New Zealand 2007 

 

                                    Day Seven Lady Elliott Island March 20

                                               

                                            Today was one of the truly dramatic parts of Australia - The Great Barrier Reef.  Our "vacation-

                                            within-a-vacation" targeted an island situated on the South end of the Reef.

 

                                            From the small - very small - airport in Hervey Bay, Australia, our hour long flight on the Cessna

                                            prop plane landed on an out island with a surrounding coral reef.  Touchdown was on a not-so-

                                            smooth grass runway.  Our 10 seat airplane parked near reception and a short island orientation

                                            started.

 

                                            Lady Elliott resort comprises a quarter of the island and includes it's own desalination plant.  A

                                            pool, bar, and other basic resort items were included.  Our "Reef Room" overlooked the reef and

                                            the waves were an enjoyable sound.  Also, the constant breezes assisted with the no A/C based

                                            room.  

 

                                            Reef walking was the first scheduled event - following a resort guide during the low tide and 

                                            receiving close up viewing of a reef's "circle of life".  After a walk around the island and encountering

                                            the island's rookery (basically, the island is one large bird nest), it was time for dinner.  A hatching

                                            turtle was the main commotion after dinner - required a person to lead the turtle with a flashlight

                                            into the ocean waves (They follow moonlight).

 

                                            Being removed from the mainland and having very little moonlight, the night sky was a crystal 

                                            chandelier of stars.  Milky Way was thick and extensive twinkling lead us to believe that the Southern

                                            Australian Hemisphere may have a better perspective of the night time skies.  We have never

                                            seen such vibrant stars.

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com