Students with Daryl and their conch collection

This was a week chock full of assignments, tests and academic commitments. Wednesday morning we practiced SCUBA rescues at the marina and returned to our querencia spot for to complete the 2nd writing assignment we had for art class. After lunch we met up with the students from Deep Creek for Community Outreach. The afternoon included teaching the 4th grade how to use a snorkel and mask at the boys dorm beach.

Thursday began with our longest run yet - over 5 miles and the whole school finished strong. After chores and breakfast, we had our first Funk Box Auction. The funk box serves as a temporary storage place for anything lost, found or unclaimed. After awhile it becomes crucial to clean out, so David spearheaded an auction that allowed anyone to bid on the items inside. T-shirts, shoes, towels, etc. were up for grabs and were bid on with push-ups or sit-ups.

Kate teaches snorkelling

Our first English paper was due Friday morning before the festivities of Conch Day. We spent the entire day, in all of our classes, learning about conch, how it is fished, prepared and what it represents to the people of the Bahamas. Farmer Brown came to campus and shared a historical overview of life as a Bahamian fisherman.

Saturday was a full day of research. The Conch researchers counted many conch, both in the off-shore nursery and on the shoreline. The Aquaculture group spent time at the cage, while Patch Reef researchers spent 4 hours on the water collecting data on fish abundance and grouper size. That evening the girls indulged themselves in an impromptu Spa Night that included homemade oatmeal facials, manicures and pedicures. There was a dance held later that evening on the deck of the dining hall.

Waking up Sunday morning on our own schedule felt great. It was our first break in 2 weeks and we took full advantage of it. Many people spent time at the beach, skim boarding, reading and relaxing. There was an opportunity for a deep dive at the Aquaculture cage.  6 of us chose to go and help collect sediment samples at the cage site.

Another group shows off their conch

Yesterday we took another long run with a stop at the school’s dumpsite. We all had to pick up a piece of roadside trash during the run and drop it off at the dump. It was eye opening to see where our trash ends up and how much we produce in even our short time on the island. That morning in science class, we had our first field test in which we observed sea grass beds in our full snorkel gear. It was pure application of what we have learned so far in class.

Aside from life on Cape Eleuthera, many of us from New England were rooting for the Red Sox this week, trying desperately to keep up with the series. It was great news this morning to learn they had defeated the A’s last night and are now pushing ahead to face the Yankees. Go Sox.

John with some raw conch

This web update was written by Katherine O, Liz and Omar. Below are messages from them to their friends and family at home.

Katherine O.– Hi M, D, M, D, R, B & T: I miss you lots, but I’m having an amazing time here! MHS: Miss everyone! Swim team: Good luck girls, keep up the awesome work! L, S, L, A, M, B & L: Miss you. I am having fun in the sun! Love and miss everyone!

Liz – To all my family and friends: I hope you are having a wonderful fall and all is well. I miss everyone very much but am enjoying my time here. Write!

Omar – Greetings from down under! Just kidding. I would like to say hello to my folks at home. Mom, Dad, Opal, Liz (Melissa): Love ya’ll. To my CTJokers: Ya’ll stay up.  See you soon.

Ella taking the first science field test	Cis and Sophie measure mangroves