Day 6

Saturday began with quite a bang as it blew 30 knots with higher gusts all night along with torrential downpours. Half of the group did not even know as they slept right through it all. When we awoke it was sunny and bright, not for long as the sprinkles began before we finished breakfast. As we packed for our day, the squalls came through again necessitating a cab ride to the bus stop. We took the bus into the main terminal in Hamilton to begin our day of shopping and exploring downtown. Conveniently enough, right across from the terminal is Café Açores (a perfect spot for espresso and a bolos levedos, just like being at home). Then we made it off to the shops where some students bought some trinkets and snacks. Sunshine returned for 30 minutes or so and we made our way over to the ferry terminal for the ride over to the Dockyard. Dockyard is loaded with shops and restaurants primarily for the cruise ship visitors and is also the host of 2017 America’s Cup. While we were there, the Spirit of Bermuda arrived as well and we got to see the breathtaking schooner underway. A few hours of shopping, snacking, and enjoying each other and then we headed back to the ferry to head towards our dinner destination in Hamilton. 

The pizza at Traittoria was absolutely awesome and we all left with full bellies and headed directly to the bus terminal for our 45 minute ride back to BIOS. When we returned, we took a few minutes to put all of our receipts and everything together and then upstairs to finish cleaning, packing, and bed.

Day 5

Due to heavy weather, today was another day for changes that the students dealt with quite well. We had been scheduled to head out on the M/V Stommel approximately 8 miles out towards the reef for some fantastic snorkeling. This is the only deep-water dive we typically do but as always, safety comes first. We took the previous day's activity that had been cancelled and decided to do our best to accomplish our navigation of the beautiful pink sands on Warwick Long Bay to Horseshoe Bay. As it was raining, we took our time sightseeing along the way starting with Elbow Beach. We stopped several times along South Road to see parts of the gorgeous island. Prior to stopping at Horseshoe for a quick swim, we made the 185 steps up Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for a bird's eye view of the entire West End. The ride back along Middle and North Shore Road was also pretty cool! 

After a great lunch of fish tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fingers, we then went to Alexandra Battery for a small history lesson and to gather sea glass. Looking into the skies, we saw squalls coming and decided to head over to Clearwater beach. Even though there were a few squalls that came through, most of us did have fun in the water.  We left a little early and headed up to St. David’s lighthouse for some sightseeing before heading back to BIOS for Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, and the fan favorite… ice cream. Much needed down time was in order after some room cleaning and showers. Then it was time for a good night’s rest in preparation for our last full day on the island.

Day 4

The morning started off with some wet and windy weather but we forged through it and headed off to Nonsuch Island. In addition to the weather, the larger of the boats was broken down necessitating us to have two shuttles via Castle Harbour rather than one shorter less adventurous trip. The first group made is safely to the island and our captain returned to the dock for group #2. Upon arrival, our fantastic guide Kyla took us on a fantastic hike all the while explaining the master plan of the island and the beautiful story of the Cahow. The Cahow (aka. Bermuda Petrel) was thought to be extinct for over 300 hundred years and in the early 1950's the bird was re-discovered. Scientist named Dr. David Wingate began to push the species back into existence from less than 18 pair in the early sixties to over 115 pairs as of 2015. Wingate spurred Dr. Jeremy Madeiros to continue his work from Nonsuch along with a restoration project aimed at bringing the island back to its' state from hundreds of years ago when there were only endemic and native species.

 After a fantastic morning on the island, we learned there were a couple of on shore issues with the boat coming back to get us. The BIOS staff were able to reach out and find some friends to shuttle us back and forth. Trip one began uneventfully but didn't continue in that direction as the dock we were being dropped off at had a locked gate and the captain needed to head back across the harbor directly into the freshening breeze and white caps. Group #1 made it safely but the captain chose to wait out the wind and tide prior to making trip #2. Another vessel was secured but was unable to make it under the causeway and another alternate plan needed to be made. Some time spent in the lee on Nonsuch kept everyone safe and dry albeit a bit hungry as we were over two hours late for lunch. Once again a great save by friends of BIOS led to a larger and quicker boat ride for the remaining 6. The great chefs at BIOS saved lunch for us, which we devoured as soon as we returned. Next, showers a little down time, dinner, and our nightly reflection session. The students were so introspective and happy even though the weather had changed our schedules. Time for another strong sleep and looking forward to a hike along the beaches on Horseshoe Bay!

