Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef!

WE DOVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!

And we wanted decent pictures to show for it.

Since our underwater disposable camera in Thailand was CRAP, we decided to rent the real deal. A couple from Spain came to dive the reef a few years ago and was appalled that there was no company to rent underwater digital cameras from so they sold all they had, moved to Cairns, and started their new business 'Cairns Digital'. Smart move!

Even though the camera was way better, it's still HARD to take pictures under water. These are the barriers we faced:
1) It's difficult to see through the waterproof casing;
2) you either accidentally plummet to the reef floor or float above water while paying attention to the camera;
3) you lose the group while trying to get a good shot.

All of these things happened to us... but we still got some fun shots.

After an early check-in, our boat left the dock at 8:30am.

While we're certified divers and qualified to dive on our own, we chose to dive with a guide so we could enjoy the reef without getting lost. Our group was the second group to go at each reef we stopped at, so we did some snorkeling in the meantime.

At 11:30am, we went down for our first dive... at Saxon Reef.

We spotted a few nemos (among other things such as sea cucumbers, giant clams, string rays, a wide assortment of fish, and much much more)...

Now for a little science lesson for you all. Want to know what would've REALLY happened if 'Finding Nemo' was realistic? Okay, I'll tell you (warning: not suitable for young children). When Nemo's Mom and the eggs were killed by the barracuda, Marlin (Nemo's Father) would have become female and would have gotten funky with Nemo (in order to replenish the eggs). I think Pixar just wanted to keep this story G rated!

Our knowledgable guide, Melissa, taught us all of these things. And as coinkidink would have it, Lowell grew up with half of Melissa's extended family in Canada... SMALL WORLD OR WHAT?!

The second reef we dove in was called Hastings Reef.

Apparently, every time the boat stops here, a fish named Wally hangs around like a loyal puppy dog. Wally, as you can tell from the following picture, is the Angelina Jolie of fish.

CHECK OUT THOSE LIPS!!

And just for your knowledge, Wally used to be female.

We were sad that we didn't spot any sharks, but at least we saw PLENTY of other cool things.

Diving the Great Barrier Reef was the last thing on the list of things we set out to do when heading down under. I guess that means it's time to go home!

Surfer's Paradise

Lowell and I have now officially surfed in 4 countries. Granted, we only surfed once or twice in each country (we've been sticking with our less expensive forte- boogy boarding)... but STILL!

Hawaii...

New Zealand...

Thailand...


And now Australia!

When we pulled into what seemed to be the only vacant parking spot at Surfer's Paradise, we immediately spotted a van for 'Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School'. We approached the vehicle, and rented some boards. But these weren't just any boards. They were rented to us by surfing mogul Michael 'Munga' Barry!! HE'S A LEGEND!! He has several awards under his belt, has surfed with the best of the best in the world, and is featured in surf films. Just google him... you'll see.

The one on the right is Munga Barry. (I can do that too... no problemo).

Here is Munga Barry WITH ME (post surfing)...

And here are some shots of Lowell and I playing with the waves.

We both caught the same wave...

I did a little dance on my board...

We both fell...

We raced...

And we just plum had fun.

Munga gave Lowell some pointers, so when we add a fifth country to our surfing resumes (CANADA), I'm sure we'll be pros just like our good friend Michael.

SEA WORLD!

Good golly was Sea World ever fun!

And yes, we went as full blown tourists...

First stop was the stingrays. We were NOT expecting this to be a super cool experience, but it was SO AWESOME that we eventually had to peel ourselves off of the poolside so we could see some other sea creatures before closing time.

Why was this experience so cool? Because we could PET THEM!!


This is the closest any of us will get to touching a shark (I hope!). It's a 'sting ray shark'...

Moving along...

We had reeeeaaallly hoped to swim with the dolphins, but it was like 4 million dollars each. Um, I don't think so. Instead we watched with envy as this presumably multi billionaire family swam with the dolphins (or at least touched and fed them).

Next up were some randoms such as starfish...


And sea cucumbers...

(Yes, these things looked rather unappetizing to me as well).

Next up: the underground aquarium. It was very reminiscent of our Thai scuba diving experience, but we weren't breathing oxygen from a tank on our back, and the aquatic life was separated from us by a shiny clean window. Oh, and we didn't come face to face with ominous sharks.

Some more underwater fun was to be had with the POLAR BEARS!

They looked so cute and cuddly, but I'm sure any attempt to snuggle on my part would surely end in a grotesque death (of me).

We also enjoyed the scheduled shows. The dolphin show was soooo awesome and made us feel a little better for missing out on swimming with the dolphins (and also a little worse).

Those trainers had no clue how jealous they were making me (or perhaps they did).

The other show we watched was called 'Waterski Wipeout'. The performers were eccentric and talented.

And of course, what would an adventure park be without RIDES?!

I get sick on the lamest of the low key kiddie rides, but I sure can handle the log ride (well, it's called a log ride at Calaway Park at home anyway). All you do is go straight up then straight down and get wet.

Lowell & Lance enjoyed the roller coaster. Can you spot Lowell? He's the one in the middle with the shaggy hair glistening in the sun...

I've mentioned in previous posts how Lowell and I have been in a constant search of heat since arriving in Australia. It rained at some point each day, and the sun (when it decided to shine) wasn't as warm as we were hoping. The day we picked up Lance & Nat from the airport was sooo sunny and warm, and it hasn't rained a drop since they've arrived. It's been toasty warm and perfect for all of our outdoor adventures!

Canada Day Festivities in Australia

I know it's no longer Canada Day (and in fact, Independence Day), but this was the first time we've ever celebrated Canada Day in another country. And we loooove Canada Day!

Our four main events included:

1. Pancakes with real Canadian maple syrup. These were in our tummies before I got the camera out.

2. BOWLING!

Lowell pretty much stole the show here. His Canadian shirt on Canada Day must've been his good luck charm. He whooped our butts.

He got strikes...

He got spares...

...and he even did well when bowling like this...

And he wasn't cocky about it at all...

3. Hungry Jacks for dinner. This is in no way, shape or form Canadian... but we had to eat! And we wanted to try Hungry Jacks because we were pretty certain that it's a direct Australian rip-off of Burger King. Indeed it was (they even sell whoppers).

4. Our final activity of the day was to down a homemade trifle for dessert. The splotch of red on the top is an attempted maple leaf from strawberries.

Granted, it was a weak attempt... but at least it was a patriotic attempt!

So... Happy Belated Birthday, Canada!