What a great day we had today.  We sailed the Coral Sea out of Port Douglas on board The Sailaway, a beautiful prestine white catamaran, to Low Isle where we enjoyed a day of sailing, snorkeling and relaxing.

The crew was exceptional.  They were certified marine biologists and a witty captain from the eastern US seaboard who came to Cairns more than 20 years ago and just didn’t want to leave.

Low Isle is a tiny, beautiful island that is part of the preserved Great Barrier Reef.  It was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 and still boasts the same lighthouse that was built in 1878.

It turns out that Steve Irwin of Crocodile Hunter fame passed away on the island after a fluke stingray encounter.   Our experience was very different and we were so happy to have such a paradise in which to snorkel. Because it is Stinger Jellyfish season, we had to wear lycra bodysuits from head to toe. Very attractive,

We snorkled and saw blue, pink and white coral, lots of turtles, sand sharks, angel fish and giant mollusks (clams).  We relaxed on board with a lovely lunch and it was a beautiful day of contentment with our touring family.

Tomorrow is a day off.  Some of us are going to Daintree Rainforest, some heading off on another snorkling tour, some are going horseback riding, some are walking around Cairns, some are hanging by the pool.  It is so hot here that we will all probably be doing laundry in the machines provided in the hotel laundry room.  On Monday we depart at 5 am to catch our plane to Ayers Rock.  Can’t wait!