Just back from two days and one night on the live-aboard dive boat Reef Encounter moored at various locations along Norman and Saxon reefs which make up a small portion of the enormous Great Barrier Reef of northeastern Australia.

The tour went very well despite some initial apprehension.  We had to drive to the office to confirm our participation because Anne’s phone just won’t seem to dial Australian numbers.  She is on the phone now with Verizon to try to resolve the problem.  We also were concerned at the stiff breeze and cool air that has been in place since our return from PNG.  We did not want to go out just to be beaten up by waves.  But, in the end we confirmed our participation and awoke early yesterday to walk to where a shuttle bus would get us.  The bus took us to a marina where we boarded a dive day boat that conveyed us to the live-aboard that resides on the reef about 2.5 hours from the harbor.  

The water was choppy but clear but the large catamaran was stable and behind the reef.  Large waves crashed into the outside of the reef, but on our side the water was fit for diving.  We loved it.  Saw corals, tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and the largest sponges I have ever seen.  We made four dives and almost regretted our departure, but we have other events planned for our Australia tour.  Perhaps we should return some day to spend a week on the boat.  I already miss seeing the giant clams.