Today started off quite literally wtih a bang, as roaring thunder woke me from my sleep around 6 AM. It turns out that thunder was the first of many during the 4 hour storm that had entered the NortrhWestern side of Grand Cayman, right where our hotel was located. Even as the rain poured, our divemasters for the day, Lucy and Curtis, reassured us that we would not be dissapointed with the two dives they had planned for us today, and they delivered on that promise. Our first dive was similar to the dive yesterday. It was around 100 ft deep and allowed us to see a variety of different unique creatures including lobsters, treeworms, and more garden eels. The second drive took place at a much shallower and much more intriguing location, a sand patch inbetween two coral reefs. This dive was one of my favorites so far because I was able to explore somewhat on my own, searching in ever crevice for hidden creatures. Along the way, Mr. Marr and I discovered a narrow tunnel of which we swam through very carefully, helping me gain confidence as a diver. After our two dives, we returned to the resort for an Asian style lunch and a short rest before our afternoon activity. This activity was actually our tour of the Grand Cayman Sea Turtle Rehabiliation Center. We took a short 5 minute bus ride to the center before unloading and enterine the location. At the location, we witnessed a variety of interesting exhibits regarding sea turtles, ocean predators, and a variety of different birds. We were even allowed the special priviledge of holding juvenile sea turtles that had been born at the center. We also went to an aviary where we fed a variety of different unique birds. After finishing our exploration of the sanctuary, we returned back to the hotel for a little bit of free time, consisting of snorkeling and swimming. We then enjoyed a fantastic meal with an even better dessert before we were surprised with the oppurtunity to snorkel in the pitch black ocean. Me and my buddy, Clark, prepared to make the plunge into the dark ocean, and we were met with a variety of magical creatures. The first creature we spotted was a Carribean Reef Squid, the same type of squid Alex and I had seen the day before. Next, we discovered a sort of bioluminescent schrimp floating in the saltwater. Finally, we discovered a massive lobster hidden beneath a piece of coral, as well as a large tarpon swimming quietly in the distance. This experience is probably one of the most incredible memories at Jesuit that I have ever made because I was given the oppurtunity to face my fears and explore the unknown with the company of my brothers beside me. Tomorrow we are set to visit Stingray City as long as the weather permits it, and I am very excited to do so.
Sam Levis
