Caribbean Studies Program 2008
Student Logs

Cruise 6: March 1 - 10

Student Log: Mimi Neal
March 9, 2008
Today was unfortunately our last day of the dream that was our Caribbean experience. This trip has gone by amazingly fast in a world wind of underwater caves, palm trees, and of course, Elkhorn Coral. Today was dedicated to research all day. The morning session was most difficult due to the current that seemed determined to push my group as far away from our coral as possible. At first my group didn’t really understand the influence we were having on the coral population but when we looked around at the beach and saw all the groups collecting data, we realized that the amount of information that we were collecting over the last 6 weeks is a great help to the USGS and national park services. Although we didn’t have any exciting activities like snorkeling over a sunken ship or diving through underwater caves today, it seemed that everyone was just enjoying the simplicity of being in the warm Caribbean sun with the new friends we have become so close to over the last week. We were rewarded at the end of the day with some relaxing time on the beach. Now when I say beach, I mean the paradise that the Sports Illustrated shot their swimsuit issue at this past year, hot! Once everyone found this out, we proceeded to shoot our own magazine of Debi getting dragged into the water, me getting twirled over Rick’s head and shot into the ocean, and Fernando getting pummeled head first into the sand. As the clock almost sets 8:00 it is time for us to get ready for bed, seeing that everyone has apparently turned 90 years old on this trip and cant keep their eyes open past 9:00 at night! I am so sad to leave tomorrow but I think it is time because my Irish skin cannot turn another shade of red without being deemed “girl burned to a crisp”. Overall, this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I know I will remember this for the rest of my life. 

Student Log: Fernando Gonzalez
March 8, 2008
Today we woke up at 7 am like usual.  For the second day in a row we skipped the morning dip in order to get underway to Caneel Bay, St. John faster.  The sail took roughly three hours.  It was worth it.  The beach at Caneel Bay has very white sand and clear water.  When we first got here everybody was trying to lower and secure the sails as fast as possible so that we would be able to clear customs and get the most possible time shopping and having lunch in Caneel Bay.  When we were done having lunch and shopping we went for a quick research snorkel and then got to clean the deck of the boat.  Captain Geil said that was the only group that had so much fun scrubbing the deck.  Today was a gun day and I think that we are ready for tomorrows’ day full of coral research snorkels.

Student Log: Tom Scudder
March 7, 2008
“Alright kids, today, we’re going to the Baths.”  Casey says this as if it should mean something to most of us.  In a chorus, all the girls ask, “What are the Baths?”  Of course, Myles responds with, “Probably just a bunch of bath-tubs. Honestly, we smell awful.” Before this, we woke up in the usual way.  7 AM and ready for calisthenics.  However, we decided to forgo the usual morning dip in favor of getting underway faster.  Our first stop was the Baths.  Not actual tubs but huge boulders pushed up millions of years ago as the result of volcanic activity.  The tide pools we snorkeled around the boulders were truly amazing.  Then we ventured even deeper ingot the Baths, exploring caverns and underwater caves.  I got a little too excited however and was given a handful of sea urchin spines to the hand.  It was made up for, however, by Max showing me the hidden spot the crew always goes to.  It’s deep in the Baths and you have to reach it by swimming underwater beneath a boulder.  That’s all I can say, or the crew will have to kill me.  After the Baths we were underway for a bit and then reached the cathedral.  Debi, the fish that she is, swam the chimney first try.  Then I swam after her and reached the other side as well.  In fact, the scariest part was seeing the beastly cook Rick “The Rick-Shaw” Serraro, in his scuba gear, ready to save anyone who couldn’t make it.  Finally, we set sail for Pusser’s Island.  Actually it’s called Marina Cay but the three buildings on the island all belong to the restaurant chain known as Pusser’s.  Our meal wracked up a 634 dollar bill.  Apparently it was the lowest of  any trip.  It was an amazing day, and definitely the most enjoyable of the trip

Student Log: Frances Robinson
March 6, 2008
HEY BUDDY OL’ PAL:

Cruise 6 had an extremely busy but rewarding day. We were up bright and early at 7, as always, and off to a demanding start. We first ventured off to Bener’s Bay where we were able to practice our “deep water” diving. Unfortunately, my ears weren’t cooperating with me and decided every time I attempted to dive below fifteen feet, I would receive a sharp pain throughout my head. The rest of the group successfully, and casually, dove down with ease while I struggled miserably. Off we went next to a shipwreck where we got to put the “deep dives” to use. We saw barracuda and parts of a 300-foot ship, but unfortunately, I was unable to get a close up because of my stubborn ears. The day ended with a beautiful hike up Salt Island where we could see forever, it seemed. It was refreshing to stretch out legs but we all felt a discomfort as we, on the steady ground, still felt our legs and minds rocking. The sea, and the gentle rock have become natural to all of us, so when presented with land, we all are unused to the dead land. We ended the day with a fantastic meal, as always, and I know when it is time for me to go to bed after this long but exciting day, I know it won’t be difficult to fall into a deep, deep sleep.

