Yesterday was the most amazing day in Cairns. I checked a major event off my bucket list: scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef. I honestly believe that the experiences one has on this type of activity depend on two things: the dive master and your own attitude.
Before I start a series of short stories, each one within a story, I must thank my father for teaching me to be the most conservative diver and to respect the sea. Thank you for teaching me to be calm under the water, to be aware of my fins, and to be a good dive buddy.
The morning started at 5:54, just minutes before my six o'clock alarm was to go off. I could not keep my eyes closed any longer knowing what an amazing day of adventure lay ahead. To the ship we went and we were off.
Josh, PADI dive master greeted me as I joined the other certified divers, anxious with anticipation to get under the water. As we began to suit up the cards were in my favor. I was paired with a very nice girl from Boston who I would soon have to trust with my life (in case we needed to share air or become separated from the group or some strange occurrence). After our double buddy check to inspect gear we were ready to rock and roll.
My initial decent for dive one (location south Hastings) took about three minutes, I waited patiently every 4-5 feet for my ears to get adjusted and to try and attain consistent bouncy. By the time I had straightened out my breathing and slowed my oxygen intake my mask began to fog up. As the salt water trickled into my mask I really thought I was going to have an issue! The calm and conservative Kali said "what would dad do"? With one relaxing breath, open my mask went and cleared right out.
The visibility wasn't great the first dive, but it was still magnificent to see the colors of the coral pop. Shades of purples, blues, yellows and browns all surrounding me.
The second dive (location north Hastings) was flawless. We saw a white tip reef shark, many schools of nemo fish and tons of sea cucumbers! Visibility was so much clearer on the north side of the area.
When we returned from our dive I got to join Savannah for a short snorkel and messed around with Andrew's GoPro for a bit!!! Let's just say I need some practice with it!!!
After our long day on the water we went to dinner and drinks with a few mates we met on the boat. Theresa a young high school graduate from Austria traveling solo, Ben an aspiring actor from London who was extending his work trip - turned vacation, and an American boy from New York!
Today was our last full day in Cairns and it was exactly like a commercial for Sandals -- walking along the water, sun bathing in tropical surrounding, and eating of course!
Tomorrow we fly to Sydney where we will spend four days before Savannah goes home and I stay!!!!
Thanks to all who are following along on this journey via reading my blog. Hope you are enjoying it!
Cheers,
k
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