Birthday (Montgomery Reef)

Time and tide wait for no man. I hear Hamlet chime in dear reader, nor woman neither. Ah, yes, a little Shakespearean joke to begin our daily blog post. Ok, a very little joke. Still, it amused me and I, after all, am the master of this page. If that's OK with my editor (it's OK - Jayne).

Today is my editor's birthday which is part of the reason we are here. I am taking suggestions for next year's trip. All assistance gratefully received.

Not easy to see, but there is a sandbank between us and this ship

The tide, as you may have guessed, set the agenda of the day - again. The zodiac trips from the ship to Montgomery Reef commenced at 6:15am. Our disembarkation from the Le Lapérouse was at 6:30, while the last group headed out at 8:00am. No sleep in for us (again), especially since at 5:30am they required the side gang way to be down as a last resort measure in case it was too rough to load the zodiacs from the aft deck, the usual disembarkation spot. This second point of departure is immediately adjacent to our stateroom and unfortunately when they decided to deploy the stairs, they put them down - none too quietly. Anyway, my dedicated reader, you know I prefer mornings. 

We were warned last night at briefing that we would get wet. It was time to break out the spray jackets. Not to keep me dry, but to protect the camera because I was not bringing the backpack today. Despite the warning the trip across to the reef was quite calm. The swell was choppy but slight and the breeze was at our backs.

Montgomery Reef covers an area of around 400 square kilometres and is about 80 metres long. Nothing unusual there, reefs come in all shapes and sizes. It is the tidal movement that makes it unique in the world. Yes, there is nothing like this anywhere else in the world. The reef is subject to tidal movement of up to 10 metres which creates a torrent of water and numerous cascading waterfalls as water pours off the emerging reef. It is a haven for birds and turtles, both of which we saw in huge number this morning. It also provides the reef birds with an easy meal as they simply have to wander around the corals and pick up any fish left stranded by the receding tide.  They do this night and day - whenever the reef emerges from the sea waters.

At first glance the reef resembles a rock, but close up you can see it is a mass of different coral. The coral has created its own adaptation to survive. It produces an enzyme resulting in a mucus that is akin to a 50+ factor sunscreen which stops any potential bleaching. Apparently the smell of this enzyme is not so pleasant. Fortunately the breeze helped the smell diffuse this morning.

The journey back to the ship was not so dry although I've experienced far worse. It was certainly bumpy as the zodiac crashed through the swell into the wind. Adrian did an excellent job steering and minimised the effect of the splash that would normally have seen me drenched. I was fortunate enough to be sitting at the front. While we did stay dry, the salt from the spray left interesting patterns on our clothes.

We were back on board and seated at breakfast by 8:30am, which allowed time for showers and recovery as well as few minutes catching up with the blog. As I sit here waiting for lunch and inspiration for the today's title, sipping my G&T, I reflect on the fact that A.B. Facey did not have a fortunate life, but I certainly do.

I wanted to explore these rocks ... but , no. Not on the itinerary.

After a relaxing lunch and a few wines, I discussed the possibility of returning to the zodiac and heading to Raft Point. The landing was not going to be comfortable - rocks and oysters. I prefer my oysters on a plate with a vinaigrette or lemon juice. The general consensus of those around us was ... nuh. Too hot for a 45 minute walk that would not be fun in the scorching sun to see art work that was similar to what we have already seen. I opted to return to the air conditioned stateroom and complete my work for the day.

Do they look baked in the sun? Note the change in water colour.

Dinner tonight is another gala dinner, our last. We have opted out of formality for casual dining. Well, it is the editor's birthday and she gets to choose. Thankfully, she chose well. And it is the birthday sentiment that proves a winner for today's title, except we are not going to a party, party, we are dining quietly away form the glitz and glamour. The Birthday song is by the Beatles, but you knew that.

Raft Point is around the first headland.

When we returned form dinner, there was a little surprise awaiting Jayne.

Tomorrow we are heading for the Lacepede Islands. It is our last full day on board Le Lapérouse as the expedition cruise comes to its conclusion.

Until next time ... or Broome, when we will have a reliable internet connection.