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Ashlee's Australia Adventure

An Underwater Experience

Thursday, June 4, 2009

On Wednesday, our group spent the whole day at the Reef HQ. During the day we learned about all the different types of fish and coral. The different types of coral could be soft, massive,hard, branches, and more. One thing I enjoyed about the afternoon was the dive show. I liked seeing the diver in the tank swim with a turtle. I thought that was so cool because I think turtles are so amazing and different. One thing I learned was that coral is actually an animal. When the aquarium closed we got to go behind the scenes and have a night tour. There was saw how fish slept at night and we also got to see a sick turtle. The turtle was about 30-40 years old and was dying. I thought that was so sad. After that it was off to bed for a very very early morning, the plus side was we got to sleep in the aquarium.

The morning started off at 4:00 in the morning. I felt dead. I was way to tired to go anywhere. But I manged to get up and have a nice ferry ride to Orpheus Island. This was probably the BEST part of this trip. The island is just so beautiful. I like it so much because I don't have beaches and an ocean back home.. The air is so fresh and the sand is soft! The first thing we did was have our morning snorkel. When we got into the water I was terrified of hitting myself on dome poisonous coral. As I walked into the water I got cut on a piece of coral. The pain was excruciating. It stung so bad, but I still went on. I finally got out to the deeper part and me and Shea started to find our fishes. We had to find two butterfly and two parrot. As we were following a big butterfly fish I noticed the beautiful colors of the reefs.

After an hour or so we went and had some lunch and then it was back in the water. This time we got to go out on a boat so there were no more cuts. I actually liked it better out there because it was deeper. The deeper the better. My group finished our assignment as quick as we could. We each had to measure out 50 meters and at each meter look what type of coral was underneath the tape measure. My favorite part of the day was when we finished our assignment because I got to take of my flipper and snorkel and swim in open deep water. I love swimming so I had a blast. I had so much fun jumping off the boat into the water. As the day ended everyone was getting tired. So it was off to bed. Only think 3 days left!!! :( :) It's good and bad. C ya soon!

4 comments:

KC said...

ASh,

That is so cool. I love hearing about all the different adventures you are enjoying. I bet you didn't think you were going to learn so much on this trip. Keep up the goodd work and we will see you soon.

Love Ya, Dad

Susan said...

Ashlee,
What a story you will have to tell when you return to Colorado! Seeing all the beautiful coral, fish and other sea life was an amazing adventure! And to top it off you were able to swim in deep water.
By the way, how do fish sleep?
Mrs. Jensen's mom

MimiTech said...

Hi Ashlee,
I am a technology resource teacher in Virginia. I love reading about the adventures your group is having in Australia! I can relate to your feelings about the coral in shallow water. I went to Haiti and was worried about the poisonous coral in shallow water. I agree it would be better out farther and would have loved jumping off the boat, too!

Vickie said...

An ear infection and a cut on a piece of coral. Hmmmmm....I bet it was all worth it! I am thrilled that you had such a fabulous time. Keep up the blogging!

Love you,
Mom

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Essential Programs Details

Duration 14 days
When May 25th - June 7th, 2009
Focus Marine Biology
Conservation/Wildlife
Aboriginal Culture