In the evening, students shared progress reports from their research, with promises of more to come in the fall. We all packed up and got ready for the long trip home, and there was one final movie night of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Friday morning began with our last pancake breakfast (boy, we’ll miss those!) and a glorious sunrise that was greeted by many students on the old Coast Guard lookout post on North Point. 

Getting ready to head out from the GRC

After loading our gear on the truck for one last ride, we took one more group photo at the GRC and began the long trip home.  While waiting to check in to the San Sal airport, many students went across the street to Wendy’s (not that Wendy’s!) for an ice cream cone snack. The plane ride to Nassau was beautiful, with great views of the Exumas, Eleuthra, and Cat Island on the way over each of them.  We did have some turbulence just as we crossed onto the island of New Providence, but landed fine and got all our luggage this time!  After a long walk from the domestic terminal to the newly remodeled international terminal, we checked in at US Airways and got ready for the next wait… Customs and Immigration. 

Finally! Lunch in Nassau after the looong wait at Customs. And patriotic too!

After a very long line, we got cleared into the US and finally made it upstairs for a quick lunch (at 3:30 pm, after breakfast at 7:30!) before the flight to Charlotte.  From there, it was time for a quick dinner and then on to Columbus.

 

Students were greeted by a welcome home banner at the Columbus airport

It was a great trip.  Our time on San Salvador got off to a rough start with no luggage, but working through the difficulties together bonded the group.  Students pushed their comfort zones and did things they never thought they could–from swimming with sharks to swimming over the wall, going up in a lighthouse or down in a cave.  They learned as much about themselves as they did about the ocean.  We are proud of them and thank their parents for entrusting them to us for three weeks, and we hope that they enjoyed the trip as much as we did!

‘Til 2014, Bahamas out!

The Bonefish Bay researchers after their last day!

Hey there friends and family, its Allie, Christen, and Sara here! This morning we started off with a breakfast of eggs and muffins. At breakfast we said goodbye to our new friends from Gettysburg, but we were excited to see the weather looked nice for our rescheduled trip to Gaulin Reef.  This trip was taken in two groups.  In the morning all research groups working in the intertidal zones (hermit crab and brittle star groups) went out to get their last day of data and clean up all our equipment.  While some groups finished their work JW joined Gracie, Matt, and Andrea for a game of beach soccer.

A beautiful shot from Gaulin reef

The coral health, Christmas Tree Worm, and Chiton groups all took a short boat ride to the reef.  Some people were excited about our first boat trip and others were apprehensive about possibility of sea sickness.  However, once everyone got in the water all worries went away at the amazing site underneath.  The reef consisted of many types of corals including Elkhorn coral, which was a new sight to us. This first group described the reef to the second group as looking like a scene from our favorite movie, Finding Nemo. They were also excited to see a very large spiny lobster!

The large spiny lobster!

Both groups joined back together for a fabulous lunch of hamburgers and french fries, preferred much more than the usual pasta based meals.  After lunch, the group that first went to the reef enjoyed a much appreciated afternoon off to catch up on sleep or to study for the final coming up tomorrow morning.  The rest of us enjoyed our trip to Gaulin reef in the afternoon. We enjoyed the nice boat ride and were excited to see if what the morning group said was true.  We were very happy to find out it was.  We even got to see a small reef shark and a larger nurse shark.  Everyone was surprised at their initial reaction to hearing someone yell out “SHARK!” Rather than being scared and swimming away, we hurried to the site and were thoroughly interested to see a shark up close for the first time.  Everyone took turns diving under the water to get closer looks at the shark. Luckily, he was more scared of us than we were of him, and he hid under a large opening under the coral.  Matt and Ben eventually came over to the group talking about their favorite find of the day, a 5-6 foot Barracuda!

Yes, it's blurry, but this was our first up close shark sighting!

On the boat ride home, everyone was in awe of what we had just seen.  Many people described it as “magical,” or “the most amazing thing we had ever seen.”  We made it out of the water just in time, though, as the boat was being chased by a large rain storm. We got back to shore and on the truck just in time for a short, rainy ride back.  Luckily the thunder and lightning did not start until everyone was safely back at the GRC.  We all showered and spent time relaxing before a dinner of pork, mashed potatoes, corn, vegetable lasagna, and salad.

