Last sunset on the island

Our last night on the island.

Last day at Turtle Bay

 (Camila and the resort)

(Afternoon storm)

Today is our last full day at Turtle Bay. I really don't want this trip to end; it has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of my life so far. Not only have I been living in a tropical paradise for three weeks, I've also been learning a great deal about the Bay Islands and coral reefs. I know I will be able to take what I've learned here and apply it to my future studies. 

I would like to take this time to thank my family, my peers, the staff at Turtle Bay, the donors and especially Professor Gilchrist for making this trip a reality. 

Yellow Ray

My best underwater photo!

Fun finds on the reef! 

Last Thursday on the island

The sunset on our last Thursday on the island.

Island donuts

Two dozen fresh baked donuts. Made right here on the island

Postcard Photos

Sadly, we have only a few days left here. I was going through some of my photos this morning, and picked out some (of many) that look like they would be perfect for a postcard.

Adventure Buddies

Some of us went on a hike yesterday to look for minerals. We found a small beach between two points that had a lot of really cool rocks, as well as some sea glass. Kona the island dog came along, as usual, and Camila snapped a photo of us. You can see the mainland in the background.

"Little" Visitor (Spider Warning!)

The other day, as I was still in my morning daze, I sat on the floor to pick out a shirt. I lifted up some clothing, and found this little beauty. After the initial shock, and some screaming, Camila and I gently coerced the tarantula into a bag, took it outside, and let it go. The total size of the spider was about the area of my hand. I'm glad it was friendly, slow moving, and probably just as sleepy as I was. It stayed on our porch all day. Honestly, it is probably just hiding in a different spot in our room now. 

Chachuate

We went to the neighboring island of  Chachuate for lunch

 

A little out of focus but thankfully I was finally able to get a picture of this ctenophore for my project. These translucent organisms like to hang out on the edges of reefs and feed on zooplankton and varies larvae! 

Buddy stretching with Camila after a long day of work.

Guardian of the Key

Last night, I went to grab the room key to head to bed and it had a little bodyguard. This little critter is a tailless whip scorpion, which actually isn't a scorpion at all. Thankfully, it wasn't too difficult to scare off! 

Day of scorpions

(No Camilas were harmed in the making of this photo.)

Today we had two scorpion encounters. First, a small one fell from the ceiling during lunch and onto Blisses plate! The one pictured was found outside one of the rooms. Good thing Andy was there, jar in hand, to save the day.

Jackfruit Discovery

The locals found a jackfruit tree yesterday and they've been incorporating it into our meals in surprisingly creative and delicious ways! I didn't know what jackfruit was before this trip, but it's definitely made a good impression and I look forward to making meals with it at home.

Friend from the Piling

Yesterday, the group went a little further offshore to snorkel a small boat wreck. On the way out, I noticed a neat crab on the piling under the dock. I wasn't able to grab anyone's attention at the time, but thankfully the crab was waiting in the exact same spot when we got back from the swim. Sierra snapped a photo of it in my hand!

This yellowline arrow crab was really friendly, did not seem to mind being held, and slowly climbed back onto its piling when we were finished snapping photos with it.

Photo bomb!

Andrew looking for some worms in the fan coral

 While on my search for some ctenophores for my project (which I did not have much luck with) I ran into Martha, the sea turtle!!

The lighthouse

Some students made the trip up the lighthouse, and they said it was a little scary.

The End of Week One

Week one is officially over, and I wish there were more than just two short weeks left. Honestly, this is my first blog post because it has been difficult to keep myself out of the water. After every snorkel we all flip through the numerous identification books to learn about the incredible organisms we saw, and share with each other. I came to Honduras with a fairly specific idea of what I wanted to study for my project, but there are so many things I have taken an interest in that it has become difficult to stick to a single topic. The coral reef just offshore is teeming with interesting things, but the dock pilings are worthy competition for attention. During one assignment for class we were required to observe and record our observations of an area for a 15 minute time period. I decided to observe the first meter of a dock piling that was below the surface of the water. The algae growing on the piling was a light green in a Y-shape with almost iridescent blue tips. Inside a dead clam shell on the piling, I observed a tiny blenny with cryptic coloration that was moving in and out of the shell to feed on the nearby algae. Everyday since the assignment, I have gone back and check on the little fish in its home. Without fail, the blenny is home, and not nearly as excited to see me as I am to see it. 

The terrestrial life on the island is just as astounding as what we have seen in the water. Hiking the island has been strenuous, as the inclines are steep, but the views are totally worth the extra sweat. The hike and climb up the lighthouse yesterday took my breath away, by exhaustion and beauty. The photo below was taken of the island and surrounding area
from the top of the lighthouse.

Underwater photography

Enjoying developing my underwater photography skills. Above are the Christmas Tree Worms. Below is a Flamingo Tongue Snail which will hopefully be the focus of my final project, so more pictures to come!  

Working hard or hardly working?

First day

Today, is my first official in Honduras. I am in LaCieba waiting to be transported to the island to meet up  the professor and the rest of the students.  I'm excited to meet everyone and to participate in the various activities during my stay here.

Had our first night snorkel last night! We saw an octopus, puffer fish, yellow rays, large lobsters, sea cucumbers, a spotted snake eel, exotic night fish and a box jellyfish. Sadly, Andrew came a little too close to the jellyfish and got slightly stung on the upper lip. Thankfully, it was nothing severe and he is fine now. Overall a great experience! 

Birthdays

Following the birthday of a guest, celebrated by a condensed milk pie, our own Sam was presented with a chocolate and carrot cake for his 22nd birthday.

Orchids

The strength of the island's orchids are astounding.

Boat Ride

The boat ride to reach the Island was longer than expected but worth it. Choppy water made for a rather fun ride. We also saw the island currently being used for a season of European Survivor. Who knew it wasn't all real? 

Trash Pick up with Students from East end.

      This morning, after breakfast we hiked to the East village to pick up trash along the beach with the students at the village school. We brought trash bags, as they are limited on that side of the island. During out previous visit, a couple days before, the school teacher had shared with us that the children often went on these beach clean ups once or twice a week. This frequency showed as they seemed to have systems, as two children would carry each bag and hold it open for the rest of the students gathering trash to put in it. Once the bags were full they would be tied up and carried to the other side of the village, presumably to be burned, as there was no other trash pick up.

       Most of the trash found consisted of styrofoam, shoes, sponge that appeared to, and plastic bottles. Though by no means, was there enough bags or time to pick up all of the trash.

Last nights sunset was definitely a great way to end the day. After a clumsy hike down a steep hill we made it to the village where we met the local kids and the Maestro. We gave them pencils and raffled out a box of crayons and a notebook. On the way back we went around the island causing us to stumble upon an abandon house, mangroves, and steep flights of stairs! Overall a great experience. Can't wait to see what else this island has in store for us!

First impressions

We arrived on the island this afternoon. Kona the island dog greeted us!  After we had lunch and settled into our rooms, we all went for a highly anticipated swim. In my short time on the reef today, I saw Christmas tree worms and a flamingo tongue snail! Others saw stingrays.
Tomorrow is our first full day on the island. I'm looking forward to spending the day exploring and our first class!