This was a difficult shot. I was hanging out of a helicopter on a harness, doing my level best to avoid shooting the helicopter�s blades and skids. But it was more than worth it. The day was perfect, as clear as crystal right to the horizon. The blues and greens were rich like a jewel, and the marbled patterns of the reef were beyond compare. The tiny heart-shaped feature (which gives this reef its name) can be seen here in the upper right of the main pool. And in the far distance, clearly visible as a ribbon of blue, the so-called �Ocean River� wends its way towards the open sea. This is a scene I will never forget, one of the greatest treasures of Australia�s magnificent north.