Captain’s Log – Star Date July 14, 2012
Today was quite an adventurous and long day, waking up at 7:30 in order to start the new and fresh day. Breakfast consisted of bacon, potatoes, and eggs, all prepared with finesse and expertise, evident in their amazing taste. We then had a presentation on how to identify fish and coral in order to further our marine knowledge as well as our experience when diving and snorkeling. Afterwards, we began our dive in Savannah beach where we found hundred of red spines sea urchins, sea eggs and moon jellyfish. We picked them up and felt their bristles and mantle, all having a unique feeling as they moved in our hands. While moon jellyfish sting, their tentacles are much shorter compared to past encounters with the jellies, looking prettier than deadly. Ty and I chased several crabs and caught one that hid in the sand and within the pit of wet sand we made it. Needless to say, it escaped with the tide and carried on its usual routine of hiding under the sand of shallow water. Ty and I also encountered a Southern stingray that was about 3 or 4 feet from tail to nose. It looked deadly and it had a fish tagging along for a ride. As we avoided sea urchins, the long tentacles of a lobster reached from in front of us, exposing a large 2 foot lobster underneath a shelf of coral. Furthermore, we saw what seemed like a baby marlin, having a small signature sail and swordlike nose. The last of the amazing creatures we found was a hidden octopus, poking around the coral reef. After snorkeling, we left to dive in a site called the Chimney, containing a very narrow escape from a cavern that makes divers sympathize with Santa, except for the lack of milk and cookies at the end. There were lots of colorful coral and fish, such as fire coral and lots of basslets. We attended 5:30 mass where we had a great view on top of a mountain. The ride up was slightly intimidating due to its steepness and narrow street but our driver is pro and got us up no sweat. After mass we had a barbecue in the beach with the best burgers I have ever had, compliments to Jeff our chef. We relaxed on the beach for a while talking to each other and getting buried in the sand a while. Today was tiring, but all great adventures are after all.
Capitan out.
Francis Rey Hipolito, Capitan
