Whales Trip 3 -- Out of Bristol, RI

Hello family and friends!

We are now on Day 2 of our 9 day adventure at sea aboard the Lady Maryland! Yesterday, the kids left Bristol, RI at around 4:00 PM, with the students helping set the sails, coil ropes, learn different boating commands, etc. They were put to work right away! They all have good attitudes and high spirits and are always excited to see what we do next. During sailing time, students were told instructions on proper sailing etiquette, how to maintain the boat, details regarding living quarters, what it truly means to "pump the head," and ground rules for the rest of our trip. The kids and crew played some name games, giving them the chance to meet Michael, our captain, Rohan, the education coordinator, among others.

At dinner time, Chef Michael Delacruz prepared some delicious broccoli, mashed potatoes, chicken, and home-made bread. The students were amazed by the quality of the food and quickly realized that they would not be going hungry on this trip. The students were then taught the process of cleaning all of the dishes used for cooking. After dinner, the students were given their chores based on their watches (Starboard watch vs. Port Watch). These chores include swabbing the deck, cleaning the head, picking up any extra food or trash laying around, etc. The students will get very used to these chores, so maybe you can start implementing their new skills when they return home!

The boat then anchored in Greenwich Bay, west of Bristol, for the night. There, the students began to get ready for bed as we viewed the gorgeous sunset over the ocean. Because of the heat, especially in the lower cabins, the students slept on deck under the stars. It was cooler both in temperature and in experience! After learning about some of the boat's and crew's traditions, the students were given their night watch assignments. Each night, one or two students accompany a crew member for night watch, to make sure that the anchor is not dragging on the ground, measuring wind force, monitoring the weather, etc. Night watch is normally for about an hour at a time, but we try to make sure everyone gets their 8 hours one way or another!

This morning we woke up bright and early, got the anchor out of the water, and set sail! When we reached Patience Island Gap, we took samples of the water, testing temperature, pH levels, phosphate and nitrate levels, etc. They then spent the rest of the day trawling and dredging in the ocean, picking up crabs, worms, and even a mantis shrimp! We have to sign off now, for it's lunch time! More info to come.