Little Known Australian Fact

[Pioneer]

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.