The day following Daintree (we should call it Raintree?) we scheduled our dive training. Aaron and I were both certified divers for life, but it had been 40 years since my certification, and about 30 for Aaron, and we have't maintained it in decades. It seemed a refresher would be prudent both for our rusty skills and confidence as well as the new technology in dive gear. Kate and Robin have been snorkeling, but never diving. It seemed a shame to be on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and not dive. But PADI has a program called Discover Dive where, with minimal instruction, limitations on depth and literally handholding by an instructor, they can dive with scuba gear. Both had mixed feelings about the success of this, but the opportunity and confidence prevailed after lessons.
We met K&A and Helene and Terry at their rental house, which had a pool. Jay, the dive owner, came by and we all decided that he could do the instruction for all six of us at the house. Aaron and I for recertification, Kate and Robin for Discover Dive, and Helene and Terry for snorkeling.
Robin and Kate figuring out the gear with Jay in pool
Saturday, 16 June 2014
The Great Barrier Reef extends some 2000 miles down the entire length of Australia's east coast - the longest in the world. It is closest to land at Port Douglas. This is our last of eight World Heritage Sites in Australia. It is also here where the true story of a couple diving on the reef takes place and were left behind by the dive as told in the movie Open Water. No one realized they were missing until the next morning. The end of the movie suggests they were eaten by sharks. See it to be creeped out. The locals have a different ending - it was all a scam. Who knows? But after finally leaving all the snakes, spiders and crocodiles on the mainland, Robin is now concerned about sharks. Jay does a much better job to assuage her fears than I can - maybe.
Robin and Kate before first dive.
For our four and a half days in Port Douglas it rained three and a half. But! It was sunny and warm for Saturday, our dive day. The corals and fish were the best I've seen anywhere. I have an underwater camera case so took these. But as part of our fee Jay provides us videos and stills with much better camera and light.
This spiney fish was lit by Jay's lights. Big difference.
Robin and Bill together at last. VERY proud of her.
These were among my favoite. All colors
Brush by them and they disappear into the hole like above left.
Next Post: The Bug Guy and Brisbane - Last stops in Australia
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