Update February 17

Sam and Sarah trying to figure it out!	Kayaking lesson with Christian

We've been here two weeks now, and activities are starting to come together. Today, Thursday, the first of the three kayak trips left. These trips will last for three days, in preparation for the eight-day kayak trips in April. The trips will teach us about camping, surviving in the wilderness, learning about he water, as well as the fundamentals of kayaking. The kayakers were very excited, although the weather looked a little intimidating. While they are away, two other groups will be doing academics and scuba rotations.

Scuba training involves confined-water practice of basic skills and handling of emergency situations. We learn how to put together and check our gear, how to clear a mask underwater-we're excited about getting our scuba certifications at the end of our training. Then we can go on longer and deeper dives, and maybe even a night dive!

As part of our science curriculum, on Wednesday a local surveyor came to talk to us about surveying, and we got to use the equipment to take measurements on a mangrove patch near school. We will use the figures we took yesterday to map the area in detail. The culmination of this project will be a three-dimensional model of a 40 by 200 foot section of the mangrove patch. This model will help us conclude whether it is possible to flood the area in order to increase tidal flow and save the plants.

Anthony showing the route	Tony talks about scuba preparation

Other science involves aquaculture, which at this stage means catching, measuring, and weighing fish. A lot of the students are really enjoy the excitement of baiting and hooking as well. During orientation, we caught a tankful of yellowtail snappers, which we have been feeding each morning and night. Now we can add our most recent catches to the empty tanks at the aquaculture center.

For now, that's all from Cape Eleuthera. The next kayak trip leaves next week, and another one before next weekend. Hello to all the parents and friends back in the states!

We miss you	How much does it weigh?