The Butterfly Waltz

I perhaps should have mentioned in the previous chapter (which I wrote yesterday) that, at time of writing, Far North Queensland is being subjected to the severe weather caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which has just a couple of days ago been downgraded to an ex-Tropical Cyclone. The low pressure system still remains, and is now bringing torrential rain to the area, resulting in extreme flooding. Roads are closed, businesses are shut, and it's all a bit hectic. The flood cameras speak for themselves, and it is very serious. It is normal in this part of Australia to see high rainfall, however this event is catastrophic and breaking records. I have the radio on in the background to stay informed. It is worth mentioning that this is Huguette and I's very first cyclone experience; earlier this week, we stayed at the Pullman International Hotel (which is where Huguette works) and whilst the cyclone itself was somewhat weaker than predicted, it is all this rain that the system is ...

You recall how I mentioned you would need snorkelling equipment for this entry? Well, it was because this time, we are headed underwater. And not just any water. We're talking the warm tropical seas off the coast of Cairns, Queensland. The very first time Huguette and I explored the Great Barrier Reef was on 5th August 2022, and I think it is not inaccurate to say that it was a life-changing experience for both of us. We departed Cairns early in the morning, and embarked on one of the big reef boats that operate these day trips (from memory, I believe the company was called Great Adventures). After a 40-minute-or-so boat ride, we arrived on tiny Green Island, which was to be our first stop of the day. There are fantastic snorkelling opportunities directly off the beach at Green Island, and we saw multitudes of colourful fish species in the tranquil, sunlit waters. One of the more common species that we encountered was the Lagoon Triggerfish ( Rhinecanthus aculeatus ), which we wou...