June 15

          At the beginning of the day we took a coach to a wharf.  Then at the wharf we loaded on to our ship.  Then on the ship we took a hour tide to a island that we dropped some people off at.  After that I went out on the deck and looked at the scenery for another 40 minutes until we arrived at the reef.  After that we docked at the floating platform.  After 10 minutes of them cleaning up the platform we went on it.  Immediately after Jack and I threw on some snorkel equipment and jumped in.  Right away I was amazed by the fish and stunning colors of the reef.  I saw many types of bright colors of fish and many sizes of fish.  I did not only see just fish I saw many types of beautiful coral.  I snorkeled around for another 30-45 mins.  After the snorkel session of diving and observing coral we headed back on the boat, dried off and got some lunch. At lunch we looked at the the city of Cairns.  After eating lunch and sitting around for a little we decided to go back in the water and explored the beauty of the reef once more.  After more diving and etting up close and personal with the coral and fish for another 45 minutes we headed back to the platform for a rest and to warm up.  We then went on a boat tour with a glass bottom.  On that tour we saw a tortoise.  After the tour we learned that Schagrin lost his wedding ring so we went in and looked for it in the reef. We didnt find it but we did enjoy the reef. We then re-entered the boat and made our journey back to the city.  At the city our tour guide took us to an outdoor bar place called the Courthouse.  At the Courthouse we watched the State of Origin rugby match between Queensland and New South Wales.  He explained the rules to us while we cheered for New South Wales.  It was very fun and possibly my favorite part of Cairns.  After that we headed back to the hotel and watched the second half of the State of Origin and went to bed.