Lay-Tah, Boss! Lay-Tah, Mama!

Thanks to the smiling parents who greeted us upon arrival this evening at Norfolk International Airport.  As we flew home from Miami, the looks on the faces of all in our group showed glowing tans and even brighter smiles as we reminisced about our amazing adventures!  Talia, Leah, Emma, Sydney, Katie, Grayson, Jasper, Brock, Miles, Tomas, Evan and Andrew -- we hope you go to sleep tonight with visions of clear waters, glowing organisms, friendly locals, and star-filled skies! Thanks to each of you for an amazing adventure! ~ Ms. Scherrer & Mrs. Sharp

(Almost) Miami Bound

The learning never ends!  As we checked in at the STX airport, students witnessed first-hand the power of positivity and kindness.  Thanks to Ms. B at the American Airlines counter & Mr. L. at the Customs line, we are now happily waiting for our outbound flight to Miami! Ty, Travis, Heather & Elliot - thank you for a wonderful time at Discovery Grove.  Give Disco, Gabby & Orion big hugs, too!

Savoring the Sights on Our Last Day

We are heading west today to check out the other side of this intriguing island.  As we made our way to our snorkeling spot, we stopped at Butler Bay Plantation. The ruins of the plantation house were fascinating, but even moreso was the sight and story of the Bayobob Tree. Henry & all of his Dolphin travel mates are savoring this last day in St. Croix!

Bioluminescent Bay Update

We arrived safely back at DG following our campfire dinner and nighttime kayak in Salt River Bay. The darkness of night hinders our ability to capture in images what we saw and experienced this evening; and the magic of the bioluminescent bay is simply too incredible to capture in words.  Millions of tiny single-celled organisms, called Dinoflagellates, illuminated as we paddled and swam in the darkness of the night through the Bay.  It was truly...magical. Thanks to Elliot, Travis & Ty, for another amazing time together!

Bioluminescent Bay

Its a beautiful evening at Salt River Bay! We are enjoying a dinner by the campfire and a nighttime kayak excursion to locate, identify and learn about the bioluminescent organisms that thrive here. 

Days 7 & 8: Community - Caribbean Style

We had another amazing evening on St.Croix. First on our list was heading to the St. Croix Boys & Girls Club in Christiansted. As we made our way there, the group expressed what we believed we would see when we arrived. While there were many interesting predictions, none would capture the energy and warmth we were greeted with.  We were welcomed with a blessing and smiles, and then we divided into age/grade group rooms to help the youngsters with their homework. Counting and math, vocabulary and story writing - we did it all!  Next it was time to play outside and we enjoyed every minute of our tag, jumping rope, piggy-back races, and 4-square fun!  In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we have modified out plans for Friday to give us one more day with our new friends!  Our group decided this morning to make a list of supplies we thought the B&G Club needs.  We are going to pool our "souvenir" funds, and hit the local store to surprise our friends tomorrow!  Shhhh! Don't tell them! ;)

We when made it back to DG after our fun at the Boys & Girls Club, we were greeted with smells that are far too rich and amazing for words!  Mr. & Mrs. Brown had arrived 3 hours earlier to start preparing our farm-fresh meal.  Pumpkin soup was first, followed by cucumber salad, plantain salad, roasted pork & chicken, lamb stew, and fresh banana and mango smoothies.  It was an experience that will surely be treasured as our senses were overloaded with goodness!

As for today, we are laying low at DG as we have a big night ahead kayaking! We are spending our time planting new vegetation around the grounds, making coconut jewelry and art, and enjoying the sun-filled day! (We received word that VBVA is in the 50s today! yikes!). The group has experienced so many eye-opening and heart-warming moments ... ones that will provide stories for years to come!

 

Mangrove Morning on Day 7

Our trip to Salt River Bay was one of our most educational excursions this week!  Ty & Elliot led us through the Salt River shore and pointed out the three types of mangroves, discussed the ecological system that helps the mangroves to flourish, and recognized the positive impacts of the mangroves.  As we rounded the bend, Ty shared with us the historical importance of this location and the role the reef in Columbus' arrival.