11th - 14th March Cairns

Again sorry for the delay in posting we have been a little busy!

11th
Today we didn't have anything planned but we walked around Cairns and did a spot of shoppin as well as booking a camper van for 2 weeks in New Zealand! We can't wait to get there now!!

12th
Today was the big day to THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!! The weather was awful but that wasn't going to dampen our spirits only our hair! We arrived early and set off around 8. The boat we were on was huge and had around 110 other people on board. They warned us it would be quite choppy and they certainly didn't lie. The majority of people were very sea sick and the Asians on board just slept the whole time. It took a couple of hours to get there and then the first location was very over cast but mainly for the scuba divers. We were given flippers to help with the swimming but at times felt like we weren't moving because the current was so strong.  After 2 hours there we went to another location that was absolutely beautiful. Although still over cast the coral was high and we could see so much. We were surprised by the lack of fish around but that could be down to the weather but we were much more interested and impressed by the Coral! We hired an underwater camera and took lots of photos so we will have to show everyone when we are back. Unfortunately we also saw a lot of dead coral which is a shame because it is such a beautiful sight and experience! Unfortunately we didn't see Nemo here but we saw him in our previous sailing trip so we didn't miss out. We did see some large clams that closed when you touched them!

After a few hours here we headed back to land and on the way back the chef Elvis offered some brilliant entertainment.  He had a guitar and sang some great songs (including Elvis songs) but also did a good job of making fun of people on board (mainly the Asians!!). It was nice that took the attention off the choppy sea and we surprisingly felt okay, not sure if it was the 6 sickness tablets or the distraction of entertainment!! Tonight we met up with Gini and Natasha that we met along the way for a catch up which was lovely.

13th
Today - typically - the sun was shining and it was a very hot day in Cairns.  They have built an extensive Lagoon (swimming pool) on the water front which was lovely. We layed and relaxed in the sunshine most of the day reading our New Zealand lonley planet guide and a nice book. We walked around and ate ice cream before packing and getting and early ish night ready for our 3rd Adevtntue to New Zealand!!

14th
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROB'S GRANNY!! We hope you had a lovely day!!

Today there isn't much to report.  We spent all day travelling. We were a little apprehensive due to the Cyclone heading to New Zealand but luckily we missed it and got to Auckland around 12:20am but we were ao happy to not sit on a bus for a change and see some familiar faces! It was so nice. For Katrien to see her family again and we were spoilt with a beautifully made up room and some chocolate bunnies for company. We had an amazing time in Australia but we are also excited about our next destination!!

Lotd of love to all at home!!

Katrien and Rob xxx