Sunday at Moore Reef

Had an early start today and headed out to the Outer Reef of the Great Barrier Reef with Ashleigh. The Sunbus was really late picking up this morning...how shocking. We still made it with plenty of time to catch the 2 hr and some odd minute ferry. NOTHING is more fun than a 2 hr boat ride with people puking all around ya!!!!!!!! Because of yesterday's heavy heavy rains, the ocean was really choppy, causing lots and lots of sea sickness. The crew on the boat was really helpful to those ill individuals, providing barf bags and all! Once we got the our location, the boat docked to a pantoon. It was a big covered area with tables and benches, and all of the gear for snorkeling and scuba diving. Ashleigh knew a girl working on the boat who gave us a free tour of the reef! We went outside of the designated boundaries, learned about different species, and saved $35! Great way to start off the morning. Unfortunately, the choppy waves threw us around quite a bit so it was really tiring to stay out for a long time. We saw thousands of beautiful fish and a GIANT clam. We touched the clam and it closed up and made a noise! It was so cool. Luckily, we pulled our flippers out fast enough :) At the end of the day, when we were SO close to going in for the day, we saw a really big sea turtle! Biggest one we've seen yet.

All in all, it was a fun day out at the reef. Before coming to Australia, I had heard a lot about how the reef isn't what it used to be due to Global Warming and the lack of ozone over Oz. All of it was true. The coral is mostly brown and dried up looking. It's definitely still interesting to see all of the different kinds, but the colors are all pretty much gone. There are still a few small corals that are more hidden and protect which still have their color. But for the most part, things are pretty brown.

Week 5 of classes starts tomorrow! It's only a 4 day week because of Good Friday. I've just been working so hard academically that a 4 day week will be great. We also have Easter Monday off, so two four day weeks! What a relief!

As many of you probably know, Ellen Degeneres is here in Australia. I'm hoping she'll come up to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef! Who does the voice of Dori then just doesn't come up here!?!!??!Nuts. My friends and I are guessing she's making Melbourne and Sydney her public outings then coming up here as a secret. I don't know what I'd do if I ran into her! The possibility is just too exciting to think about.

Stay well, everyone!
XOXO
SZ