The boat was a rockin’ and Caleb’s toes went a knockin’ last night. We traveled from the Great Barrier Reef to Osprey Reef, over 70 miles, with a drive time of 10 to 12 hours. We’re not sure if it’s broken, but it definitely changed colors. I’m glad it’s not his big toe because we have diving to do. We are in the water at 7:20am for 54 minutes, averaging 27ft. We see black trevally, maxima clams, striped eel catfish, bulbnose unicornfish, and twinspot snapper. Before breakfast, we have time to entertain some of the other divers with stories about standing watch and bathing in the Navy.

Our next dive is a bit of a controversial one, so it was nice to find some comments from former crew and divers from Mike Ball. The employee says that the company feeding the sharks is like throwing a few crumbs to the birds (not enough to satiate them and make them dependent) and that the groups going down are respectful of the marine life. The dive brief says we’ll be sitting in a natural amphitheater to watch the show at 40-ish feet, but what disturbed me was the tank in front of me crushing coral (even if this place is used for that, perhaps like the one formation you can touch in a cave).

It’s difficult to be at all comfortable with this when divers go to see nature vs what is done in an aquarium while destroying part of what we’re trying to protect. Kerrin goes down with us after we all sign a special waiver, and Marita drives the small boat with the bucket. There was apparently a mishap as the feeding frenzy took place many meters above our heads, but it provided us with an excellent view of their silhouettes. With that done, we are free to continue exploring. I average 31ft and see banded goatfish and forcepsfish along with lingering sharks and the one cod for the other 40 minutes of our dive.

Caleb goes to lie down while I fill up on leftover key lime pie squares and coffee with cocoa and milk. I’m tired too, but it’s nice being the only person in the dining room. I don’t need lunch, but someone has to eat the pizza, pasta, wings, and watermelon. Maria suggests I make a plate for her to save for Caleb. Just as I’m debating whether I’m going to join him in slumber, Caleb is up and prepping for the next dive at Admiralty Anchor, where I see Harlequin sweetlips and mushroom coral. There are shirts and leggings, etc available for sale when we get back, so I try on two shirts to find the right size, and Caleb will get a shirt and hoodie (since I’ve been wearing his).

I brought a waterproof jacket that we bought specifically for diving (like the matching green ones with puffy liners at home) but want something soft against my skin. Getting supplied to be underwater seems easier than figuring out all the gear needed to survive the to, from, and in-between. I read, and he knits, mixed in with conversation and a ginger beer, thanks to Neil. Caleb was asleep when we had the choice between duck, fish, and risotto for dinner, and he didn’t stick around for dessert, profiteroles with ice cream, tonight either.