Instead of a regular class lecture, we had an exam review session.  We all spent the night studying for our final! Wish us luck tomorrow and we’ll be home to our families within the next 48 hours!

by Allie Perry ’15, Christen Nagy ’15, and Sara Fitch ’15

Students talking to Club Med Vacationers about their research

It’s been tough as the weather has been less than ideal for our research, strong currents and weird tides have been making it hard to get the data that we all desire. However we are staying positive and with the help of KR, JW and the always positive Dr. Phillips we are making good headway.  After a good morning of data collection we headed back to the GRC for some lunch and then……..waiting. As we said before the weather has been less than ideal so or plans for the day were pretty much up in the air.  We then decided one final trip to town to see the straw lady would be helpful and a nice way to spend the afternoon, so that’s what we did. About half the group went while the other half stayed to work on data analysis and to study for the final on Thursday.

Nothing beats a nice ride in the rain!

Once we got back we were all sitting around waiting in anxious anticipation for our dinner. However this was no ordinary dinner, we were being treated tonight to home cooked island food at the Short Stop. When the time rolled around we all pilled in the truck and drove to the Short Stop for some conch fritters, fresh fish, conch strips, chicken, rice, mac ‘n ‘cheese and cole slaw. Needless to say we all cleaned our plates and were very satisfied with a fantastic dinner. Once dinner was done the card games began, students played a few games of euchre and uno. After a while the group called it a night and took a nice walk back to the GRC and enjoyed the beautiful night sky.

Students enjoying a feast at the Short Stop

by Ben Dotson ’14 and Matt Schramm ’14

Juvenile Queen Conchs were plentiful at Blackwood Bay

Personally, it was a very exhilarating experience being in the same water as a shark that was almost as long as we are tall. But have no fear parents, Nurse Sharks are friendly and tend to favor the taste of molluscs and crustaceans over a stray group of students.

We wrapped up our morning as the tide began to rise, and we all loaded back up on the truck and headed to Monument Beach for a picnic lunch. After we filled our bellies and made a quick stop in Cockburn Town, we headed off up the road to a new site, Sue Point Reef. We arrived to find the water a little rougher than anticipated, but the adventurers were not discouraged and headed out into the surf to either conduct research or explore the reef.

This little guy gave us a show, and even stopped to pose for a few pictures

This being our first time ever snorkeling this site, not even KR, JW or Dr. Phillips knew what to expect. But to our surprise and delight, the coral health research group happened upon a Hawksbill Sea Turtle! This was personally the highlight of our (Dani and Hannah) trip so far, especially since the turtle was not the least bit camera-shy!

Today provided us with a great opportunity to apply all of our identification skills that we have learned through both class and previous field experiences. We were able to test our knowledge with all of the molluscs, algae, corals, arthropods, fish and other organisms seen at both sites. This opportunity was greatly appreciated because although many of us are beginning to shift our thoughts towards heading home to our loved ones, we must remain focused and prepare for our final exam that is taking place Thursday morning. This trip has taught us all very valuable lessons. Whether it’s dealing with adversity or differentiating between a Blue Striped or French Grunt, we all have learned at least one thing that we will remember for the years to come.

Students explore the underside of a rock with JW at Blackwood Bay

As this day comes to a close, we would like to inform our families that we are all having a great time here at the GRC, but are all anxious to return home and share our experiences with you. We appreciate all of your blog comments and emails, and we will see you soon!

by Dani Wert ’14 and Hannah Hupp ‘14

Dani, Ben, and Hannah conversing with the Club Med couple about brittle stars

After we had our lunch of grilled cheese and soup we headed out to the south end of the island for a long swim to High Cay. It was a long, bumpy ride sure to be well worth it! We arrived at the beach and crossed over the sand dune, ready to take on the challenge. However, the water was too rough to attempt the crossing to High Cay. We weren’t too eager to hop back on to the truck and ride all the way back so soon, so we hung out and explored the beach and got even tanner! This beach was different because there were numerous conch shells strewn throughout the sand and water. Stubbed toes were a common sight. The ladies tanned along the beach, while the men skipped conch shells along the waves and played our favorite game “beached whale”.  After an hour of lolly-gagging, we headed back on to the truck back to the research center. But this was no ordinary truck ride. Something happened that has never happened on this trip. That’s right; we all broke in to song! For the hour long truck ride back to the GRC, many songs were sung, including Don’t stop Believing, I Wanna Talk About Me, and Wagon Wheel. Yours truly (Ed) became very enthusiastic when singing “Dirty Pop” by N’Sync.

Beached whales at their finest

Sun, sand, and smiles from the Bahamas!

We arrived back at the centre in time for dinner and some well-deserved naps. After we had our night class, we normally look over the pictures taken throughout the day. What some might not have suspected was that KR was taking videos of us singing on the truck. We’re sure you can guess what happened next. Oh yes, we watched all the videos of the truck ride! After that, half the class decided to call it a night and went to bed while others stayed in the classroom and watched Pixar’s UP.

