So today we went cruising on Ocean Spirit's Michelmas Cay Great Barrier Reef tour.

We and about 178 other people, boarded a catamaran for the hour+ cruise out to Michelmas Cay, which is a bird sanctuary out on the reef. It is another beautiful day in this tropical place. Sharon scored us a place up on the bow and under a sun shade which was perfect.

Once we anchor, Sharon and I got on the first glass boat tour of the reef which was perfect timing. We saw large and tiny fish, giant clams and a sea turtle. We followed this up with lunch before hitting the beach for snorkleing.

Somehow I missed the professional photos being taken and only got one of me on the beach with Sharon doing our mermaid impression.

I loved snorkeling and got to see several giant clams, sea cucumbers, another turtle and a sting ray. Sharon had a good time up until she swallowed a healthy "sip" of sea water and gradually got queasy with the choppy water, so she headed back to the boat. I stayed out till 2:30 which I thought was the last boat and that was the only other time I saw the photographer. As she was packing up. Ah well.

The trip back they gave us coffee and a "special" (translates = nasty) Christmas cake. It was fruit cake and I HATE fruit cake. But there was beer so I was good.

We bought a few of the professional photos, a couple gifts and relaxed the rest of the way in. It was really cool when then unfurled the sails to give us a boost of speed. I've discovered I really like ships.

Our Christmas feast consisted of cabernet, a cheese plate, mini croissants, apples, and a left over burrito. We then retired to common room for journaling and a movie, which was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.