No need to get crabby as Caitlin and Jackie catch crabs for dinner

Hello Everybody, It's been an exciting week here on Cow Point, Eleuthera. The three-day kayak trips began, SCUBA training started and Community Outreach took off. On Thursday, we had our first official Island School test, thanks to the good folks in the history department. The test covered the geology and formation of the Bahamas, with a little plate tectonics thrown in for good measure.

Cordwood work project

Friday began, as always, with the school dividing into work project groups and exercise teams. Half of us did work projects, such as cordwood masonry construction (maybe the only high schoolers in the world using this technique!), landscaping and painting, while the rest of us ran a challenging 4 miles. The Landscapers planted coconut palms and mahogany trees and were rewarded with generous blisters from digging in the limestone soil! The runners ran around the loop that travels through the old resort. For many students, it was the farthest we had ever run. Half marathon, here we come! We reversed roles on Saturday.

Charlie hydrates before kayaking

We also met with our research groups on Saturday. We went on field trips to nearby cays, to local residents, constructed reef balls (artificial reefs) and delved into more background information on our projects. That evening we planned a dance on the dining hall deck. Everyone danced, enjoyed ice-cold tang and snacked on the candy sent by parents. A few of us went crabbing and we caught five huge crabs. After the dance we had ice cream and then slept well, knowing we had a free day to wake up to.

Kayak 1 prepares for launch

Kayak 1 took off Monday morning as scheduled. Though the trip included experienced outdoorsmen and women, it was special. It brought the group together when times were rough and conditions seemed harsh. We had to be all right with the bugs and heavy tidal currents of the sea. There were bugs everywhere the first night, but we met their mental challenges and the second day proved breezy and comfortable. Despite the bugs, we can't wait for our next trip. Our group kept it together, and we finished as a team. The faculty bonded with us students and we set the standard high for all kayak trips to come! Also on Monday, the second kayak group started their PADI SCUBA certification course, both in the classroom and in the water. The rest of the school continued with their regular academic schedule and will kayak and scuba next week.

Group hug at sunrise

Jolanda: Hi Ava, Aunt Ester, Towarr, Uncle Anthony, "Spread the News"

Mike C.: Hey Mom, Dad, Chris, Daisy, hope you guys are well. Chris, L'ville beat Peddie! Everybody at L'ville, "What's Up?"- See all you guys in December.

Ryan: Hi to the best parents ever. My big bro, I look up to you. Mimi and Gramps, thanks. Hello to the fam. What's up HOHN? Hey Sheista. Hi to Em and the Hill.

Sara's birthday, 17 on 17

Nina: Miss all you guys! Write letters! School: Give me all the gossip, Home: Ariel and Em, will try to write more. Love you Mom, Dad, Andrew, Liz, Kirby, Molly and Minnie!