Author: Tom
Location: Road Town, Peter Island, The Bight - Norman Island
Day 19! Only 2 days left and honestly, I don't know whether I should be happy or sad. I do miss home and everything, but I've made some really good friends here. Saying our goodbyes will be hard. Anyway, back to what we did today - we started off by sailing to Peter Island where we went turtling. We had other plans, but they got cancelled and delayed due to weather and other complications. After we went turtling, we sailed to Norman Island, which was where we spent our 2nd night. We cleaned our cabins a bit and spent some time packing. For dinner we had cheesy pasta. Today was a great day.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
VISAR and Roaming Road Town
Author: Wendy
Location: Road Town
Everyone got up really quickly today and we were ready to go. We sailed across the water to Road Town. It didn't take very long. We went to the VISAR headquarters and learned all about what they do to help people. Sadly, we learned that less than half of the people that they save actually donate to VISAR. Since VISAR is not given money from the government because it's a volunteer program, they have to fundraise a lot to keep it going. We helped them by painitng a storage holding bright orange, along with a few other things. We also sanded and prepared the railing for future Lifeworkers to paint. All of our work didn't seem like much, but they said they couldn't get anyone else to do it and they relied on us every year. Afterwards, we were able to have free time in Road Town. We were able to take real showers and buy food and gifts for our families back home. By the way, Happy 4th of July!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Road Town
Everyone got up really quickly today and we were ready to go. We sailed across the water to Road Town. It didn't take very long. We went to the VISAR headquarters and learned all about what they do to help people. Sadly, we learned that less than half of the people that they save actually donate to VISAR. Since VISAR is not given money from the government because it's a volunteer program, they have to fundraise a lot to keep it going. We helped them by painitng a storage holding bright orange, along with a few other things. We also sanded and prepared the railing for future Lifeworkers to paint. All of our work didn't seem like much, but they said they couldn't get anyone else to do it and they relied on us every year. Afterwards, we were able to have free time in Road Town. We were able to take real showers and buy food and gifts for our families back home. By the way, Happy 4th of July!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
Planting Mangroves and VISAR Rescue
Author: Liz
Location: West End, Haver's, Little Harbor Peter
Right when we got up this morning, we went to West End to meet up with Nancy and two other women with the National Parks. Before anyone could actually plant the mangrove seedlings, however, Elliot, Devon, Chelsea M., and I had to go back to the dock, get a bucket off the boat, and pick seedlings from the mangroves to put in the pipes. We then returned to the Haver's sight, where the rest of the crew had finished putting the pipes in the ground. When we were done with mangrove planting and went back to the dock, we were going to get water, but the water had no pressure so it was decided that we would have another day of conserving water. Tomorrow will be day 6! We were also missing a prop, which Mike had to fix. After we ate our lunch from shore and got back on the boat, we set sail to Peter Island. VISAR, Virgin Island Search and Rescue, came and took care of Elliot's broken leg and Claire's broken arm, which other shipmates painted on - FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY! They both then got to ride in the VISAR boat. Everyone wanted to ride in it because it was really fast (450 horsepower). Last, we had mexican food for dinner.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: West End, Haver's, Little Harbor Peter
Right when we got up this morning, we went to West End to meet up with Nancy and two other women with the National Parks. Before anyone could actually plant the mangrove seedlings, however, Elliot, Devon, Chelsea M., and I had to go back to the dock, get a bucket off the boat, and pick seedlings from the mangroves to put in the pipes. We then returned to the Haver's sight, where the rest of the crew had finished putting the pipes in the ground. When we were done with mangrove planting and went back to the dock, we were going to get water, but the water had no pressure so it was decided that we would have another day of conserving water. Tomorrow will be day 6! We were also missing a prop, which Mike had to fix. After we ate our lunch from shore and got back on the boat, we set sail to Peter Island. VISAR, Virgin Island Search and Rescue, came and took care of Elliot's broken leg and Claire's broken arm, which other shipmates painted on - FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY! They both then got to ride in the VISAR boat. Everyone wanted to ride in it because it was really fast (450 horsepower). Last, we had mexican food for dinner.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sailing and Barbeque Party
Author: Kiki
Location: Jost Van Dyke, Great Tobago, Little Harbour
Today we sailed to Jost Van Dyke and went on shore to visit a bar/restaurant called Foxy's. We also saw the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society's boat building project. Afterwards, we picked up 3 high school students who were native to the island in order to take them around and show them the fundamentals of sailing. In the evening, we attended a barbeque party at Sidney's, along with Action Quest, which turned out to be great fun.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Jost Van Dyke, Great Tobago, Little Harbour
