Field Trip Friday

There is a pattern here that we have all fallen into. We tolerate being stuck in classes Monday though Thursday and then we get to go someplace amazing on Friday. Today was no exception. This morning after breakfast we loaded all of our gear into a boat and headed out for a day of snorkeling at some of the best places on the island!

First we stopped at “the 5 fingers” which was this hand shaped rock formation that I none to many species of birds. Our Guide pointed out each one to us and spoke about how each one may have come to the island, it was interesting. I These where boobies and frigate birds and endemic sea loins. The sun was warm and it was the prefect start to an amazing day. Next we went an area that is known to have high quantities of frigate bird nests. We saw the males getting ready to mate by puffing up their gullets. The male with the largest gullet gets the girl!

Next it was off to ‘kicker rock’ a large rock formation that is shaped a bit like a boot. This area has deep water and is a santuarey for many different types of fish. It is so serene to be in the water and watch all the life just floating around. At one point our guide took us between the two rocks and there 30 feet below us we saw a huge hammer head shark prowling….. It was so cool. However, the waves where really choppy and it was hard to move about in the water. I got tired easily and I was getting water in my mask. It was a very challenging adventure and I was happy to be back on the boat.

After lunch on the boat, we got to walk around Playa Grande, at gorgeous beach in th other side of the island. The water was warm and clear with very little waves and the sand was soft and white. On the horizon I could see clouds rolling over the highlands and Frigate birds swooping and diving over head. It was just beautiful, one of the more breath taking places I have ever been. We took a sort walk around the beach and our guide pointed out various plants and a turtle nesting sight. I am sure that he has the most amazing job ever…take people to cool places and show them neat things, I could do that! After our walk we had some free time to swim and lay out in the sun…it was heaven.

After the beach we got back onto the boat and where taken too Isle de Lobos (Sea Lion island). This little cove has the ideal conditions for raising sea lions and so there where many playful pups diving in the water and checking us out as we snorkeled by. Also, there where huge sting rays and hundreds of little fish that swam together in a tight glittery school. It was very calm and clear to it was easy to swim and see lots of different things, I hope that I get the opportunity to go back!

Back at the university now, I will finish this and then go to dinner, hoping for chicken…but we will most likely have fish. After dinner I will go back home, (still no sign of my host family) Shower, and then go out for some ‘fine ales’ and dancing!