Two days ago, we docked in Provincetown, a relatively well-populated stop along the coast of Cape Cod. Coming off the boat for their first time in a few days, some of the cadets had trouble adjusting to walking on a surface that wasn't moving. If I had seen the group walking and not known what they were up to the past few days, I would have been confused as to why these kids were nearly tripping over themselves walking down the street, but I too had to reign in my sea legs, so I understood their physical foibles.
In Provincetown, the cadets had time to walk around to some shops and buy souvineers. These included Cape Cod shirts and sweatshirts as well as the signature Jacques Cousteau- and Steve Zissou- red knit caps (featured in the pictures to follow!) We then made our way to the famous Pilgrim Monument, which marks the landing of early Mayflower settlers in Provincetown on their way to Plymouth Rock. The kids climbed to the top of the 252-foot tall monument, marveling at the view of Cape Cod and even the Boston skyline.
After the Pilgrim Monument, we made our way to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, where marine scientist Jesse explained how this organization helps rescue whales and turtles who get entangled in fishing gear. The organization has saved over 150 whales, and it actually invented the technique, used in waters everywhere today, for getting live whales out of marine debris. The kids were impressed by Jesse's extensive knowledge of this aspect of marine wildlife.
After docking in Provincetown for the night, we began our journey toward New Bedford. As soon as we began to set sail, the heavens opened up with a blessing from Poseidon himself- a smattering of rain! The kids and crew kept high spirits, insisting that, with all the proper rain gear, it's actually more fun to be on deck of the boat in these wet conditions.
As we sailed, educational instructors Erin and Cassie, with the help of the crew, led students in casting a big fishing net over the side of the boat! The students then pulled in their haul, sorting through piles of algae to pull out the different kinds of wildlife. As the students identified each organism using their detailed classification books, the crew reminded students just how lucky they were to be learning with the Living Classrooms organization. Though net fishing is usually illegal in the Cape Cod bay, The Lady Maryland has a special permit obtained for educational purposes.
We anchored for the night by a nearly abandoned private island. Students theorized as to what happens on the island, as our beloved cook Michael warned the kids that it was an experimental breeding grounds for dangerous dinosaurs. The island is owned by John Kerry's family; it may have just been me, but I could've sworn I smelled Heinz ketchup as we sailed away.
Seaward, and southward!
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