Today we sailed to Jost Van Dyke and went on shore to visit a bar/restaurant called Foxy's. We also saw the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society's boat building project. Afterwards, we picked up 3 high school students who were native to the island in order to take them around and show them the fundamentals of sailing. In the evening, we attended a barbeque party at Sidney's, along with Action Quest, which turned out to be great fun.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hiking and Sand Castle Building
Author: Joanna
Location: Mt. Sage, Sandy Cay, and Great Harbor - Jost Van Dyke
This morning we had an early start and a hearty bowl of cereal in preparation for our extremely demanding hike to the tallest point in the BVI. We had to climb Mt. Sage, which is about as tall as Mt. Kilamanjaro...just 7500m smaller. When we finished the hike, we stopped at Big Banana for a cheeseburger and some refreshing virgin daquiris. We then returned to the boat when Chelsea (still slightly delusional from the hike) threw a loaf of bread in the water requiring a search and rescue mission to retrieve it. In the afternoon we stayed with Action Quest for a sand castle building competition. We made a jeep. We had some stiff competition from the shark and sofa castles, but we never actually found out if we won.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Mt. Sage, Sandy Cay, and Great Harbor - Jost Van Dyke
This morning we had an early start and a hearty bowl of cereal in preparation for our extremely demanding hike to the tallest point in the BVI. We had to climb Mt. Sage, which is about as tall as Mt. Kilamanjaro...just 7500m smaller. When we finished the hike, we stopped at Big Banana for a cheeseburger and some refreshing virgin daquiris. We then returned to the boat when Chelsea (still slightly delusional from the hike) threw a loaf of bread in the water requiring a search and rescue mission to retrieve it. In the afternoon we stayed with Action Quest for a sand castle building competition. We made a jeep. We had some stiff competition from the shark and sofa castles, but we never actually found out if we won.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Monday, June 30, 2008
Turtle Hunting
Author: Elliot
Location: Long Bay, Monkey Point, Brewer's Bay, and Cane Garden Bay
The crew started its day off right with a bowl of assorted oatmeal. For the first time the shipmates were able to wake up to music from Polly's ipod. After a quick breakfast, the crew motored across the channel to the dreaded Monkey Point to search for its big game of choice...the sea turtle. To everyone's dissapointment the overcast skies revealed no ocean-dwelling reptiles so we decided to try our luck elsewhere on the mainland at Brewer's Bay. We sailed downwind for over an hour, which the captain found to be an easy task, then jibed our way to Tortola. Upon entering Brewer's Bay, we were graced by the appearance of two mating sea turtles. "This is the place," the crew thought, but after an hour or so of no sightings the team admitted defeat and came back to clean the dinks. While swimming, Ryan came across a shark-esque fish. Dan and Elliot jumped in after it, but found themselves screaming like little girls when it turned out to be a little too friendly and curious. The crew met up with AQ at Cane Garden Bay and indulged in a Thai dinner before a well deserved rest.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Long Bay, Monkey Point, Brewer's Bay, and Cane Garden Bay
The crew started its day off right with a bowl of assorted oatmeal. For the first time the shipmates were able to wake up to music from Polly's ipod. After a quick breakfast, the crew motored across the channel to the dreaded Monkey Point to search for its big game of choice...the sea turtle. To everyone's dissapointment the overcast skies revealed no ocean-dwelling reptiles so we decided to try our luck elsewhere on the mainland at Brewer's Bay. We sailed downwind for over an hour, which the captain found to be an easy task, then jibed our way to Tortola. Upon entering Brewer's Bay, we were graced by the appearance of two mating sea turtles. "This is the place," the crew thought, but after an hour or so of no sightings the team admitted defeat and came back to clean the dinks. While swimming, Ryan came across a shark-esque fish. Dan and Elliot jumped in after it, but found themselves screaming like little girls when it turned out to be a little too friendly and curious. The crew met up with AQ at Cane Garden Bay and indulged in a Thai dinner before a well deserved rest.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Dog Show
Author: Ryan
Location: Road Town
First, we went to Road Town and helped out at a dog show for a few hours. Afterwards, we went to a bbq and then got together with Action Quest. We played a game called, Life. It involved a group A and a group B. Each group would vote on a color, black or red. If both groups chose black, both would get 3 points. If one group chose red and one chose black, the group who chose black would lose 5 points and the group who chose red would gain 3 points. If both groups chose red, both would lose 5 points. Some thought it was a boring game, but it taught a good life lesson.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Road Town
First, we went to Road Town and helped out at a dog show for a few hours. Afterwards, we went to a bbq and then got together with Action Quest. We played a game called, Life. It involved a group A and a group B. Each group would vote on a color, black or red. If both groups chose black, both would get 3 points. If one group chose red and one chose black, the group who chose black would lose 5 points and the group who chose red would gain 3 points. If both groups chose red, both would lose 5 points. Some thought it was a boring game, but it taught a good life lesson.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Saturday, June 28, 2008
Relax/Free Day
Author: Chelsea M.