We learned a lot from the experiences of today. We can’t control what Mother Nature has in store for the day and field exercises don’t always work out as planned or expected. We had to make the most with the cards we were dealt and do the best we could! In the end, it was a great day and much was learned by everybody! We wish you well from the Bahamas; this has been Ed and Tim. Thanks for tuning in!

by Ed Young ’15 and Tim Weissman ’14

Hello blog readers! This is Michelle and Aly writing the blog today. As our research projects are underway, today was mostly devoted to gathering data. We had an early start at 8am, having to fill our bellies quickly before hopping on the truck to be dropped off at our destinations. Here’s a brief explanation of our research project details. The Coral Reef health group is evaluating corals using a square meter grid, taking pictures of each square and measuring the individual corals inside the grid. Later, they will calculate the percent coral in each grid.

Aly, Kayla, and Nicki hard at work!

Two groups are looking at distribution and aggregation of hermit crabs in rocky intertidal zones, which involves painting many shells with various nail polish colors. The boys really enjoy this time for personal manicures! One of the brittle star research teams is investigating distribution, while the other is testing their reaction under different light conditions. Our biggest group of five students is studying coral preference of Christmas Tree Worms by lying several transects and counting all the worms within the area. The final group is looking at distribution of chitons. These projects require a variety of tides and locations, which means we are in different places at different times. Unfortunately, a Green Turtle sighting occurred with only one group present, but they came back with pictures as evidence!

Hoping to see another before we go!

After lunch we headed out as a group, which is a rare occurrence these days! Our destination was Snapshot Reef, which are familiar waters as it was our fourth time in the area but today was especially beautiful since the sun rays were beaming into the water. This also provided time for the Christmas Tree Worm group to gather more data for their research while the rest of us simply enjoyed the view and identifying all the creatures we’ve been learning about.

As you may imagine, the second half of this trip has been flying by! This may be due to the fact that we’ve had to face new challenges in conducting independent research projects, and rarely have any down time. However, the occasional break is much appreciated! This is where the true hard work comes in and many students are discovering it takes a certain amount of determination and stubbornness in order to gather data in the field on a daily basis. We are learning how to be flexible and deal with undesirable working conditions. It’s safe to say that the majority of the group is eager to get home to the families we miss, but once we do we will definitely miss this awesome experience.

by Aly Saba ’14 and Michelle Brumm ’15

Preparing to swim to the wall

This morning started off in hopeful anticipation of the quarter-mile swim from Snapshot to the wall—the point at which the beautiful blue-green water that the Caribbean is known for changes abruptly to a vast blue underwater cliff. The weather was perfect for the journey, with rays from the sun glistening through the water down over the wall. We saw a multitude of Black Durgon, Ocean Triggerfish, and Creole Wrasse. We were very excited to get this once in a lifetime opportunity to glance into a world we don’t usually get to see!

Over the wall at Snapshot!

Some students were nervous at first to swim over the wall, but once we got there, everyone was excited by the view. A large group photo shoot was immediately taken underway and came to a halt only when a large Great Barracuda swam by to investigate. We tucked all our shiny jewelry away and watched in awe as he circled the group and disappeared into the murky blue. We continued to snorkel around the wall until KR, JW and Phillips called us back to begin the return swim to the truck.

Gracie coming up from a dive over the wall!

After lunch, we split into our research groups and began working on our projects for the afternoon. At Bonefish Bay, the high tide inhibited a few of the research groups (specifically groups studying the hermit crabs), which means they get to rise bright and early tomorrow to arrive at low tide. Alex and Jon discovered that two of their marked chitons had moved into the same crevice! The Christmas Tree Worm group counted a total of 25 worms on one Fire Coral! Overall, we are making good progress on our projects.

We got back just in time for dinner and then went to class to listen to two organism group presentations. Tomorrow will be filled with more research opportunities and some spare time to complete outside assignments.

Trying to avoid the no-see-ums,

Gracie Winzeler  ’13 and Nicki Perry ‘14

Aly, Nicki, and Kayla performing research at Sand Dollar

The morning group faced some rough water out at Sand Dollar Reef. Luckily, everyone was still able to collect data for their research projects.  The coral reef conservation group took good pictures to analyze later and the Christmas Tree worm group found over a hundred worms!! Hallie and Adrianna also found a very large Coral Crab. He was hiding in a hole that he was way too large for.  We tried to pry him out gently with a stick.  He did not want to come out and play.