Day three

Our Wednesday began with eggs, waffles, bacon, and fruit for breakfast to energize us up for our hike through Walsingham Park. Our guide Kyla explained how the history of the caves and their importance to the island. The park had lots of branches and leaves down due the recent storm but it did not stop us from making our way to Blue Hole first and then across the entire park. We were lucky enough to get a chance to learn how the volcanic rock and limestone caps support the islands structure. Blue hole is the place where we all had the opportunity to dive off of the cliff (approximately 20 feet ) into the gorgeous water.







 Refreshed from our dives and swim, we gathered ourselves to trek across the park via the trails under the canopy. Half way across, we were treated to a venture into a cave and actually got to swim in the cave. After braving the cave, we hiked up rocks and over downed trees while being taught about the environment all the way. Back to BIOS for lunch and then to Tobacco Bay for a leisurely snorkel loaded with sergeant majors, parrot fish, damsels, grunts, squid, and more. We took a hike to see the beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding waters and marine traffic. Then it was back to BIOS for dinner and a very informative lecture on this history of Bermuda.

Day two

A good night’s rest is all we needed to recharge our batteries! This morning began with a beautiful sunrise and a hearty breakfast. Following breakfast, the group was shuttled to Cooper’s Island, which was formerly a NASA stronghold. Arriving there prior to many others from the island gave us a bird’s eye view of how Nicole ravaged the flora and fauna. We saw many “burnt” trees and plants that were severely damaged by the salt and wind. This meant it was time to lend our Bermudian friends a hand by digging up the invasives and spreading the endemic seeds to help them get their environment back to how it was years ago. Many of our students worked like bulls digging, dragging, and removing the plants that suffocate the native and endemic species. After working at that, we headed to the beach to help with some cleanup. Many plastics and other pieces of trash wash up on the beaches of Bermuda due to the geographical location and even more due to the nasty storm. The fruits of our labor earned us a swim in the pristine waters along with a few juvenile green sea turtles (20 yards away). Back to Bios for a great lunch and to get ready for our afternoon journey to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Starting off with giant sea turtles, harbor seals, and zillions of fishes led us to the zoo portion with free roaming lemurs and tamarind monkeys. A quick beverage in the shade and it was back to BIOS for dinner and some light socializing. As we broke from dinner to our nightly meeting, there were many sleepy faces leading us to an early bed time in preparation for another exciting day. Till  tomorrow... we leave you with these great photos.

Day one Bermuda Spectacular!!

This morning everyone was up bright and early, long before the roosters, to head to Logan for the beginning of our journey to Bermuda. Although it was difficult for some to get he cobwebs out, we were all ready to hit the highway on time. Due to the unpredictably of Boston traffic, we had to seek several different alternate routes but did end up there right on time. We were able to check in easy enough and make it through security pretty quickly. The flight was as easy as pie and was only half full so we had some extra space. A little more than two hours later, we landed in beautiful Bermuda and were escorted to customs. No less than 15 minutes later, we boarded our cabs to the Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences. A quick introduction and tour by the BIOS staff, and then we were off to famous concrete beach to test out or snorkeling skills. During our swim, the students saw some really cool fish and corals. Dinner at the BIO station is always a great time as we get to hang out together and eat out on the beautiful terrace under the palm trees. From dinner, we were then off to the lecture hall for a presentation on the many fishes and corals we will see throughout our time here. Then a small meeting to discuss our next day and plans for morning, a little time to wind down and BED. Stay tuned for more adventures…