Location: Muskmellon Bay
Today, we got to sleep in until about 8:00. When we woke up, our staff was at a meeting and since we were docked, we went onshore and bought some snacks and drinks. Afterwards, we we went back to the boat and ate french toast for breakfast and sailed around the corner to Muskmellon Bay. Here it is beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and calming. When we got here, we were told we could have a free day. We sailed in the Picot and cruised around in Argo. Torin drove us around and it was a blast. We also swam, tanned, read, listened to music, talked, and had the option of wakeboarding, waterskiing, and driving the dinks. Today was very relaxing and fun.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Muskmellon Bay
Today, we got to sleep in until about 8:00. When we woke up, our staff was at a meeting and since we were docked, we went onshore and bought some snacks and drinks. Afterwards, we we went back to the boat and ate french toast for breakfast and sailed around the corner to Muskmellon Bay. Here it is beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and calming. When we got here, we were told we could have a free day. We sailed in the Picot and cruised around in Argo. Torin drove us around and it was a blast. We also swam, tanned, read, listened to music, talked, and had the option of wakeboarding, waterskiing, and driving the dinks. Today was very relaxing and fun.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Friday, June 27, 2008
School
Author: Devon
Location: Spanish Town/Marina Cay
With an early start we made our way to Spanish Town. When we arrived we went to the school and met the kids we would be spending all day with. We walked to the lower field, the children excited to let loose, and proceeded to introduce ourselves. We then played an enthusiastic game of Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, and Tag. Afterwards we played with face paint, chalk, beads, and string. After hours of exhausting fun, we said goodbye and sailed to Marina Cay for enlightening evening with Action Quest.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Spanish Town/Marina Cay
With an early start we made our way to Spanish Town. When we arrived we went to the school and met the kids we would be spending all day with. We walked to the lower field, the children excited to let loose, and proceeded to introduce ourselves. We then played an enthusiastic game of Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, and Tag. Afterwards we played with face paint, chalk, beads, and string. After hours of exhausting fun, we said goodbye and sailed to Marina Cay for enlightening evening with Action Quest.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Turtling
Author: Chelsea R.
Location: Anegada/Mountain Point
We awoke to Polly's delicious pancakes with cinnamon. We took the dinks to Anegada, where we met Randal for the second time. He drove us, in his car, to a dock where we met up with Rasta Jim. He then took 3 shipmates out turtling for an hour. The first group returned unsuccesful. Meanwhile, the rest of us met a fisherman, who taught us about conch shells. Chelsea and Devon each ate a spinal cord of a conch! Eventually everyone went turtling and in total we caught 8 turtles. We each tagged, measured, and played with them. After we drove 2 hours to Mountain Point, we made an amazing summer Thanksgiving meal.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Anegada/Mountain Point
We awoke to Polly's delicious pancakes with cinnamon. We took the dinks to Anegada, where we met Randal for the second time. He drove us, in his car, to a dock where we met up with Rasta Jim. He then took 3 shipmates out turtling for an hour. The first group returned unsuccesful. Meanwhile, the rest of us met a fisherman, who taught us about conch shells. Chelsea and Devon each ate a spinal cord of a conch! Eventually everyone went turtling and in total we caught 8 turtles. We each tagged, measured, and played with them. After we drove 2 hours to Mountain Point, we made an amazing summer Thanksgiving meal.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Iguanas/Beach Clean-Up
Author: Holly
Location: Anegada
Today was a very long, but successful day. We started off with an early morning and headed to the Rocky Iguana Rehabilitation Center where we helped feed the iguanas. Our hard work was rewarded with lunch at Big Bamboo, which was devoured quickly. The afternoon consisted of a walk along the breathtaking beaches of Anegada. Along the way we helped clean up trash on the beaches. We finished up with an hour of free time hanging out on the beach. We worked hard today and got a lot accomplished. There is no question, everyone will sleep well tonight.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Anegada
Today was a very long, but successful day. We started off with an early morning and headed to the Rocky Iguana Rehabilitation Center where we helped feed the iguanas. Our hard work was rewarded with lunch at Big Bamboo, which was devoured quickly. The afternoon consisted of a walk along the breathtaking beaches of Anegada. Along the way we helped clean up trash on the beaches. We finished up with an hour of free time hanging out on the beach. We worked hard today and got a lot accomplished. There is no question, everyone will sleep well tonight.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Monday, June 23, 2008