This is what we call a Christmas Tree Worm Farm

When the afternoon rolled around, it wasn’t quite low tide, so the groups had to hang out and wait for a little while.  Doing these projects have taught us all patience, and that not everything is easy or turns out like you expect it.  After a little delay, the groups got right to work.  The projects for the low tide folks consist of hermit crabs and brittle stars.  They all gained much ground on their projects.

A bright red Coral Crab hiding in a small hole trying to stay out of the powerful waves

After some last minute cramming, our exam was administered. Many found this exam more difficult than the previous, but we are all still confident in our newly gained knowledge.  Once students were done with their exams, they were asked to leave the class room to allow others to finish.  But as soon as you walked out the door you were greeted by a giant swarm of mosquitoes.  Many students were doing some funky dance moves to keep the bugs away.  But at the end of the day we all reassembled to read y’alls comments and bond by watching movies, doing crafts, and telling funny stories.  We have all become very close and are getting to know more about each other every day.  Tonight we will rest up for our swim to the drop off tomorrow.  Most students are excited while some others are apprehensive.  More dude points could be earned tomorrow.  I hear that Dr. Phillips gives great pep talks when it comes to the wall. Hopefully his inspiration gives students courage.

by Adrianna McDaniels ’15 and Hallie Donathan ’13

The group preparing to head off for Man Head Cay

The group began their day by mentally preparing themselves for the swim from Rice Bay to Man Head Cay. Having been to Rice Bay before, this was familiar territory. Swimming all the way to a nearby cay, however, was something else. On the way, we saw a “Great” great barracuda and a large sand tilefish (seen only by our very own Nicki Perry). After our landing, we prepared for our ascent up the side of the cay. On the top, we saw breath-taking views of San Salvador Island, including the Dixon Hill Lighthouse which we visited only a few days ago.

The twins, once again in solitude, watching the birds

In addition to the large amount of plants on Man Head Cay, we also had the unique experience to observe the rare species of iguana native to San Salvador. Males were easily spotted since their red backs stood out against the grey rocks while they sun bathed. Females and their young were less easily spotted because of their more camouflaged appearance. While walking towards the end of the Cay, many students were surprised by a number of bridled terns angrily defending their roosts. Students were within feet of the birds and were able to observe various behaviors. While using the binoculars, a small group of students witnessed a battle between two birds over food.

The San Salvador rock iguana

The group ended their day with a quick climb down the cay and another long swim back to Rice Bay. Later in the afternoon students split up into their research groups to continue their projects on Sand dollar Reef or Bonefish Bay. Gordon was pleased to not have any more battle wounds from his enemy, the fire coral, although there was another close call. Some students were treated to a sighting of a sea turtle, while others had the amusement of watching a Black Durgeon swim sideways in shallow water. Around four o’clock, a tired group of students trekked back into the dorms for a cold shower and dinner.

Students spent the evening watching Blue Planet: Coral Seas, an excellent break from the past few days. Tomorrow we have a test, so many of us will spend the night studying and dreaming of the birds we learned about recently. Parents and friends, send us your luck, we are all hoping for A’s tomorrow!

by Andrea Rodriguez ’15 and Gordon Li ‘14

The remains of what once was a massive brain coral

As we were exploring the ancient reef, we were amazed to find various shells and imprints of organisms cemented into the hard rock.  It was such a remarkable experience to observe the remains of organisms that we have been studying the living form of over the past week.

While all the students were having a wonderful time exploring, Dr. Phillips, being the Debby Downer that he is, announced that we would now be having a “pop field quiz” on the various snails that we had observed the day before.  While waiting in line to be quizzed by KR, students frantically picked up several organisms from the site and quizzed each other on what they were. Many students did very well, but the experience taught us all to stay on our toes when it comes to keeping up to date on field experiences.

Sara showing KR her vast knowledge of nerites and periwinkles

Due to us all acing the pop quiz, obviously, we were rewarded with a trip to town and a visit to the “straw basket lady.”  While in town, students bought several snacks, souvenirs, and even some gifts for all you people back home.

After lunch, all of the research groups headed out to their respective sites to continue work on their research projects.  The data collected for the day provided much headway for our projects and is sure to leave us with much to analyze.

Students browsing through the amazing creations of Mary at the straw market

We finished off the day with a lecture from Dr. Phillips on the native birds of San Salvador.  It was refreshing to learn about an organism that lived outside of the ocean.  Overall, the day showed us that San Salvador has many beautiful and extraordinary things to offer, both in and out of the water.

by Kayla Ward ’15 and Sean O’Regan ‘15