Thanks for all your birthday wishes it was great to read them as you know what I am like about letting everyone know it's my birthday!!

Well what an amazing time we had and this morning still can't believe what we did. At this time of year whale sharks come to this part of Oz to feed on the reef. We are on the Ningaloo Reef here. It was no big deal for Ray jumping into the Indian Ocean off the back of a boat but for Jen it is something I have been avoiding for nearly 50 years. The last time I jumped off the side of a swimming pool was at Hounslow baths when I was 9 and nearly drowned so that was the end of my swimming days.

We started the day by snorkelling on the reef. We have snorkelled before but not in such deep water (4 metres). At least when you jumped in you could see the bottom it was so clear but I had a little panic but coped eventually. On the way out to deeper waters we were treated to a view of a dugong and also dolphins spinning in front of the boat and surfing in the waves behind.

The skipper got word there was a whale shark siting so it was full speed ahead to find it. We were now in 80 metres deep water and no bottom could be seen so I did have my panic moment and had to be picked up by the boat as I was going down. Anyway with the care and attention of the girl dive masters I managed to snorkel alongside a whale shark. It was awesome (I hate that word but it has to be used). Us by the biggest fish in the sea. It was only a baby but still 3 metres in length - gobsmacking. My emotions were obviously running high as I actually cried when I got back on the boat at what I had done. Ray was more professional and actually managed to take photos - let's hope they come out ok.

We are leaving here today and heading towards Broome just another 1000 kms.

Miss talking to you all

Jen and Ray