Turtling
Author: Claire
Location: Vixen Point and Deep Bay
Today was a very relaxed day. With an hour of extra sleep in the morning, the crew was ready for lots of activity. However, because of the technical and mechanical hiccups we ended up spending the morning on the mooring at Vixen Point. Happy to use the time to do laundry and take naps, the team didn't complain. A weather forecast almost hindered the lifeworkers from going turtling in Deep Bay that afternoon, but thanks to their wild and risky nature, this was not the case. After a lot of unsuccessful snorkeling, the crew (who had be joined by envious Quest members) were driven back to Vixen Point. But the day wasn't over until everyone enjoyed burgers, soda, and a crazy dance at the beach party. One highlight of the day was when Liz began to shower as the boat was leaving.
Location: Vixen Point and Deep Bay
Today was a very relaxed day. With an hour of extra sleep in the morning, the crew was ready for lots of activity. However, because of the technical and mechanical hiccups we ended up spending the morning on the mooring at Vixen Point. Happy to use the time to do laundry and take naps, the team didn't complain. A weather forecast almost hindered the lifeworkers from going turtling in Deep Bay that afternoon, but thanks to their wild and risky nature, this was not the case. After a lot of unsuccessful snorkeling, the crew (who had be joined by envious Quest members) were driven back to Vixen Point. But the day wasn't over until everyone enjoyed burgers, soda, and a crazy dance at the beach party. One highlight of the day was when Liz began to shower as the boat was leaving.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Planting Mangroves
Author: Tom
Location: Brandywine Bay and Mountain Point
In the morning we drove to Brandywine Bay where we met a bunch of enthusiastic kids. We played some games and got to know their likes and dislikes. Everyone was cheerful and excited. Later on we taught them how to plant mangroves, which have been destroyed over the years. For me, this was the best part because we had a laugh whilst teaching the kids a valuable lesson. By 3:00 we had lunch and showed the kids how to drive the dinks. After we left the kids, we sailed to Mountain Point, which is where we spent the night. For me, this was a bit of a challenge because I was the skipper and had to drive. Overall this day was great fun, but exhausting.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Brandywine Bay and Mountain Point
In the morning we drove to Brandywine Bay where we met a bunch of enthusiastic kids. We played some games and got to know their likes and dislikes. Everyone was cheerful and excited. Later on we taught them how to plant mangroves, which have been destroyed over the years. For me, this was the best part because we had a laugh whilst teaching the kids a valuable lesson. By 3:00 we had lunch and showed the kids how to drive the dinks. After we left the kids, we sailed to Mountain Point, which is where we spent the night. For me, this was a bit of a challenge because I was the skipper and had to drive. Overall this day was great fun, but exhausting.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Getting from One Side of the Beach to the Other
Author: Wendy
Location: The Baths and Spanishtown
We had a later start today because everyonewas exhausted. Today was the first day that everyone did everything that their job required. We went to the Baths, which is the most famous tourist stop in the Virgin Islands. It was a beautiful place with large boulders and caves that you could walk through in clear turquoise water. There was also white sand to put your feet in. Then we went to Spanishtown and ate lunch. we had ice cream to finish it off. The crew worked hard today to do what needed to be done. We are truly coming together as a group and bonding with one another.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: The Baths and Spanishtown
We had a later start today because everyonewas exhausted. Today was the first day that everyone did everything that their job required. We went to the Baths, which is the most famous tourist stop in the Virgin Islands. It was a beautiful place with large boulders and caves that you could walk through in clear turquoise water. There was also white sand to put your feet in. Then we went to Spanishtown and ate lunch. we had ice cream to finish it off. The crew worked hard today to do what needed to be done. We are truly coming together as a group and bonding with one another.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Friday, June 20, 2008
Played with Children from Local School
Author: Liz
Location: Virgin Gorda, Leverick Bay, Mountain Point
