Jeff Epler's blog2014-02-03T22:33:31ZPhotos, electronics, cnc, and moreJeff Eplerjepler@unpythonic.netAustralian Coral Reefs2014-02-03T22:33:31Z2014-02-03T22:33:31Zhttps://emergent.unpythonic.net/01391466811
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During our week in Far North Queensland, we took two snorkeling trips on the
coral reefs. The first (and better) was <a href="http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/">Quicksilver Cruises'</a> deep reef trip on a
big boat where we snorkeled from a pontoon platform. The second (and not quite
as good) trip was from the beaches of <a href="http://secure.ragingthunder.com.au/netwizard/bin/dispatch.php?file=info.infotours&intCategoryID=3">Fitzroy Island</a>, which is much closer to
the mainland.
<p>The good part about the Fitzroy trip is that we stayed overnight on the
island's resort so one or both of us snorkeled both mornings and both
afternoons, as opposed to the hurry-hurry feel of the outer reef (not to
mention that we also saw island plants and animals on a couple of hikes). The
bad parts were that Ingrid had some minor seasickness from our trip on a
smaller boat; coral (as opposed to sandy) beaches are uncomfortable to walk
on; the water seemed to be cloudier and the coral less colorful compared to the
deep reef, though after doing some automatic adjustments on the photos they
look comparable.
<p>We recommend getting "stinger suits" (lycra bodysuits) even if you aren't being
told there are jellyfish in the water and even if you feel they look
unflattering on you. The big benefit is that you basically don't have to worry
about sunburn or sunscreen, as the lycra blocks UV. Just about the only thing
exposed is your face, and hopefully you have it stuck underwater 90% of the
time. I didn't burn my back and shoulders after hours of snorkeling—it was
the 20 minutes in an inland freshwater pool later in the week when I finally
got a sunburn worth complaining about!
<p>Each time, we rented ("hired") an underwater camera (basic P&S cameras with
underwater enclosures), and got a few good pictures from the process.
<p>Please forgive us for not attempting to identify the coral or fish in each
photo.