Reef – Traveling Love Bug

Australia Day 3: Wow, in awe! Great Barrier Reef Full Day Excursion

April 9, 2014April 9, 2014TravelingLoveBug

Hi Love Bugs!

We snorkeled 2 outer reefs yesterday, and couldn’t believe our eyes. The under water world is magnificent. I knew the Great Barrier Reef was going to be amazing, but I did not know how breathtakingly beautiful it was going to be in person. We had great visibility, but had to fight some serious current due to the wind, and a cyclone forming out in the ocean. Good thing for noodles (our floaties), or we would have been out of luck! The ocean was incredibly rough while leaving for, and away from the reefs. The boat was bouncing back and forth and it caused many people to get sea sick; however, the crew said the weather was out of the norm, and is usually a lot more calm. Lucky for me, I was okay due to preparation! All of the pictures below were taken on the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition. Enjoy!

On the Catamaran excited to hit the first reef!

Australia Day 2: Fitzroy Island & Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef

April 7, 2014April 7, 2014TravelingLoveBug

Hello Love Bugs! I started this post last night at 9:40pm Australia time, and I couldn’t finish it because of the horrible spotty internet in the lobby. The lobby was filled with people trying to get on the same server. Luckily for my jet lag, I am up at 4:36am, and I am the only one here. Hallelujah! We were blessed with another day full or sunshine, and we took advantage of every second of it! Today, my dad and I went to Fitzroy Island, and Sean and his Dad went to Green Island. I like to say, we divided and conquered. The pictures below were taken on my Nikon D3200 and my GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition.

Fitzroy Island, aka the hidden gem of the GBR: One of the most beautiful places I have EVER laid my eyes on. It is true paradise. The crystal clear blue ocean meets the mountainous LUSH terrain. We saw wildlife, and GIGANTIC limestone and granite boulders.

Truly breathtaking–on the way to Fitzroy! #GoPro

Australia Day 1: We made it!!!

April 6, 2014April 6, 2014TravelingLoveBug

Hi Love Bugs,

What a whirlwind the last 35 hours has been. I am happy to announce that I am safely back on land, but I must admit the 16 hour flight from Dallas to Brisbane was no where near as horrible as I thought it would be. International economy beats the crap out of US economy. While on the flight, I watched a bunch of premiere movies: The Book Thief, Twelve Years a Slave, and Delivery Man. I was impressed that the airline was able to broadcast such new movies. The food however, was subpar at best–needless to say, I starved. After exiting the terminal, I was so excited to get to Cairns, and let me tell you, this quaint little beach town does not disappoint! Here are some pictures of our day:

You must try the Bundaberg Ginger Beer while in Australia. Seriously heaven in your mouth!! As a forewarning, you must like ginger….a lot.

Our balcony view from the beautiful Hilton Cairns Hotel.