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Manta’s sighted out off second reef
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date: 18/2/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Morning rain and a beautiful afternoon | Air Temp: 28°C | Wind: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots | Water Temp: 27°C | Water Visibility: ~ 20 m | Sea State: Calm
The day started again with rain. These big summer low pressure systems have been bombarding the entire coast with a deluge of water but again it didn’t stop the fun on the Island.
In the morning guests came along on the tucker tour and learnt which plants are edible on the Island. They were particularly interested in the pandanus palm and the fruit that it bears. The guide scraped away some of the skin leaving a sweet smell akin to a mango crossed with and a banana. Guests thought it might be interesting to try one day if they had the time to prepare it properly. They were also fascinated by the fibrous leaves of the pandanus palm and the guide demonstrated how to make a very strong rope out of them.
The Glass bottom boat was amazing again today with Manta’s sighted out off second reef. Most people had never even heard of a Manta Ray but after their first experience they surely won’t be forgotten. There was also an abundance of plankton eating fish around second reef such as the blue green chromis which was schooling making the water shimmer with beautiful colours.
The afternoon cleared to be magnificent. Guests reveled in the sunny conditions and made the most of an afternoon high tide by going for a snorkel in the lagoon. A cheeky moray eel popped up to say hello to a few guests much to their shock! They weren’t sure if it was dangerous so they quickly came out of the water. After talking to staff they realized that it was quite safe to be around it in the water so long as they didn’t put their hands in his favorite hiding hole. They ended up being so rapt in the experience they went back out to look for it again!
In the evening guests relaxed in the education centre for an informative presentation on Dangerous Marine Creatures. Everybody was particularly concerned about stingrays. These fascinating creatures dwell on the bottom and often have a poisonous barb in their tail but are very timid and do not actively seek conflict, after a little education on what to look for and how to avoid frightening the stingrays guests felt much happier.
It was a fantastic day here on Lady Elliot Island!
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Manta - Jess Howard
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