Today I think we woke up at the usual time. We left and ate breakfast at the marina and went inside the gift shop while we waited for the 2 boats to be ready. We went to the wreck of the Rhone for today’s dive. The ship sank in the 1860’s off the coast of Salt island, which was about 30 minutes away from Virgin Gorda. The Rhone crashed into black rock, on the edge of salt island, during a hurricane. It split into two parts once its boilers exploded and several people died (Casey told us about some ghost stories before we went down).
Our first dive was in the bow of the ship, which had turned on its side. We went through the ship and it seemed more open and hollow than I though it would be, but that made it easier to maneuver and observe the organisms growing on the inside. On that dive I saw several species I learned about and my favorite one that I saw was the moray eel. After the first dive is when we ate a snack and listened to the ships history, which is too long for me to write. Our second dive was at the stern of the ship, and the current really picked up. I saw a barracuda, puffer fish, many squirrel fish, and much more. We went through part of the stern to the propeller as well. Both dives were around 35 minutes and one was the deepest I dove so far at 80 feet, although the good visibility made it seem shallow.
After diving we headed to Cooper island, which was between Virgin Gorda and Salt Island, and we ate lunch at the one club / restaurant on the small island. While there, the manager showed us the club’s Eco-friendliness and how they have solar panels that power the island, recycled plastics and chairs, captured rain water, and more. Afterwards we snorkeled around the edge of Cooper Island where there was mostly sea grass, as opposed to the usual reef we dive at. as I was finishing my round I saw a stingray and a sea turtle (hawksbill), which had already been tagged and was eating the grass.
we finally headed back to the cabins and I was exhausted. We washed up and headed to Maddogs where we ate lasagna and pasta. Casey gave a presentation over coral planting, which we will be doing tomorrow, and afterwards we headed back to the office / lounge where I am now sitting, typing this blog. Today was my favorite day so far, and hopefully tomorrow will be just as good.
Picture from Doc
