We are getting better and more comfortable with the morning data collection – both the surface observations and space use scan samples. We even added activity levels to our scans for observed dolphins. There was lots of social activity this morning – lots of breaching, chasing, and body parts all over the lagoon! It meant we wrote lots on all the data sheets. You can see a few dolphins that look really calm below.
After breakfast, half of us went back to Bailey’s Key to collect space use data with the swims that people signed up to do while the other half focused on inter-tidal pool observations. (We’ll switch those activities tomorrow morning.) While waiting for the water taxi, we watched a training session with Rocky and Tank … you can see their glee at being clapped for during some leaps!
After these space use data collection and tide-pool observations, we did another shore snorkel on the west side of Bailey’s Key … and saw many squirrelfish, some angelfish, and a nurse shark! It was another good snorkel.
After lunch, we went to Mayan Jungle – see the group photo for the feature photo. It was a blast to do the zipline and to visit the animal area. See our comments below.
The late afternoon was spent practicing confirming dolphin IDs and then dinner. Our dolphin encounter and swim are tomorrow and we are VERY excited.
Abby – I enjoyed my two-hour break talking to Manon. I learned a lot.
Megan – I enjoyed seeing the students overcome their fears to go upside down at the zipline.
Annabelle – The zipline was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my entire life and I also loved snorkeling on the reef and seeing a nurse shark.
TJ – I learned that I’m really good at ziplining one handed, upside down, and with my slides on and holding my phone.
Nate – I think my snorkeling improved today and I kept good track of my buddy. I love monkeys.
Kelly – I learned how to zipline upside down and I really liked seeing the monkeys – they are super soft.
Brielle – My favorite part of my day was snorkeling with Bella and practicing all the signals for the fish.
Jonas – When I was vlogging on my phone, I realized some of the best moments are the little ones between the big ones.
Robert – My favorite part of the day was getting to see a mother sloth carry her child across different trees.
Bella – My favorite part of the day was snorkeling with Brielle and getting to see an angel fish.
Taylor – A dream came true today! Hanging around with monkeys is really fun.
Jove – I really enjoyed letting small animals sit on my shoulder and knowing that they were all rescued.
Jose – I’m glad I got to improve my snorkeling skills while snorkeling with my buddy. I’m glad the girls trusted me to help in the water.
Dallas – Today, I learned that Brielle is super funny, I don’t like conch, and how to do a front flip on the zip line.
Mario – I flipped on a zipline. I let the wind take me and my hair was flowing in the wind.
Maddie – I liked challenging myself to do the zipline upside down and I liked cheering everyone else on.
Heather – I was super proud of all the students for doing an excellent job with the space use observations and it was really fun to watch them kayak and paddleboard while doing inter-tidal zone observations.
Melissa – I was really proud of all the students that conquered their fears ziplining.
Manon – Nursehark!!
Cheers
StMU R3