Day 4 - Another Busy Day

Another busy day at the Island School!

           

            First night in the dorms was a success! Everyone woke refreshed from a good night’s sleep in our new beds - a much appreciated transition from the bike shed cots. Morning exercise was yoga, led by Serena.

            Following breakfast, we had a short intro class on costal habitats, specifically mangroves, from the Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) Flats team. First, we had a mock debate to learn the environmental and economical impact of development on the islands. Keeping with our theme of mangroves, we then moved over to the wet lab, where we spent majority of the day. Everyone rolled up their sleeves to dissect bonefish, a silvery fish species that thrives in the mangroves.

            Following lunch, we had another afternoon class taught by the Shark Team where we watched a short film on sharks created by one of the CEI interns. Hopefully, we’ll get a copy of the movie to show everyone, (it was stop motion and incredibly well done!) Then, we headed straight back to the labs to dissect an seven foot, Black Tip Shark. There had only been two other shark dissections this semester so we are extremely fortune to have had the opportunity. This occasion was even more special because this particular specimen was a rather large, female shark who we discovered had been pregnant with six pups. Dissecting the mother and extracting her pups was especially rare. Both dissections were extremely hands on. We were able to handle all of the major organs and really explore the anatomy of each animal. We were even able to take the lenses out of the eyeballs!

            Overall, everyone seemed to consider the dissections a highlight of the trip and actively participated. Brian, Zack, Ben and Kate especially jumped in and and handled all kinds of tissue and organs. Even Rachel managed to get a good look!

            To end the day, Scott took us on a short walk to Triangle Cut, to jump off a 10 foot cliff! 

            As usual, Serena, Jennie, Scott, and Wes have been patient and enthusiastic. Today was a little chilly with some rain so hopefully the weather will pick up tomorrow. All around, no complaints. We ended today with a quote my mother told me, “Often one’s greatest transformations come from their greatest transgressions.” At the Island School this quote holds true. I think I can speak for the group when i say this trip provides challenge in all aspects. Please comment - we all miss you and want to hear from you. Hope everyone’s well back in Cleveland!

Vanessa