Exam Day

Both divers were successful today passing their PADI exam! They celebrated by learning how to jump off the pier in scuba gear. They reported having a great dive and seeing many interesting things, Alex came away unscathed from a "whole nest of sea urchins" although it was a close call. Dean was not so lucky in his encounter with fire coral...a little vinegar and he was fine.

The water was choppy making entry and exit challenging especially when you have a tank on your back. Dean was able to utilize his special burrito roll today in exiting up the ramp, but did not recommend it to anyone else. The choppy water made our urchin transects more challenging, but we successfully completed four. We also went out to identify fish species today and actually saw a barracuda! 

We ended our afternoon with a hike up the East Cabrit. Along the way we caught a glimpse of Guadaloupe on the horizon and a collective shudder went through the Nipmuc students. It was a nice hike through more ruins and a final view over the fort. Walks here continue to surprise me; the land crabs and hermit crabs wander along the endge of trails and lizards scuttle in the leaves.

Tonight we all got to eat some lion fish. Sarah and Matthew went hunting for it this morning with long tri-tipped spears and brought back 6 or 7 of them. They are dangerous to hunt because of the toxin in their spines. Even dead, the spines can still stick you and cause a lot of pain and swelling. Sarah and Matthew cut them off with shears before taking them off the spear. The restaurant owner prepared them there and then, fresh invasive species for dinner!