Clam what Clam

We boarded the catamaran Ocean Spirit I for our cruise to Michaelmas Cay

Approaching Michaelmas Cay

Onward and outward, out to sea and the Great Barrier Reef that is. The bus picked Cindy & I up at our hotel at 7:30AM on 10/22 and dropped us at the dock in Cairns, so we could board our catamaran and head out the 27 miles to Michaelmas Cay on the reef. Another disappointing day for the flat ones, they forgot their swimmers (bathing suits) and they didn't go. We got onboard and yes, first thing before even the lifeboat drill, morning tea! After tea we were given a safety briefing and a rundown on the day's activities at the reef. Whilst on our two hour journey to the reef we were shown a video of what we would see on the reef. It was narrated by Marine Biologist onboard. He pointed out the diffrent types of coral, fish, sea creatures and clams and I mean clams. After the video we all were outfitted with snorkel gear or SCUBA gear. We arrived at the Cay and were ferried onto the Cay by a smaller boat so we could snorkel from the beach. It was low tide; we had to be really careful of the coral. In some areas the water was too low to snorkel over the reef. Once Cindy and I got away from the masses and found a deserted section of reef, we saw some of the most colorful & varied types of coral we have ever seen in our lives. I was surprised that there weren't as many kinds of fish as you see in Hawaii. The best part were the giant clams. I dove down to one and it was as big as my outstretched arms. I bet it was close to six feet wide. I tried to talk Cindy into putting her hand into the clam to see if it would close up but she wouldn't cooperate. Some people just don't know how to have fun. We next went looking for Nemo but were told that he was back in Disney World. So no Nemo on this trip, bummer. We were in the water for a couple of hours and got out just in time to catch the tail end of the lunch provided by the tour operator. I couldn't believe how much they fed us. After lunch we decided not to snorkel, instead we sat on the boat taking in the beauty of the reef from above water level.

I caught Cindy having a snack between lunch and Afternoon tea!

Next on the agenda was Afternoon tea. Next a viewing of the photos the photographer took of everyone snorkeling, eating, drinking and sun bathing. We then headed back to Cairns and celebrated the successful cruise with a champagne toast. The reef is so big and there is so much to see. I guess we will have to come back and spend more time at the reef.