SS President Polk, Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has pulled in closer to us, and we frequently run very close alongside some scrub-covered coral island.

It is rumored that we are to meet the cruiser Pensacola at Thursday Island in Torres Strait tomorrow. A little protection will be quite welcome.

Going into Townsville yesterday we were inspected (in a rain) by a Wirraway (SNJ) and in the harbor itself was a Short Empire flying boat in from Darwin. This morning we were again inspected by a Short Sunderland.

Passed some very beautiful islets on the way north. They were formed of coral and surrounded by white sand beaches.

Have not seen any sharks or the seagoing crocodiles that are present in these waters.

Intermittent showers and sun.

Having a bit of trouble with the Army over the matter of sun-bathing. In applying restrictions to their own men, they try to include us. What a pantywaist outfit.