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The Picasso Triggerfish darted in and out constantly
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date: 2/9/2009
Author:Jess Howard
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Weather: Sunny and Perfect
Air Temp: 24.4ºC
Wind: East / South Easterly 15-20 knots
Water Temp: 22ºC
Water Visibility: ~20m
Sea State: Picture Perfect
Another awesome day began here in paradise with the sun rising at an early 6:23 am, birds chirping, frogs croaking, we’re surrounded in nature here on Lady Elliot!!
The glassbottom boat sailed out towards Second Reef, cheering on the turtle that popped their heads out every few minutes. When snorkelers jumped in, not one squeal of cold water!! Its warming up out here! One lone Hawksbill was found on the edge of the reef, gliding gracefully along, whilst a Green turtle, who loved the attention stayed in close to the reef on the island side of the snorkel line. After he was fully satisfied that all guests had paid him plenty of attention, he ventured in under some coral to take a snooze. An enormous Coral Cod was spotted under the boat, just drifting with the movement of the water in and out under a big overhang of plate coral.
It seemed to be the day for snoozing animals. When island discoverers visited the tropic bird chick, he was sleeping too, under his parents wing. The other two Tropic birds sitting on eggs, also had their heads tucked back into their wings, having a sleep. At least the fish were awake, and splashed around noisily for some food. The Picasso Triggerfish darted in and out constantly, but he didn’t actually appear to be getting any food. Sorry Mr. Triggerfish, there’s always tomorrow!
Evening nightstalkers wandered into the brightly moonlit night, towards the lighthouses, stopping briefly at the graveyard for a ghost story. Having everyone sufficiently chilled, the guide led on to the lighthouses. A good scare here as one of the Varsity College teachers walked spookily from behind the lighthouse with a hood on towards the group. A few screams and squeals later, we ventured past the staff houses, stopping at house number two to look at the Green Tree Frogs. A strange thing occurred here. Just after the guide mentioned that the house was empty, soft, thudding footsteps could be heard echoing through the house. After what was initially suggested to be the wind, everyone calmed down a little and focused on the frogs again. As soon as everyone was quiet again, more footsteps were heard, running this time. Maybe our ghost Susannah is back once again.
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coral cod - jess
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