Foxtrot 1 & Sierra 1 2015 – Day 20

written by Marine Science intern, Grace McKenna
July 11, 2015

Long Bay to Hodges via Fall Jerusalem

This morning started off with a 6a.m. staff motor to the Baths so that we could take vacant mooring balls early on as the mooring field at the Baths is a popular site. The students slept solidly through the journey, and everyone woke up around 8a.m. as we picked up mooring balls. David on Spyglass made everyone aboard delicious French toast for breakfast, and Mayra made a Spanish omelet that everyone loved!

Unfortunately, as we were preparing to head to shore, we got a call alerting us that there was a smack of sea wasps in the water, so we wouldn’t be able to get students ashore to the swim-up beach without someone getting stung! We averted to plan B, which was exploring Fallen Jerusalem, a small island just west of Virgin Gorda that features the same beautiful geological formations as the Baths. Everyone clambered ashore and begun exploring the more rugged terrain. Dylan, Vin, and Matt lead the hike around some huge boulders. Despite the jellyfish causing a change in plans, everyone still managed to have a fun adventure-filled morning.

After our hike, we headed back to boats for a lunch of leftovers. On Miss You, students made ham-and-grilled-cheeses, while spaghetti bolognaise was the menu item on Spyglass. Lunch was followed by a deep clean of the boats before we set sail for Hodges Creek Marina, our home base of operations. Once we arrived, students began program and staff evaluations. Everybody also took and passed their crew tests, and we had one student, Kayla, pass her bosun’s test!

For dinner, everyone had locally made rotis, a delicious Indian curry burrito. Then, we gathered for the Sierra students to give their final marine science presentations. Matt, Emily, and David presented their research on local water quality and the impact humans have on it. Mayra presented a qualitative analysis of feather dusters, followed by Liam and Aiden presenting their research on coral bleaching in the BVI. Then, we gave out paper plate awards! Spyglass won Chili Cook Off Theme, Olympic Dizzy Fender, Olympic Synchronized Swim, and Olympic Tug of War, while Miss You took home Chili Cook Off Taste and Olympic Sand Art. Lastly, each boat presented a skit highlighting the best and funniest moments of program. Miss You even performed a song for everyone while Spyglass had everyone on the floor laughing at their skit.

After the fun last day, everyone settled in to write each other airplane letters and enjoy their last evening together, getting ready to sadly leave tomorrow.

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