Great Barrier Reef Take Two

Yesterday we had a relaxing day at the beach.  The beach is expansive and gorgeous with the mountains surrounding it.

Today I spent the morning at the beach again then we did a half day sail out to the lower isles of the Great Barrier Reef.  There wasn't enough wind to put the sails up which was disappointing but the hour ride out there was relaxing.  As we approached the reef and got near a beach island, a humpback whale was swimming by our boat.  The crew was surprised that it was so close to the island.

Our ride for 4 hours this afternoon:

The cute island in the lower isles part of the reef:

Humpback going by the boat:

I was blown away again by the variety of corals--the different types and colors were just amazing.  I could have stayed in the water all afternoon just floating around.  It was a wonderful, relaxing day.