Great Barrier Reef

We have relocated to Northeast Australia where the weather is warmer (eighty degree highs instead of seventy). We are staying at the Sheraton Mirage Resort⎯another overpriced hotel I am willing to patronize because I could cash in Starwood points and get free accommodations.
Sheraton Noosa
Sheraton Mirage
I liked the room at the Sheraton Noosa resort better. It had more of a beach feel. The Sheraton Mirage tries too hard to be opulent and as a result comes off as tacky. The four acres of saltwater crocodile-free swimming lagoons are nice though.

Yesterday, we took an incredible trip to snorkel the great barrier reef. The reef is thirty miles off the coast.
Australian Continental Shelf Here is a picture of the edge of Australia’s continental shelf taken from the boat. We toured with Wavelength Cruises. We chose this boat because they only carry thirty snorkelers and go to three different sites. I highly recommend them. Some of the larger outfits carry 400 snorkelers. Sounds a bit too crowded for me.

The variety of coral was amazing. The fish were also stunning, although to see larger fish, I think one would have to dive at the edge of the continental shelf. Wavelength rented an underwater digital camera so we were able to capture some shots of the reef. Here are a few of the better ones.

This afternoon we drive north into the Daintree rainforest for a few days of backcountry living. I am certain they don’t have internet access, and electricity is by gas generator only, so we won’t be posting any entries until at least Thursday or Friday.