Great Barrier Reef Experience

Great Barrier Reef Experience
I was as giddy as a 10 year old going to Disney. I was in Airlie Beach on a ferry on my way to the Great Barrier Reef. There is a pontoon permanently set up for the boat and for as little future impact as possible. The idea being: when people see this greatness, they will want to preserve it.
As I dived in, I was greeted with the sight of a Green Sea Turtle. As he swam to the dark green depths and out of sight, I turned my attention to the school of yellows and blues that were swimming by. There were angelfish and parrot fish. The parrotfish ranged from the size of my palm to the length of my calf.
The most amazing part, aside from the Green Sea Turtle, was the cuttlefish, or squid as they’re known on our appetizer plates, the tendrils lighted up in a firework light show. Then I saw two more swim near. The “eyes” looking right at me as a greeting.
The colors of the corals amazed me. There were oranges and yellows, greens and reds. Love that being so close to the surface, all the colors came out to play. I dived down many times, and the colors faded into various shades of blue. It’s amazing the gradients can be so close to the shallows. There was life everywhere. I forgot where I was until my stomach reminded me that I’d had a light breakfast on the boat & that I should see about getting some fuel. I ate, quickly, and dove back in. I never saw the Green Sea Turtle again, but am guessing he told his friends about a woman in a light blue stinger suit who smiled broadly when she saw him.
There was the parrotfish who scolded me when I got too close. I was curious why, then I saw the eggs. I realized my offence quickly and swam back to the coral edge.
It was amazing to me that so far away, all seemed so familiar.
On the way back to land, we spotted a Humpback whale. It’s curved back barely visible. The boat’s captain tried to get as close as possible without disturbing the magnificent creature. We got close enough for everyone to see it with our naked eye. The black and white curve of its back was so perfect with the blue waters background. Its tail gracefully arcing out of the water. She was heading to the Antarctic to feast. Its fin, waving goodbye. See you soon ~ the gesture beckoned. I won’t soon forget the creatures I saw and that experience. I lived my dream. What’s next around the corner, I don’t know but am excited to find out.