Anzac DAy 2009

Weather: Sunshine!
Air Temp: 25.6°C
Wind: NW 15-20 knots
Water Temp: 25°C
Water Visibility: ~20 m
Sea State: Chop

This morning the wind changed to north-west making the usual glass bottom boat location, second reef look a bit like a washing machine. The conditions meant that the glass bottom boat headed around to sunset drift on the southern side of the island where the surface was smoother and the water clearer. Boy what a great decision it turned out to be.

Manta Rays were swarming through in massive feeding trains reveling in the fast current. On the way out to sunset drift the skipper counted a total of fifty-six separate individuals passing by the boat! The skipper then stopped the engines and everybody jumped into the water for a once in a lifetime drift snorkel.

Manta's came within metres of guests rolling and twisting their massive bodies. At one stage over ten Manta Rays were seen in the great visibility surrounding the group. It was a special moment to be out there today amoung so many of these giants. But the Manta Rays and guests weren"t the only ones that were loving the conditions. The always friendly and cute green turtles were abundant throughout the snorkel as were brightly coloured plankton feeding fish. Blue green chromis, neon damsels and the striking blue tang were all seen making a brilliant backdrop for the Manta's and completed a jaw dropping morning. Nick came out of the water to the biggest smiles he had ever seen and believed it was the best snorkel he"d ever had. There were that many beautiful moments out there the memories will last forever.

After an amazing day lapping up the Manta action guests came on a Night Stalk to experience the nocturnal life here on Lady Elliot. Just outside the units a fluffy mutton bird chick gave everybody a good chuckle walking in its unique awkward way. At the lighthouse a brightly coloured land hermit crab was scuttling along the coral and at the staff accommodation some green tree frogs were hanging out in a puddle capping off an eventful night stalk.

After an unforgettable day guests went to bed to rest up for another big day with the Rays!

Special Events / Activities:
Nagle College students recited some moving predawn readings on the beach of Lady Elliot.  Staff and guests watched the sun rise in silence at a beautiful ANZAC dawn service.