The weather was very nice today, not too windy, but enough to keep you cool while driving. It was nice when we went to go play with the kids from the local school from Virgin Gorda. Every kid was so happy that we were there. They never once stopped running around and jumping on top of all the lifeworkers. Every shipmate left with at least two of the children's phone numbers. However, when it was time to leave, it was raining pretty hard so we had to wait 20 minutes in the classroom with the kids. They liked to play in the rain , unlike all of us. We got some free time to stock up on food and get a real meal in a restaurant, which was pretty nice. After that, we set sail again and anchored at Mountain Point. Everyone had to learn to drive the dinks, which was pretty entertaining because noone knew knew how to operate them. For dinner, Thomas and Ryan were the chefs. They had to make chicken stir fry, but they made a mistake. They accidently cooked the crispy noodles that were supposed to be used as a topping. Noone thought it was possible to cook these noodles, but apparently you can and it does not taste very good. You live and learn.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Virgin Gorda, Leverick Bay, Mountain Point
The weather was very nice today, not too windy, but enough to keep you cool while driving. It was nice when we went to go play with the kids from the local school from Virgin Gorda. Every kid was so happy that we were there. They never once stopped running around and jumping on top of all the lifeworkers. Every shipmate left with at least two of the children's phone numbers. However, when it was time to leave, it was raining pretty hard so we had to wait 20 minutes in the classroom with the kids. They liked to play in the rain , unlike all of us. We got some free time to stock up on food and get a real meal in a restaurant, which was pretty nice. After that, we set sail again and anchored at Mountain Point. Everyone had to learn to drive the dinks, which was pretty entertaining because noone knew knew how to operate them. For dinner, Thomas and Ryan were the chefs. They had to make chicken stir fry, but they made a mistake. They accidently cooked the crispy noodles that were supposed to be used as a topping. Noone thought it was possible to cook these noodles, but apparently you can and it does not taste very good. You live and learn.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hike on Salt Island/Introduction to Turtling
Author: Kiki
Location: Salt Island
We left The Bight after breakfast and sailed to Salt Island. There, we walked a short distance up to a vantage point where we could see the entire island. We talked a bit more about the goals and meaning behind the Lifeworks program. We then sailed to another anchorage, where we talked about what we would be doing for the kids we are going to see tomorrow, like games and other fun things to entertain them.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Salt Island
We left The Bight after breakfast and sailed to Salt Island. There, we walked a short distance up to a vantage point where we could see the entire island. We talked a bit more about the goals and meaning behind the Lifeworks program. We then sailed to another anchorage, where we talked about what we would be doing for the kids we are going to see tomorrow, like games and other fun things to entertain them.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Introduction to Lifeworks
Author: Joanna
Location: Soper's Hole, The Caves, The Bight
We left the dock at about 12:00 pm and set sail for The Caves. The weather was great and everyone was able to learn a few new things about the boat like how to put up the mainsail and tac. Then we arrived at the caves where Blackbeard used to stash his boats. Here, we got the chance to snorkel and look at the gorgeous fish and coral. Then we anchored at The Bight and heard about all the other Lifeworks programs worldwide.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Soper's Hole, The Caves, The Bight
We left the dock at about 12:00 pm and set sail for The Caves. The weather was great and everyone was able to learn a few new things about the boat like how to put up the mainsail and tac. Then we arrived at the caves where Blackbeard used to stash his boats. Here, we got the chance to snorkel and look at the gorgeous fish and coral. Then we anchored at The Bight and heard about all the other Lifeworks programs worldwide.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Introduction to Lifeworks
Author: Joanna
Location: Soper's Hole, The Caves, The Bight
We left the dock at about 12:00 pm and set sail for The Caves. The weather was great and everyone was able to learn a few new things about the boat like how to put up the mainsail and tac. Then we arrived at the caves where Blackbeard used to stash his boats. Here, we got the chance to snorkel and look at the gorgeous fish and coral. Then we anchored at The Bight and heard about all the other Lifeworks programs worldwide.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Soper's Hole, The Caves, The Bight
We left the dock at about 12:00 pm and set sail for The Caves. The weather was great and everyone was able to learn a few new things about the boat like how to put up the mainsail and tac. Then we arrived at the caves where Blackbeard used to stash his boats. Here, we got the chance to snorkel and look at the gorgeous fish and coral. Then we anchored at The Bight and heard about all the other Lifeworks programs worldwide.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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