 |
 |
A pre-marathon workout |
The Coastal group moving a reef ball |
The departure of our parents on Monday morning made campus feel empty and was also a reality check that we only have 3 weeks left until we go home! We were also reminded that the half marathon was only 5 days away. Morning exercise Monday was training for the marathon with a 4.5 mile loop run.
Wednesday we took our first deep dive (90 ft.), off of “the wall”. It was very exciting to look out and not be able to determine the depth of the water. Some of the highlights from this dive included a 6ft reef shark and six spotted eagle rays. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to do another dive like this before we leave.
 |
 |
Melissa and Renee icing after the run |
Sky and Jen stretching at the finish |
On Friday, we had a full day of research where we continued our field work and worked to finish our rough drafts of the papers that were due that night. The Patch Reef group continued to do surveys on artificial reefs and also caught and prepared conch for the rest of the groups; Permaculture went on a road trip to the Northern end of the island and visited two farms; Recon forced themselves to stay in the library to finish their paper; Coastal worked all morning and into the afternoon to move 800 pound reef balls into the water and then also continued working on their paper; Conch also did more field work and worked on their paper.
Saturday morning the alarms went off at 5:15 for the half marathon (13 ½ miles). Blasting music and taking “before” pictures in the shirts we made, the group started off the morning strong. By 6:00am, we were all running towards Deep Creek and keeping a close eye on our watches as the time went by very slowly. After a semester long bet between Tom Sterling and Chris Maxey for who would finish first, Tom sprinted ahead and beat Maxey by 30 seconds. For this amazing achievement, Tom won Maxey’s Boathouse Director’s jacket. Tom sported the prized jacket at dinner that night. After many aches and pains, we all managed to finish and then spent most of the day relaxing in our beds. We are all very proud of ourselves for completing The Island School half marathon, a day we have been thinking about all semester.
 |
 |
Eric and Ryan running... |
Asa giving a smile in his 8th mile |
Sunday, we all woke up late to a rainy day. We all pitched in to give Mooch, Rebecca and Sheryl the day off from the kitchen. It was up to us to make brunch (breakfast burritos and fruit) and dinner(pasta and garlic bread). We spent most of the day relaxing, the rainy weather made us happy to stay inside and work on our final art projects. These projects line the entry path and will be there for Research Presentation guests to see.
Overall, it was a busy and exciting week that takes us 7 days closer to our final time at The Island School. More Marathon pictures below!
 |
 |
Courtney and Ali posing at the finish as |
Sarah at the turn around in Deep Creek |
 |
A smiling crowd after finishing 13 miles |
Courtney- Hey to everyone in C-Town! Hope all my Blazers and Preppers are doing well, I miss you guys. I’m having an awesome time and I’ll see you all soon. Fam-it was so much fun to see you and I cant wait to be home again in 2 weeks. Dream Team-June 8 th . Love you guys!
Vicky- Hey all my HM and TLC girls, you know who you are. Mom and Dad I miss you! Andy and Liz, I can’t wait to see you both back in NYC! XOXO, tons of love!
Taylor- Hey everyone back home! Im still having fun, but working hard. I cant wait to see y’all on June 8 th -Jay-I cant wait to see you man… I miss you a lot…see you all in two weeks!
Erika- Hey everyone! I miss all of you guys and am looking forward to see you in only two weeks. To my Fam - Don’t let Charlie take over my room and make sure to tease him for me. James, I’m really excited to see you soon and spend a ton of time with you again. Until then, my thoughts are with you.