January 2 - Australia: Cairns

Today, Jon was supposed to have the day off.  But he was roped into working when Horst asked him yesterday.  Of course he said 'yes'!  We need all the extra credits we can get right now.  Especially if we want to secure jobs after our Instructor Course!

It was pouring rain when we woke up, but the weather lifted by the time the passengers boarded and we made our way out to the reef.

Heidi's Snorkel Guide

Today we went to two sites: "Turtle Bay" on Norman Reef and "The Wild Side" on Saxon Reef.  I had about 12 snorkelers, and all were pretty experienced so no one needed baby sitting.  The first site had a slightly strong current, so we stayed to the south of the boat where the current was the least.  I found a turtle to point out to everyone, and also found a blue-spotted ray.  But other than that, the first reef was fairly low-key.  Most of the snorkelers were happy with it, though.  The second snorkel was more colorful, but still pretty unexciting.  I found a few big clams to point out to people, and happened to see a brown lagoon ray hiding beneath a ledge.  But things were pretty calm.

Jon guided both dives.  Horst said that he could dive, but that Jon "had to clear it with the domestics" because Horst didn't want to get in the middle of a domestic dispute.  But since today was supposed to be Jon's day off, there really wasn't anything to discuss.  Of course he should dive!

Random Ruminations

Since there's nothing overly exciting to talk about today, here are some random ruminations:

• Sunscreen: It's intriguing how the anti-sun-worshipping movement is part of the Australian culture.  Because there's practically no ozone layer over the continent and because the country is so affected by the sun, the people of the country are conditioned to avoid sun exposure at all costs.  The interesting contrast are the people from Europe.  The first thing they do when they get on the boat is to find the sunniest spot and will stay there for the entire trip to and from the reef.  The Japanese tourists are much like the Australians.  They walk around with towels over their heads to protect their skin.  It's very healthy.  Meanwhile, Jon and I quickly realizing that even SPF 30 doesn't keep our skin from getting sun.  I've developed a definite tan despite my best efforts to avoid it.  Looks like I'll be spending a lot more time in the shade rather than in the sun!

• Learning The Ropes: We're becoming sailors.  Day by day, Jon and I have been literally "learning the ropes": how to tie sailor knots, how to secure mooring lines, and how to dock the boat safely.  We're hardly experts, but it's been a lot of fun to pick up these new skills!

• My New York Accent: I whip out a killer "Nanny" accent when the time calls for it.  This drives Burkie - our skipper - nuts.  It's to the point that I do it just to bug him, and I tell him that he'd shrivel up and die without all the attention that I give him.  Today, he threatened to demote me to duty on Reef Quest (the other boat) if I didn't shut up.  Pretty funny!  The other day, Horst asked me if I wanted to swim back to "the island" (i.e. Australia).  These guys would be so bored if I wasn't there to amuse them!  Hee Hee!  I have to have some way to amuse myself on these two hour trips to and from the reef!