12^th August: Exmouth

What a brilliant day!

Apparently, there are never any clouds in Exmouth and today was no exception! A breeze when we set off and it strengthen as the day wore on but dropped about 3.00 pm. The water was beautiful, varying in colour according to the depth: light green, torquoise, aquaand then inky blue. On the reef, the surf

was breaking and the wind was blowing the tops off the waves in a fine spray. Beautiful!

Our first stop was on the outer reef to snorkle. Gail and Glen went in with wet-suits, flippers, goggles and snorkle. I chose not to as my lungs were telling me:”No!No!” Beside I was not feeling well. By this time the wind had strengthened and the swell was rather distinct! We were wallowing as we waited for the divers and the snorklers. Glen enjoyed his swim – he was surprised as usually he sinks. But bouyancy in the wetsuits helped and the noodle he had to help actually became a hindrance. Gail found it not as easy as she thought aand came back on board feeling ill.

Glenand Gail go snorkling!

Well, I was sea-sick which is not unusual. Gail was sea-sick which was unusual. Glen had a great time taking photos of marine life. We saw turtles (Can they swim fast!!), Bottlenose Dolphins, a sea snake, and then we came upon the Humpback Whales – a calf and its mother. They were very close to the boat and Glen took some great photos of the calf tail-slapping, pectoral fins waving and belly rolling. He was having fun, showing off. (I gave the camera to Glen as he is steadier on his feet!) 

Mum and Calf

We didn't see any Whale Sharks which was the object of the day because it is the end of their season here. The other reason is that 2 pods of Orcas (Killer whales) were cruising around and they are so aggressive. They hunt in packs to kill and will take a whale calf. Gail was planning to go swimming with the whale sharks (the biggest fish in the sea) but their wasno opportunity which in hind sight was probably a good thing. (She was not well!) We did stop for another snorkle which Glen was looking forward to but he found this one very difficult and returned soon, exhausted.

I just enjoyed being on the water. (I had expected to be sea-sick and once I was I was fine!) Sitting on the bow of the boat in the wind was great! It was agreat trip and I would do it again!

The bus with the specially designed paintwork, done with local tribal approval.  Boat has same design.