Clare writes:
Yesterday was just so amazing - it was Australia Day (which celebrates the anniversary of Captain Cook landing in Sydney Harbour) and how better to celebrate than a boat trip to the outer reef and snorkelling over the amazing coral that later scuppered his attempts to land further north (hence the name Cape Tribulation just north of where we are)!
Yes, we were swimming amongst the fishes - and turtles (WOW!) just a couple of metres above the World Heritage coral reef in water the temperature of a British summer's day... and in rather fetching lycra 'stinger suits' because it is box jellyfish season (most of the year as far as we can tell!) and they are the worst pain known to man if they sting you. Sheila tried a scuba dive but my High Blood Pressure prevented me doing it and I was happy enough to float on top - especially as they provided free prescription masks for our use which meant I can see a LOT more than usual when snorkelling.
It was a good 8 hour day out on the Saxon, then Hastings reefs, with a buffet I did not partake of due to slight queasiness of being on the water, and live musical entertainment from an old sea dog on the return trip! Then we flaked out on Cairn's grassy esplanade where they were showing Australia's favourite film on an outdoor screen - The Castle. It was a great film and a perfect day and we slept like the dead!!