“We need a bigger boat.”
-Chief Brody, Jaws
This trip to Oz had a underlying purpose. That purpose being to overcome many fears. The first fear (flying) was overcome by spending 30 hours in a plane. The next lies here on The Great Barrier Reef…THE FEAR OF SHARKS!!. I remember seeing JAWS in the 70’s and remember my sister and I not be able to swim in our backyard pool out from fear. Now, here I was in the Great White Shark capital about to go snorkeling and diving. Upon recommendation from the great staff at the YHA Hostel, I embarked on a day charter on the Ocean Free.
The trip was a day of diving around Green Island. As warned by the crew that “The Queensland sun takes no prisoners” I ran into a nearby mall and bought that silly looking sun hat you see me wearing. Hey, at least it says Cairns on it. This trip not only increased my fear of sharks but added a new fear. , the crocodile. I was a little nervous as one of the crew was baiting the water in order for us to see the great Chinaman fish and other wonderful reef fish. I think the single greatest experience of my life was diving The Great Barrier Reef. I was always inhaling water as my smile kept breaking the seal on my mask. After a morning of diving, we were dropped off to explore Green Island. I ventured to the Croc farm on the island and met Cassious and all my croc fears were realized. Oh. the little baby croc in the pic had his mouth securely closed with numerous elastic bands.
The Ocean Free boat was awesome, and the crew was friendly, fun and made my belly hurt with laughter. Special thanks to the crew member and dive Instructor, Andy as well as skipper, Des for making my day a wonderful experience and keeping the open ocean crocodiles away.
