creek to the Ruby Falls and another picturesque swimming hole. This waterfall is named for its colourful rocks. The falls are 10m high and plunge into a deep pool only a few metres above the creek. We did not swim there because of crocs.........although we didn't see any!), but climbed to a beautiful freshwater pool above the falls. Once again a rope was provided to assist us with a short steep section, and the ever-patient crew were also there with steadying hands.
We enjoyed a refreshing dip and were back on board by 3pm.
We cruised from 3pm till after 9pm when we downed anchor in Talbot Bay.
Our dinner was very special......beginning with chilli mud crab, followed by melt-in-the-mouth roast beef, with Yorkshire pudding, and pear and apricot crumble for dessert! With custard!! It is Sunday after all!
Tomorrow's activities were planned, and with a 6am tender excursion to the Horizontal Waterfalls, we had another early night!