Student Log:  Carly Nuttall
February 26, 2008
We decided to skip the morning dip and calisthenics today in favor of getting underway early.  The sail back to the USVI was uneventful, and everyone was glad to get a chance to go ashore for a while on St. John.  All of the shops and restaurants were painted in incredibly bright colors – blues, greens, pinks and yellows – all of which would have looked tacky and garish anywhere else, but fit in perfectly with the relaxed island atmosphere.  After several hours of getting lunch and shopping, we all met on the National Park Service dock to a surprise: Bizzy and Julie sporting pirate outfits, complete with eyepatches, hats, and plastic swords.  Later, we motored a little ways off St. John.  Nobody seemed to be in the mood for snorkeling, so the afternoon activity was switched to a free swim.  What started off as a normal swim session quickly escalated into a “Bizzy Backbuster”-ing, rigging leaping, bottom diving free for all, with students and crew joining in on the fun.  After so much excitement in the afternoon, we decided to relax a bit and stargaze after dinner, with people naming constellations and pointing out shooting stars and satellites.   A perfect end to another perfect day in paradise.

Student Log: Jack Allen
February 25, 2008
After our normal routine of morning, we hauled up the sails and set sail for the Baths.  We had heard that this part of the trip was considered the best, so we all had high expectations.  The Tabor Boy arrived at a beach that seemed to be sectioned by multiple barriers of rock faces.  After anchor, we had a great dive just outside of the beach in a small reef that had many rocks sticking out of the water.  Many of us found rocks high enough to jump off of.  After, we went into the Baths, this meant we went into the maze of rocks we originally saw from the Tabor Boy.  The Baths consisted of ducking, climbing and squeezing into small corridors.  After the Baths, and a big lunch, our group got to experience a dive called the “Cathedral”, which hadn’t been done by any previous group.  So, we suited up and dove in to find an underwater cave covered with coral.  After inspecting both start and finish, Casey asked “who is swimming under?”  I looked back at the tunnel and thought he was crazy.  But after watching a couple of people attempt with success, I decided to try it.  So after a big gulp of air, I dove down and swam through.  It was scary knowing that you only have a certain amount of air, but sure enough the end was in sight and I swam to the surface trying to catch my breath.  Later that night we were allowed to go ashore to a restaurant called “Pussers”, but we could leave a shower was needed or as the crew called it a “prison shower”.  This consisted of a person throwing on body wash and shampoo as fast as they can.  Then we were hosed off by one of the crew members who were laughing hysterically.  So looking and smelling like a person living in a decent society, we all went to Pussers and had a great meal.

Student Log: Maddie Chapin
February 22, 2008
We woke up to the lovely sounds of Frank’s whistle.  “Five minutes” he yelled till morning dip – as much as I am not a morning person, I enjoy morning dip.  We do calisthenics and then everyone goes swimming.  The water is always warmer than it appears and getting out is not something I rush to do.  Snorkeling was next on the agenda.  My group is by far the best – Bizzy, Scotty B and myself.  We practiced with the PDAs and cameras.  I gave up on the PDA after five minutes and assigned the job to Scotty for the rest of the trip.  Our group’s camera was a bit shifty and it was hard to get good pictures but we managed.  After two dives, we motored to Cinnamon Bay and were shuttled to the beach.  We played frisbee in the water.  It is amazing how clear and warm the water is compared to back home on the Cape.  Up next – showers!  I have never loved a shower so much.  At the campsite, we did the basic camping ritual – burgers and hot dogs cooked by Casey.  Then came s’mores made over the grill, followed by late night chats.  I did not get any sleep due to the bugs – but at least I was clean!

Student Log: Bizzy Maloney
February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19^th and our journey began.  Awaking early myself and 15 apprehensive students arrived to the bus sleepy eyed and anxious.  After some tearful goodbyes and a few introductions, we boarded the bus and sped off towards the Boston airport.  Several hours later and a few bad decisions including the consumption of some Asian cuisine, we landed on the island of St. Thomas.  Driving down the windy roads, I was nervous, scared and excited all at the same time.  We made it to the Tabor Boy safely that night, had a quick dinner and burrowed into our bunks for a peaceful slumber. The next morning the real work began.  We were awoken at 7am, tossed onto the deck, and followed the military-like orders from our bronzed crewmen.  After a quick dip into the intriguing blue water, we began to set sail.  The work was strenuous and every muscle in my pale weak body ached.  Roughly, forty minutes later, we had reached our destination soaked and exhausted. Our first snorkel session was about to begin and we broke off into groups, each with an assigned crew member.  Casey was mine.  Always full of encouraging words, he truly made me feel at home.  The water was exquisite, majestic and I felt as though I had stepped into an undiscovered world.  I can’t wait for tomorrow!