After being fitted with full snorkel gear including a wetsuit, snorkeling mask and flippers, we were ready to set foot in the water. Getting the wetsuit on for the first time was difficult to say the least, but I'm sure that will get easier as I become more acquainted with it. We walked down to beach for a pre-sunset snorkel. The trick is to come into the water, slip on your fins and then walk backwards until you're in a little more than knee-high water. Then turn around and do a graceful face plant into the water. Relax. Breath through your mouth. Enjoy the view. I was immediately amazed with the world hidden under the water's surface. I had seen reef systems around Hawaii when I had been there, but it would appear that time had dampened my memory of the experience. There was a whole world around us living life, feeding, swimming, sleeping, existing. Now for a moment I was able to be a part of that world. I'm sure I stuck out like a sore thumb, but if I don't mind the fish I'm sure they won't mind me much either. We danced in and out of schools of parrot fish, damselfish, rabbitfish and the like. Coral showcased its polyps if only for a second before returning to the safety of their skeletal structure. The sheer number of different organisms I witnessed was astounding. There were so many different colors, shapes, sizes and speeds. Sea cucumbers were littered all over the place and even a few sea stars were spotted. I struggled to identify many of them, knowing I had seen them in my manual but realizing that I hadn't studied quite as much as I should have. The group of us continued to spread and thin, eager to see as much as we could. As the snorkel progressed I became used to my gear and more confident with my swimming abilities. We were called back to shore a bit too soon, but I was granted the opportunity to swim with a majestic green turtle on the way out. I was so excited to witness it glide through the water. It held such grace, making not a ripple or sound with every stroke. Much different than the splashing mess of sound all of us were making throughout the lagoon. I wished I could follow it forever, learn its life, learn its way. Oh, the things it must see. The places it gets to meet.
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After a two hour ferry ride from Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, we arrived. The Heron Island I had seen the island before on David Attenborough's Blue Planet, but nothing prepared me for the beauty when I arrived. More than a beauty, there was a welcoming. I don't know if it was the island itself, the group that I was to embark on this incredible journey with or a nice mix of both. Either way, I couldn't help be feel overwhelmed. Disembarking from the ferry to meet some of the staff and get settled into what would be our living quarters for the next couple weeks, I was first reminded of Hawaii. I spent four wonderful months of the Big Island a couple years back and it had been the most wondrous, challenging and eye-opening experience of my life. Though this island was much smaller, roughly half a kilometer measured longways, taking only 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other, I believe this place will challenge and better me by its own means. After a brief tour around the Queensland Research Center, we were allowed to unpack into our housing. The accommodations were quaint and clean. We split the class up, boys to their rooms and girls to theirs. My roommates and I settled in nicely and then went to enjoy lunch. The food, prepared by an on-site chef and soon-to-be friend, Pat was delicious. We were released to finish unpacking, expected to return for a safety briefing and course rundown. The typical lab safety was discussed as well as some additional precautions specific to the island (i.e. never swim alone, don't touch anything unless instructed, keep yourself accounted for, etc.). After that we went for an introductory snorkel and what an experience that was.
Needless to say, Sydney was spectacular. Big cities aren't usually my territory, but this proved an interesting experience for me. The asphalt jungle breeds a lifestyle all its own. Much louder and busier than my quiet mountains back home. Somehow intricate to watch the people as they moved about. Crowds and swarms of them filled the famous Sydney Harbour. Each looking to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From a cruise through the harbour I managed to get a picture of both. These two spectacular pieces of architecture astounded me. How many months, years of planning went into each structure before they even broke ground and really got to work.
How many tossed blueprint sheets narrowly missing the waste bin? How many sleepless nights and grueling design meetings? More than I care to count. The mathematical calculations, engineering know-how, creative force and sheer determination were only the beginning of these masterpieces. Then came the rest. The hours baking in the hot sun to pour concrete, construct the farms, measuring, remeasuring, cutting, grinding, welding, for days on end. The men who erected these marvels with their strength, constructing expertise, work ethic and passion for the trade made these what they are today. I imagine the engineers and architects marveling at the work of the craftsman as they make the once 2-D image larger than life. I'm sure there were scuffles as there usually are between the creator and the builder. It would appear that whatever bugs existed were worked out for these structures stand tall to this day. Both beautiful in their own right. Both inspiring amazement and gratitude to those that made them possible. |
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About MeAn educated outdoor enthusiast with a passion for the planet and all its inhabitants, I wish to be a liaison between the scientific world and the public. I believe that knowledge and compassion are the keys to understanding and bettering our complex existence on this beautiful Earth. Archives |