Today began in much the same way that any other day at the GRC begins. We awoke from our restless sleep after having woken up multiple times in the night due to the thick, moist (ewwwwwwwww) heat and our lovely neighbors reminding us to “don’t stop believing” in A minor at two in the morning. The Wittenberg Crew stumbled in to the 5-star cafeteria where we were greeted to a lovely layout of the “extra deliciousness” we have become accustomed to. For those who believe that the Bahamas trip was nothing but fun and games… YOU WERE WRONG!!!
data collection on the reef
We started today by collecting data for our research projects which we will complete upon returning to Witt in the fall. The majority of the groups conducted their research at sand dollar reef while a smaller group continued on to collect data at bonefish bay. During our data collection we were able to yet again experience the beautiful tropical reefs of San Salvador which keep us so enthusiastic about learning day after day. As our data collecting came to an end we returned to the GRC briefly for lunch before heading back out to the south east tip of San Salvador where we were to swim miles and miles across the thunderous waves of the sea (ok maybe a couple meters or two through calm and shallow waters) from Snow Bay to High Cay. High Cay is the largest of a small chain of cays which consist of High Cay, Middle Cay, and yup you guessed it… Low Cay. High Cay is supposedly where Christopher Columbus first caught a glimpse of the “new world” before making landfall on the main island of San Salvador the next day.
looking at the osprey nest and the ocean
The water along the beaches of Snow Bay reminded us of a warm and welcoming Jacuzzi, which was not as appreciated as you may think, especially on this cool 910 day. As we began the long swim across the bay Coco Thunder and Poseidon became proud fathers of the ocean along the way their sons names were Jeffery and Bumper who were two pompano fish which decided they would accompany the group for the entire swim across the bay. Arriving at High Cay did not come without its casualties; several individuals of the Witt Crew suffered from minor stings from the hydroids hiding in the turtle grass along the way and unhappily found that we had forgotten to bring the vinegar with us on the trip. We then proceeded to hike around the base of the cay to the backside where we hiked up a steep brush covered slope. Upon reaching the summit we observed an osprey nest and the Atlantic Ocean for as far as the eye can see; we could even observe the curvature of the earth from this viewpoint. Looking out across this vast expanse of water knowing the next body of land you would be able to see is Africa made us all feel a little small. After a group photo at the summit we began our decent to the beach where we had left all of our gear after the swim.
group photo on High Cay
However we didn’t leave until resting for a little while in the small tiki hut that had previously been built on the beach. After the long hot swim back to the truck we were running a little late so as soon as we were packed JW showed us his true skills as a NASCAR driver working the truck through its gears as if he were racing in the Daytona 500. We made it back to the GRC only slightly late for dinner but in plenty of time for the first of the group phylum presentations. Bahamas <3.
inside the tiki hut
-written by Coco Thunder (Will McKelvey ’10) and Jonny Bravo (Lewis Hebert ’12)
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Sounds like a great adventure,the landscape there is beautiful I bet its breath taking in person keep up the good work I love the group picture great job on it you all look happy.
today here in middletown started out with rain then mid day sun and more rain in the evening with thunder and lightning.
I look forward to every post keep them coming.
Love you kathi and jenmo mis you both very much
six more days and you will be home
Well it is 1238 a.m. and I kept checking, checking, checking, and here the blog is!!!! Wow! What a day for all of you WittBahamians! Great pictures and once again great blogs. The scenery is beautiful!!! I hope the Witt Crew that got stung by the hiding hydroids are feeling better (I have to look that one up-hydroids) Once again a great group shot. Please keep those pictures and group shots coming. The Ospreys nest is huge! We have seen Osprey nests at Pickerington Ponds and they are no where that size. It is storming here right now with quite a bit of lightening. Im sure you all are resting for tomorrows great adventure!I will keep checking, checking, checking for the next blog…Thanks so much for posting for us…..
haha Sounds like a ton of fun. Jealous of all your tans and the beautiful pictures! Leaving tonight so this will be my last comment. But I miss youu! Have an amazing last week! And keep emailing! I’ll try to get to a computer to check. BTW went to a soccer game party last night to watch the US vs. England game. Great game! Got soo into it! haha I know…I was into a soccer game, weird. But it was fun. Was the only one there cheering for the US. hahaha which was probably the reason I got so into it, just the chance to argue with everyone who said we sucked. lol We did not suck tho! We tied 1-1. Pretty good I’d say.
Hope your loving the heat!
I sure am :/ haha Can’t wait to see you!
Miss you.
Leah
Dear Lewis,
Lil and I are off to ME this chilly, cloudy day. Good driving weather. I bet all of you could stand a little chilly weather in the low 60s for a bit.
I love the blogs. When the honeymoon is over is when you will learn the most about yourselves. This trip is great!!! Keep taking lots of photos. It’s great to see what you are seeing/seaing, but I like to see you (all of you) the most. I wish I could see the octopus. I could miss the Hammerhead though. Photos of that are fine.
We’re off to continue our east coast shuffle. I’m sending hugs and kisses.
Love, Mom
Hey Ben!
Thanks for the emails! I will reply tomorrow after work, so you will have an email for Tuesday! I am assuming it will be the last one?!? There is not much new here other than work. Jake and my dad have been into the World Cup, and I napped during the game haha. Nebraska joined the Big Ten, I am guessing you dont get much news down there. I have just been doing homework and recovering from camp this weekend. Well that is all, I will see you in a few days!! Enjoy your last few days down there
Kara
Hello Will,
Love reading all of the blogs. Love seeing all of your pictures. Thank you and Jonny Bravo for the descriptions of what seems to have been another great day in San Salvador. Can you believe that you have only 3 more days before WE SEE YOU and your San Salvador tan (SMILE)?
Love, Mom and Dad