When Clifton was 10 and I was 40ish we decide to get our Scuba certification. About the same time we also learned to slalom at Lake McQueeny on the Quadalupe River near Seguin, Texas. There were a few summers where we spent most of our days at Lake McQueeny and the retro Lake Breeze Ski Lodge. But, that’s another post.
We loved anything that got us in the water. Total aquaphiles.
Diving the Great Barrier Reef was on Shelley’s Bucket List.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world and a dream destination for travelers the world over. So, full disclosure.
It’s a ways from shore. It’s about an hour and half trip from Cairns or Port Douglas.
It’s not always sunny. Obvious, but I don’t remember ever seeing a picture of the Great barrier Reef when it’s cloudy and/or raining.
The ocean can get rough. Also obvious. It’s the ocean.
The day we went out we got it all. The seas were rough. Allan was miserable. Clifton and I were a little disappointed but still excited to have the opportunity to dive The Great Barrier Reef. Sunny skies do matter but not at the depths we were diving. Snorkeling is a different story. Without the sun the coral looks dull and the colors are greenish. With sunlight you will have some amazing colors close to the surface. Colors disappear as you dive deeper. Red disappears at 15ft; orange at 25ft; yellow at 35-45ft and green at 70-75 ft. Reds, oranges and yellows are the hardest colors to see underwater so all the fish and corals in this color spectrum will look green. I was disappointed with my photos, but it’s all about the memories. And a little editing to recreate the strobe lighting. After doing research on underwater photography, I have a new understanding. In the future, I will take a small strobe with if my mission is photography.
http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-photography-lighting-fundamentals
