Wednesday, December 8, 2010

In our own backyard.





Welcome to the heritage listed Lady Musgrave Coral Cay on the Great Barrier Reef!

The14ha Island with a 1292ha surrounding reef is just out of this world and it's in our own backyard. The island is made up of totally coral, the urge to bring some home was dulled by the fine of $1500 set by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority!

We decided to be tourists for the day and took a cruise on a high powered cat that took one and a half hours to get there, compared to the equivalent of approx 10 hours in our yacht. What bliss! (This included morning and afternoon teas and a beautiful buffet lunch).

In the centre of the reef is a huge lagoon dotted with coral bombies, where boaties and yachties can anchor. The diving and snorkelling is spectacular, perfect clear waters and an abundance of colourful fish, turtles and Manta Rays. We went snorkelling for hours and then ventured on a guided island walk.

Seabirds are amazing with the island home to thousands of Noddy birds for three months who arrive on the island on October 22nd each year. How about that? They arrive on the same day each year for nesting in the Pisonia forest which is unique to the Great Barrier Reef.

Such a romantic and fabulous place to visit if you ever get the chance, I have never seen anything quite like it.


This is our beautiful sunset in 1770 last night.

We are preparing to sail south today. No more rain here Yay! We will be sailing for 24 hours plus, to make some sort of headway home, and I need to get home before Christmas! Looks like we will be on four hour shifts as well, that's what the the Skip tells me anyway, I am sure he will let me sleep over time!

With limited internet access, I am not commenting on any blogs at present so don't think I am ignoring you, I am just posting now and then and this will be the last for a little while.

Wish me luck.


Photobucket

10 comments:

brismod said...

I love seeing the photos of your sailing trip. Wonderful. xx

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the view of these beautiful photos of sea and sky.
You live in a beautiful place is magical.
Best regards and a kiss Zondra Art

Makeminemidcentury said...

Gorgeous photos!

Yes, I wish the rain would pack its soggy bags and vamoose!

Raine and Sage said...

Beautiful multiplied by a thousand!!! I am loving every image. Enjoy! I WISH I was there! :)

Flotsam Friends said...

Oh Pam, you are kidding! This is unbelievably amazing. What an incredible thing to do. I so have to get myself up to that part of the world sometime soon. Isn't Australia amazing. Those photos are some of the best I've ever seen. True, natural beauty. Hope the weather treats you well. You aren't missing anything back here except pre-Christmas nightmare shopping! Enjoy and relax. Pruxxx

Unknown said...

Hi Pam,

Wow wow wow what a stunning place it took my breath away and that sunset brought tears to my eyes a beautiful photo and a very magical place by the looks of it. Good luck and a safe journey home. Dee x

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous place! It must be fantastic to have that on your doorstep! Hope the seas are calm for you! :) x

Caterina Giglio said...

do take care on the way back! enjoy! xx's

Belle Inspirations said...

Just found your lovely blog via jelly shane and am now a follower. I also have a new blog so please visit sometime and maybe you can follow me and I'll send some inspiration your way! Have a lovely day!

Kellie Collis said...

Wow! It sounds like you're having a lovely time! Enjoy your vacation, Kellie xx