Sail Rock

Last week we toured the Sail Rock developments located on South Caicos.  They are designed to be completely sustainable and to have minimum effects on the surrounding environment. They use
eco-friendly building materials, as well as leave all original plants and fauna in place.   So far in the construction, there are only 2 competed condos with only one being occupied. (rumor has it that Sarah Jessica Parker has shown interest in these beautiful homes).  They vary in the number of bedrooms, but each comes with a kitchen, living room, TV room, and patio with an infinity pool. (not a bad deal right?)   This company hopes to try and bring eco-tourism to South Caicos.
 

 

 

Shark Alley Snorkel 6-12-2013

 

needle fish

stoplight parrot fish

 

striped butterfly fish

west indian sea egg (sea urchin, lower middle of the picture)

 

princess parrot fish

blue tang

purple sea urchin (VERY POISONOUS, center of picture)

South Caicos Livin'

We are mid way into our second week here and already we have done so much.  Inside of the classroom, we have learned about roughly 130 different species of algae, coral, fish, and other various marine life.  On top of that we have gone out to the field, at several different snorkel sites, to try and ID all of them, while up close and personal.  We have learned about the history of the island through hikes to the old salt flats where salt was once gathered to be exported, as well as some local landmarks involved in everything from the Queen of England's arrival to the old drug cartel.  We have learned about the importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and have begun looking at what it takes to set one up and their overall effectiveness.  This has sparked us to participate in mock enforcement efforts of an MPA as well as looking at the actual value of an MPA against the potential value of a hotel in it's place.

Between classes, we can be found in the pool or catching up on some sleep in the hammocks, even if it's only for 20 minutes or so.

Outside of the classroom, we have begun to explore the entire island.  Life here is very different from the states.  On morning runs, we don't have to worry about avoiding traffic.  Instead we try to make our way around the herds of wild horses and donkeys that roam the island.  We have visited local beaches and even camped there for a night.  I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen that many stars.  One day we hiked to the to of highpoint and explored the abandoned plantation house along with the surrounding cliffs.  We have gotten to know a handful of towns people from nights out at Chicken Bar and Darrelle's, to our frequent ice cream runs at the Haitian Store.  This island has so much more to explore and I only hope that we can try and fit it all in before our time here runs out.

 

 

the fishing docks/ main harbor

 

 

 

East Bay

 

 

the moment when you turn down this road on your morning run

 

I WANT THIS PUPPY!! #PotcakeLove

 

 

Snorkel Trip: Admiral's Aquarium

Night Swimming!

Last night was our first night snorkeling trip, and I was both excited and terrified before taking the plunge into the deep blue.  The excitement came from the anticipation of seeing more new fish and other marine life that normally doesn't come out at night.  The terror came from an irrational fear I had of landing on a shark when I first jumped in or being side swiped by one.  (glad to report neither happened)

The reef at night was absolutely spectacular!! The darkness at first made it seem desolate and really creepy but looking closer it was easy to see that the reef was full of life.  We ran into a lot of fish, some sleeping and some wide awake.  While exploring some of the crevasses and overhangs we discovered a spotted moray eel.  We also saw huge puffer fish and another large ray hunting for food on the sea floor.

The best part of night snorkeling was the last creature we ran into.  As we floated back to the boat  with the current, we discovered a small sea turtle floating with us!  We swam along side/ above him for a while, and in small groups would dive down to swim with him on the sandy bottom.  It was by far one of the coolest experiences I have ever had!

Can't wait to get back out there today!!

Week 1

I can't even believe that the first week has already flown by.  I also find it strange and amazing that the 25 very pale and new faces I met on Monday have already become good friends.  I'll try and keep this week recap short and sweet, but so much has happened!


After arriving at the Provo airport on Monday, I met up with the SFS group and we were ferried over to the island of South Caicos.  It felt almost like being a freshman again..there were so many new faces to get to know and they were from all over the country.  When we arrived at the docks, we were welcomed by all of the staff and interns.  From there we walked up to the center, which you can clearly see is beautiful in the pictures below, and were assigned roommates and rooms.  The rest of the night involved moving in, hanging mosquito netting, and trying to get to know everyone.

The next few days consisted of me still trying to get names straight, along with class, exploring the island and most importantly SNORKELING!  So far we've been to a few different sites and each time we see more and more.  Never in my life did I ever think I  would be chasing after sharks and barracudas instead of swimming away from them as fast as possible.  I feel like Steve Irwin (my childhood hero), swimming with eagle rays, lion fish, and all of the other inhabitants of the reefs. 

Saturday was community out reach day, and the center was flooded with kids.  We did crafts, gave swim lessons, as well as played endless games of knock out.  Then we had the rest of the day as well as today to spend exploring the island and get some serious R&R.

I don't know what will happen next, but I can't wait to find out! I'm in love with South Caicos!!

Cribs: TCI Edition

This is my new home for the next month!

I'm the top bunk with the green sheets.

Traded the view from SMC for this one..I'd say it was a nice trade off.