Today was the day! Snorkeling! We got our cab and checked in for the schooner trip. There were 19 of us, young, old, and in between. We had coffee and muffins, talks on safety, and then we we're divided into groups--scuba divers and snorkelers. No wet suits were required.
Our destination, Green Island, was 1 1/2 hours away by schooner. There was virtually no wind so were were under power. Upon arriving, a group of scuba divers went first and then snorkelers could go. We were in about ninety minutes when the clouds opened up...I was wondering what was making the noise and pelting me on the back! Also, the rain was cold compared to the warmth of the Coral Sea! What an experience!
Lunch time...chicken drumsticks, cold cuts, potato, pasta, and green salads, and bread. When we finished, the captain Jimmy, took groups in the dinghy to Green Island. There we walked a path and learned about the rainforest and the sacredness of the island to the Aborigines. There is a resort on the island, but it is still a respected land by the native Australians
When we returned to the schooner, we had another opportunity to snorkel. This time the reef was more colorful and the fish more active...perhaps due to the currents and reflection of the sun.
Heading back to Cairns, we were treated to fresh fruit, a while later, wine, cheese, and crackers, and finally desserts! What a perfectly glorious day!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
March 22 - Off to the Gold Coast
Ellen and I took the air train, just like a metro, to the Gold Coast, the beaches south of Brisbane. We walked through Southport and had lunch, then walked along the shore towards Surfers' Paradise. The beaches are wide with fine sand. Lifeguards were on duty and swimmers could only swim between posted flags. We then hopped on a bus and went to Broadbeach. There will be a surfing competition over the weekend, so many preparations were being undertaken--scaffolding, bleachers, catering trucks, etc. Besides the beaches we thoroughly were imposed with the modern skyscrapers.
March 21 - Touring Brisbane
Did a city tour on the "Hop On, Hop Off" bus. We visited the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Cultural Center. Especially interesting was the Gallery of Modern Art which opened in 2006. Usually, the art is too challenging for me to interpret, but we had a docent for about 40 minutes who was quite knowledgeable. The art also wasn't just canvas, but sculptures, media, textiles, interactive art, and lighting. A gentleman I spoke with constructed his "monolith" of Legos in about 6-7 hours. From the photos, you can perhaps see how intricate some structures are.
The Cultural Center is situated close to the Brisbane River and there is much reconstruction going on in the area. The river itself has six bridges and ferries and City Cats operate all day until late at night. Many of the pontoon landings were damaged and the river is quite murky. It should take another three months for the river to become blue again.
The Cultural Center is situated close to the Brisbane River and there is much reconstruction going on in the area. The river itself has six bridges and ferries and City Cats operate all day until late at night. Many of the pontoon landings were damaged and the river is quite murky. It should take another three months for the river to become blue again.
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