Little Known Australian Fact

Pioneer · 06-11-09, 06:40 PM

But you won't read about this in any history books.

Prior to leaving England, Captain James Cook was short a lookout. The only person left in the docks was a drunk named Barry. He was "encouraged" to join and the ship set sail.

On 11 June 1770 Barry was in the crows nest on duty, however, it was well known that he tended to sneak a drink every now and then. On this day he was inebriated as Cook made his way up the Queensland coast.

"I say," said Cook. "How's the water look from up there."
"Clear sailing Captain" came the reply. Cook stood mighty and proud on the foredeck surveying the new land when suddenly, the ship shuddered to a stop accompanied by the sounds of wood splintering. Cook raced to the side of the boat and looked over the side, and in the water below, spied more coral then he had ever seen in his life.

Upset at the lookout he turned and waved his fist towards the crows nest and shouted...

"Great Barry, a reef."

And thus it came to be that Captain Cook, reknown navigator, discovered the single largest coral colony....by running aground on it.

Happy 239th birthday to the Great Barrier Reef.

bookworm_020 · 06-11-09, 09:10 PM

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

We still have the cannon he ditched over the side to make shore.

TarJak · 06-11-09, 09:27 PM

06-12-09, 12:13 AM

:rotfl::rotfl:

Jimbuna · 06-12-09, 12:11 PM

I-25 · 06-13-09, 04:04 PM

well better it be called that than the great Bernadian reef...

06-11-09, 06:40 PM	#1
Pioneer Stinking drunk in Trinidad Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: AU in the USA Posts: 349 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Little Known Australian Fact But you won't read about this in any history books. Prior to leaving England, Captain James Cook was short a lookout. The only person left in the docks was a drunk named Barry. He was "encouraged" to join and the ship set sail. On 11 June 1770 Barry was in the crows nest on duty, however, it was well known that he tended to sneak a drink every now and then. On this day he was inebriated as Cook made his way up the Queensland coast. "I say," said Cook. "How's the water look from up there." "Clear sailing Captain" came the reply. Cook stood mighty and proud on the foredeck surveying the new land when suddenly, the ship shuddered to a stop accompanied by the sounds of wood splintering. Cook raced to the side of the boat and looked over the side, and in the water below, spied more coral then he had ever seen in his life. Upset at the lookout he turned and waved his fist towards the crows nest and shouted... "Great Barry, a reef." And thus it came to be that Captain Cook, reknown navigator, discovered the single largest coral colony....by running aground on it. Happy 239th birthday to the Great Barrier Reef. __________________ An AU writer marooned in the USA. The American Pioneer story continues @ www.grantmadden.com Latest publication: Chicken Soup for the Soul Angels and Miracles

06-11-09, 09:10 PM	#2
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: We still have the cannon he ditched over the side to make shore. __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

06-12-09, 12:11 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,532 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	__________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

06-11-09, 09:27 PM	#3
TarJak Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,052 Downloads: 150 Uploads: 8

06-12-09, 12:13 AM	#4
darius359au Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	:rotfl::rotfl:

06-13-09, 04:04 PM	#6
I-25 Commodore Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 629 Downloads: 27 Uploads: 0	well better it be called that than the great Bernadian reef...