So, I have just come back from the best dive in Australia and one of the Top 10 in the world. And to be honest, it sucked. Just kidding! It was incredible: I was so excited to get out "on my own" and dive the Yongala wreck. It was a choppy ride out to the site (3 hours of choppy water) but once we were there, it was right into the water. I was so focussed on descending properly that all of a sudden, I was hovering over the wreck. And I fell in love! Don't get me wrong, I loved diving in the Great Barrier Reef but, to come up on a ship that was at one time on the surface and a part of everyday life, and is now sitting 30 meters under water... well, I loved the experience. I was told that the site looked like it was on steroids and Corey, you were right. Everything is big and in your face: it can be hard to focus. It was incredible to see the abundance of marine life all clinging to a ship that at one time, had human life clinging to it. Very powerful.
The Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911 with the unfortunate loss of all 122 on board. The ship sits in the middle of the sandy ocean so of course it attracts marine life from the area. I didn't see all the animals I had expected but I did see lots of fish, a turtle and sea snakes. It was beautiful. But I was so overcome with just seeing my first wreck: what a sight. Ryan, you are going to have to come diving with me! An expert on nautical archaeology will definately come in handy!
It was a spectacular day. I completed another two Adventure courses, Wreck and Boat, so I am now at the Advanced level. I am so happy! And I was even told that I would make a great instructor: that compliment was so much appreciated and just helped to boost my confidence. I want to dive everywhere now: oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds. I would even go back to the pool! I have found my calling - the thing I most love to do! What a brilliant feeling!
Unfortunately, I won't be diving for a bit. Next up is Airlie Beach where I will go on a 3 day sailing boat to the Whitsunday Islands. That should be nice: hopefully I can get out and snorkel. Then, it will be an overnight bus to Hervey Bay to begin a 4 day Fraser Island 4WD tour. So the next week will be busy and hopefully I can keep you all in the loop. If not, well, talk to you from Noosa.
Happy Thanksgiving Day everyone! This year has made me ever more cognisant of what I am thankful for: my wonderful, supportive and loving family, many great and unique friends from all over the world, the opportunity to travel and grow, and the support of everyone I have met. You are all part of the journey and I wish you all the best!
Love, Lisa
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