Final Hours on the Great Barrier Reef

The third reef was the same as the first.  We were back at Saxon Reef Pyramids.  Soon after anchoring, it was time for our next water session.  During the transit time, those of us that were leaving, moved our stuff to the transit room so the new folks could be checked into their rooms.  The new folks boarded while we were in the water.

My guide was Terrence again.  He said he usually didn't like escorting snorkelers, but he had never seen somebody who had the kind of trouble I did with the mask and breathing who also so clearly thoroughly enjoyed the time in the water.  So, out we went again.  It kept taking me less and less time to get settled in my mask and the water, and each time was more enjoyable.  Lots of awesome and beautiful reef.

Bubbles from the divers below!

And this time, the action camera both worked and was properly aimed.  I did learn that with it mounted on the mask, the waves went right across the lens making the video awful every few minutes.  I think I'll use the chest strap the next time.  I clipped a short piece that doesn't have that problem.  Of course, my hand and the other camera seem to be what the action camera is focusing on.



There was one more water session before time to get ready to go, but I was exhausted.  Plus my left arm was starting to ache.  So, I opted out of the last one, took a shower, and put on my street clothes.

We had yet another scrumptious meal.  With the newbies aboard and my group not yet departed, the dining room was a bit crowded.

I also got a shot with all of my escorts and Oscar, who made sure I had someone scheduled to be with me.  It was impossible to get them all at once, but I got most of them in the group shot, and then got a separate shot of me and Chantal.  This one is Mickie, Oscar, me, Nathan, and Terrence.

And here is me and Chantal.

After lunch, we transferred back to the Reef Experience, where we were treated to wine, cheese, and biscuits (crackers) on the way back to shore in Cairns.  The shuttle took me back to the Mad Monkey, where I repacked my bags for my flight back to Sydney and collapsed.  Far too exhausted to find anything other than vending machine snacks for dinner, since the grill was closed that night.