K2 prepares for their 7-day kayak trip

The last 10 days have brought a major change in the daily rountine on campus as we split up into four 10-12 person groups for our Kayak, Down-Island, and 7-day academic rotations.  K1 immediately left for their kayak trip, K2 left on their Down-Island trip, and K3 and K4 stayed on campus for an intense 7 days of studies. It was a tearful departure but we became closer in our small groups. The academic rotation was full of work but we also managed to make room for down time. Research was a major part of this week and all the groups got a lot accomplished. Sustainable Design even went on their second off campus trip to the new Reverse Osmosis plant. There was a lot of work to keep up with but in the end we all finished it and had a blast. During the rotation the boys pulled a pretty funny harmless prank by taking down the flag pole and sticking it through the wet lab. Maxey joined us for the rotation during Ben’s absence and it was really great to get to know him better. He led us on one of the most intense morning exercises yet. He led us to a new cliff to jump off of which was very exciting. Maxey and Zach also supplied amusement through their wrestling matches. At the end of the 7 days, we realized we had all worked hard - we greeted K1 as they returned from their kayak trip and then a day later it was our turn to be off on our own adventures.

Students climb the Banyan tree

K2 left for the 7-day kayak trip on Friday after their fun 3-day Down Island Trip.  They did amazingly well the first day and got past their desired destination of Deep Creek and made it all the way to Waterford Creek, 17 km away from campus!  They also passed K3 and K4 as they finished up scuba diving at Bamboo Point.  Bart and Cam were leaders that day.  On day 2 of the kayak trip, Courtney and Ally volunteered to be leaders and led them 12 km further on their trip.  Because of the great time they were making, they had an extra 2 hours to go free diving at their campsite.  Day 3 was led by Manny and Hannah and they took K2 all the way to Lighthouse Beach where they would be spending their solos.  They took a fun, long lunch on a beautiful beach and had time to play in the waves.  Stephanie and Cam entertained the group by creating a fabulous water dance while Manny and Bart took out Farrell in a wrestling match.

Cam, Steph and Ally go down island

On day 4, they woke up after sleeping out on the super soft sand of Lighthouse Beach.  They gathered their select personal belongings and walked in silence towards our designated solo sites.  The solos were a time of rest, reflection, and solitude for everyone.  After 2 nights, all the students were picked up in the morning of day 6, again in silence.  They de-briefed, or stripped down, as K2 preferred to call it, and then hit the water with Sam and Stephanie as leaders!  It was an easy paddle to Arveda Bay, however they had to dodge many coral reefs along the way.  There they had their last dinner together as well as their last bonding session around the dying bonfire.  The next morning, day 7, they woke up, had a nice, long breakfast, and then had a quick class that helped each of us determine what type of leader we were.  Cassie and Patrick were fearless leaders and led K2 through some gigantic waves to the Cotton Bay Yacht Harbor.  Many kayaks were intentionally tipped over by Farrell once they arrived.  A long cleaning session followed. Then they  headed back to an empty campus because they were the only 10 students at school and crashed into bed.

Manny and Ally in the van on their DIT

This Wednesday Kayak group 1 and 4 left for their Down Island Trips.  Kayak group 4 decided to do their morning exercise in the form of a fun run to High rock and back.  At the same time, Kayak 1 took that time to pack up and get off to a head start so that the groups would be spaced aparyt.  Both trips experienced the environment and culture of the island, although they had some differences because they had different leaders.  At different times both groups went spelunking in a deep cave.  One part was so deep that there was water up to our waists!  Group 1 also got the chance to explore another cave that had hundreds of bats!  We learned a lot about caves, such as the mechanisms that lead to the formation of stalagtites and stalagmites.  During the trip we also visited two tourists’ shops where lots of us bought presents for friends and family.  At the northern end of the Eleuthera we visited Preachers Cave where early European explorers known as the Eleutherian Adventurers stayed when their ship wrecked on nearby reefs.  Although there was lots of driving during the day some of the cars were able to listen to some great music which definitely livened up the trip.  Nights were mostly spent camping on soft, sandy beaches.  We traveled over the entire island, visiting towns such as Gregory town (home of Surfer Pete) and Governors Harbour, where Iain lives!  We also visited the Glass Window Bridge and a Blue Hole near Rock Sound. All of the groups ate dinner out at a place of their choice on one of the nights.  Most groups chose to eat at Tippy’s, an amazing beachfront restaurant that has incredibly delicious food!  Group 1 even got to celebrate Moe’s birthday dinner there!  The entire trip was fun, and we all learned a lot more about the Bahamian Culture. 

Kayakers paddle out to Bamboo Point

We sincerely apologize to parents for being late in posting this web update - it seems all of our adventures have made us a bit less prompt!

Here is a list of where we are for the next week!

Out on Kayak until Nov. 9 and then a Down Island Trip from Nov. 10-12

Stuart, Vlad, Iain, Emily, Zach, Laura McLaughlin, Kirsten, Kristin, Lucy, Kay

Out on Kayak until Nov. 12:

Chandler, Katie Garratt, Kate Gibson, Julia, Dave, John, Austin, Maggie, Mary, Kat, Kathryn

The rest of us are on campus doing our academic rotation!

Students ready to take a road trip

SHOUTOUTS:

Annalisa- Hey mom, dad and Dave, miss you guys so much.  Mariel, Ana, Mags-Love you guys! Miss you. Thanks for the letters. Big sis- miss you so much. Thanks for the awesome letters.  Guys-hope your year is going well, goodluck with everything!  Hope things in Maine are good, miss you tons everyone. Be home soon! Keep the letters coming.J

Kathryn Arffa Shout Out: Hey Mom, Dad, Leslie, and Travis I hope you guys are having a great time the rotation was tough but down island trip was awesome! I miss you and love you all! Spencies- I’m having an awesome time here in the Bahamas while you are all in the snow!! I miss you and ill see you all soon! P.S. don’t forget me while I’m getting nice and tan down here!

Cam- Hey again Mom, Dad, Linds, Read, Whit! Can’t wait to see you at Parent’s Weekend!  Also, hey to my HB girls and everyone else at home. I really miss you guys but I am having the time of my life. I hope you guys are all having fun back in chilly Cleveland! Keep writing, I’ll be back in December! Love you guys!

Steph- Hey Mom, Dad, Jackie, Ti, Sheryl, Brad, and Jess!! I miss you guys a lot and hope everything is going well back at home- I’ll see you soon enough. Hey to everyone at Benjamin, hope school isn’t too shabby. Write me more letters and send packages! Everything here is amazing and I love you all so much.