We board the Spirit of Freedom for a short trek north to a nearby dive site (Norman Reef) for a couple of afternoon dives to do a gear check, clear out the cobwebs and get into the the rhythm and pace of diving (and dining) on the boat.

We made some tweaks to the gear and begin getting more comfortable with being back in the water. We do both afternoon dives at the Caves site on Norman Reef.

Coral provides coverage for the smaller fish from the next larger size fish up the food chain.

Larger fish are the ones moving about the reef, typically feeding off of the algae that grows on the coral animals as a partner in a symbiotic relationship.

Back onboard the crew prepares a really great dinner in a small galley area that rolls in constant motion with the boat and waves.

After dinner there is an overnight run further north to the Ribbon Reef sections of the Great Barrier Reef to continue our diving with a five dive day (including a night dive!) – we are a bit apprehensive…