'Roo too!

Apparently my last post did not include enough information for some readers. You see, the shark sighting was really quite terrifying, but Conor and I managed to keep a cool head. The fin belonged to what we believe to have been a bull shark. Check out this National Geographic video for more information and a close up view:



After much story-telling and discussion, many locals agree that we should have reported the spearos when we reached shore. Apparently this group of men was acting quite careless - they should have informed the other divers and snorkelers in the area of their actions, as well as the shark sighting. Luckily I caught sight of the fin soon after the spearos did. The shark was only 30-35 feet from us at that point. Can you imagine if we had not seen the shark and stayed in the water? Catching a glimpse of a fin is one thing. Coming nose to nose with a 500 pound predator is another animal all together.

After Conor jumped back in the kayak, we got settled and attempted to rationally discuss the commotion taking place around us. We stared down into the water and watched the fish for a few minutes. They did not seem to be disturbed and were still hanging around the coral and rocks. In hindsight, we wish we had seen the shark again. It's probably better that we didn't though. We don't know how long he was or if he had friends with him - but it would have been cool to check him out a bit more. We floated in the kayak about five feet from a large rock, looking for the beast, prepared to jump from the kayak if necessary. I told Conor I was ready to paddle back to shore. He wanted to stay out in the water for a while longer. I figured we should paddle as hard as we could while the spearos toyed with the shark.

Snorkeling takes a lot out of you. After paddling for about five or ten minutes my arms felt like they were going to fall off. I was dead weight in the kayak. (That's probably one of Conor's favorite nicknames for me - this time it was spot on.)

While hanging out on Stradbroke we were lucky enough to see a handful of other animals up close. While hiking we saw a number of dolphins swimming and jumping along the coast. We also saw a turtle pushed inland by the tide. On our way back from the coast/beach we came across a kangaroo standing in the middle of our path. He was a small guy, about as tall as Conor, and absolutely beautiful. He hopped away slowly and continued to stare at us from the bush for a few minutes before tucking his head back into the weeds.

Conor wants to go back to Stradbroke again this weekend. One day was not enough. I think we might try to get our hands on a tent and camp out the next time we head to the island. It is raining in Brisbane now and unfortunately, the bad weather is supposed to continue for the remainder of the week. Maybe we will wait another couple weeks before we head for the ocean.

On a brighter note, Annie and Jamie Parks are coming to visit in June. Just this week we (Annie) booked an apartment on Hamilton Island for the four of us for three nights. We have definite plans to see the Great Barrier Reef! Snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing galore in early July - I cannot wait! It will also be very nice to welcome our first guests from the States!