Alpha 2 & Tango 2, Day 3: A Hike and Beach Time at the Bight
Written by Claire Lennarz
Edited by Meredith Evridge
This morning we awoke moored at the breezy and beautiful Bight on Norman Island! The Alpha fleet crew started the day off on the right foot with a big breakfast buffet that included scrambled eggs and tropical fruits. Once all stomachs were filled to the brim, Open Water Divers then shuttled to the dive boat for a morning of diving.
The rest of the students embarked on a short but steep hike to the helipad overlooking the Bight. It was a great stretch for our legs and a lovely view to reward us for our hard work. Upon reaching the top, we played games such as “Oh Captain, My Captain!” and “Where the Wind Blows!” These games make everyone jump in and get involved, including the staff, so all had a blast in the breeze. After taking some photos with the beautiful backdrop behind us, we began the walk back down to the beach. Students had the choice to play beach games such as gigantic Jenga, or toss Frisbees around. There was a chance to go inner-tubing as well! Some opted to take the Colgate 26 out, refining their small boat sailing skills. There was a beach bar with refreshing drink to cool them down from the Caribbean sun as well! In between these exciting activities, many relaxed in the shallow and clear waters, chatting and chilling.
Understandably, this morning of fun made students very ready for a big lunch. The fun was wrapped up (just for now!) and all were taken back to their boats. Those on lunch prep for each boat prepared a truly delicious sausage pesto pasta with broccoli (gluten free and vegetarian options were available, too!) and everyone enjoyed this meal immensely.
After this mid day re-fuel, Open Water went back to shore to complete confined water skills. All other members of Alpha motored about ten minutes over to the Indians, a tiny reef, for a fish ID lesson and snorkel! After learning about what kinds of creatures are native to that area, everyone put on their snorkel gear. As a group, we enjoyed spotting turtles, eels, sea urchins, and butterfly fish. It’s a wonderful world under the sea. Post-snorkel, we motored back to the Bight and redistributed everyone back to their home boats.
Boat showers ensued, in all their soapy and splashy glory. As the salt was rinsed away, the crew let dinner prep know that they’d need to begin cooking. Tonight’s dinner was mashed potatoes and barbequed chicken! Another amazing meal prepared by amazing campers. After a fun day of sun, salt, and budding friendships, Alpha Fleet cleaned their boats, had a boat meeting with some more “getting to know you” games, and crawled into bed.
