Two fins emerged from the water swimming straight for us. We had just finished a light swim on a beautiful pink sand beach and were getting ready to head back to South Eleuthera. As the sleek glistening bodies emerged from the water these two dolphins brought gasps and squeals all around.  They swam closer, playing with us all, twirling and splashing. Goosebumps covered my body as I swam alongside, looking the dolphin in the eye underwater. They were within arms length and appeared very curious. The excitement of the group was tangible as we watched in awe as the dolphins jumped out of the water and followed us, weaving in and out of the group, surfing the waves alongside some of us. This was a moment that the pure beauty of nature brought me chills as I watched students experience such an unforgettable moment in the vast sea with a rising sun.

-Brady Wheatley

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As the water dropped to a frigid 25° Celsius (77° Farhenheit), we ripped the wet suits out of the closets.  No more monkey business, it’s gettin’ cold.  Feel warm and buoyant, the accuracy of our abundance surveys greatly increased.  At our second site, we were meet with a staggering amount of our key species; 11 Nassau grouper, 8 Spiny lobster, 5 Red lionship, and 1 Queen triggerfish who was playing dead.  After some lengthy calculations, we determined that the population of marine species at this patch reef was greater than that of the entire Cape Eleuthera marina.  Too bad we didn’t have enough time to check it out.

After an extensive photo shoot modeling our wet suits, we concluded we were eternally acclimatized to the Bahamian waters.  BEST DAY EVER!

“Run Track Just Like That!”

by Hunter Foote

Through reflection and just everyday life here, I’m learning so many valuable things about myself. I’m a “spontaneous motivator.” I work well after a good cry. I love conch. I am a good dorm mama. But also, I’ve been learning that I’m exponentially stronger than I thought I was.

At the beginning of the semester we had our first run-swim. We ran a maximum of 200 meters, then swam for a maximum of 30 over and over again. It’s one of the nicest exercises here because once your legs get tired from swimming, it’s right about time to jump back in the water. And, when your arms get tired of swimming, you’re almost about to transition back to land. As soon as I started out on the swim, I felt strong. I quickly and easily got into a rhythm. While one arm swings over my head, reaching as far as possible, the other arm is stretched out into the water, trying to pull at as much water towards me as possible. I quickly passed the people swimming around me.

But then, my juggernaut-like momentum came suddenly to a halt Continue reading →

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YO_XKJWDp8

Mail day.  It can strike any day of the week, any week, at any time.  Delivery is arbitrary and not at all related to the date it was sent.  The package your mom sent filled with the latest issues of TeenBop and Vogue will most definitely get here faster than the one with the retainer, underwater camera, and headlamp you left at home.  Students and staff alike anxiously await the day that letters and boxes Continue reading →