Tag: Green Island

We are knee deep in props at the moment, troubleshooting mechanical issues (number one skill required for haunts for sure), finishing up this year’s new additions and installing a small truckload of batteries (easily over 600 range). Thanks to immense help from my brother Ron, I dare say we are either ahead or minimally on plan – I am cautious as we are ALWAYS working it right up to when the guests start arriving (Brad can confirm). This year, Linda added in a two day break from the prep work for a little relaxation and that started today. We our now in St Louis to see our favorite band AC/DC!! (technically tomorrow night). Since the tickets were purchased nearly a year ago, we have been keeping our fingers crossed both Angus and Brian would make it to the concert date – only 24 hrs left to worry ha. There has been a front-band change as the Pretty Reckless was a late swap out for the Foo Fighters – technically a trade up in star power, but we were really looking forward to seeing little Cindy Lou rock it out (link here – yes, that is Taylor Momsen). While Linda and I enjoy the remaining hours before near deafness , Brad is going to take the helm and bring you another adventure from their trip Down Under. Take care everyone and “For those about to rock, we salute you!” (link here).

Every now and then when Jan and I are photographing birds, I’m certain I know what the bird is.  At least I think I am.  That’s the case here, sort of.  However, I wasn’t even present when most of these photos were taken this time.  Let me explain.

Jan and I had gone different directions while on assignment in Cairns (pronounced “cans”) Australia.  Seeing the Great Barrier Reef was one of my life goals.  That is, until the marine forecast called for 2-meter (6 foot) waves and a very small boat.  I decided to stay on solid ground and keep breakfast down while Jan decided to brave the 2-meter waves on the Coral Sea to go see the Great Barrier Reef. 

The excursion catamaran took Jan to Green Island, about 27 kilometers, or 45 minutes off the coast of Australia perched atop the Great Barrier Reef.  The sea was quite rough that day so Jan decided not to snorkel.  Plus, she had one of our cameras, so snorkeling was really out of the question.  Besides, we left our underwater camera at home for this adventure.  (Small disclosure, we’ve seen and photographed many coral reefs in the past, and this one looked to be similar to the other ones, so I didn’t feel too horrible about missing it, even though it is the Great Barrier Reef.)  Jan opted to leave the big glass (200-500mm) in the hotel room, in favor of the small travel lens (18-200mm) because it was a bit easier to handle and keep dry on a small rocking boat.

Green Island is only accessible by boat or helicopter.  It is populated strictly by tourists during the day, or by a few lucky souls staying overnight at the resort.  There is a small resort that guests would stay over for a night or two, a couple of restaurants and bars, and limited shopping on the small island. 

There are no permanent residents.  Most of the island has partially paved trails, some raised wooden decking, and sand beaches completing the circuit around the island.  You can circle the island by alternating between the beach and the trails.  Green Island is small enough (1.6km or about 1 mile circumference) to casually walk completely around in under an hour if you don’t stop to take dozens (or hundreds) of bird photos.  Jan found most of the tourists stayed near the shopping areas and were not on the trails or the beaches furthest away from the pier.

The early prediction market odds are leaning to “you might get this ID wrong”. Take your guess, put your money down and hit the jump to see if you are today’s winner!