South Water Caye...day 3

The morning started beautiful as usually. The sun rising up over over the reef just made it a perfect day and the day hadn't even started to say.

We took the kids around the island, which doesn't take long since it is an extremely small island, on a vegetation walk. The  kids were able to see the Australian pine, Coconut trees, Royal Palms, Traveler's Palms, and other varieties of trees. They were also shown different types of legumes.

 On the east side of the island, the students got an upclose and personal lecture on mangroves and their importance to the tropics.

 After the walk, we had lunch and divided the kids up into two groups to take them out over the
shallow lagoon on the east side of the island.

Here the kids were able to experience coralline algae, turtle grass, segmented worms, brittle sea stars, a sea cucumber, along with other organisms that use this shallow environment.

 

 

From here we headed out for a late afternoon snorkel at Horseshoe Caye. Since the forereef was really rough we opted to let the kids snorkel in an protective area since must of them hadn't really snorkeled until yesterday.

 

 

 

The kids were able to see a large variety of healthy coral, sea fans, sponges, and fish. They were also able to see the flamingo tongue snail after I pointed it out to them.  Also planned for that night, after our night lecture, was the night snorkel at the south end of the beach. Several students opted not to do the night snorkel but after they felt the excitement from the others that were going, they headed out with us. I told them that I would lead them out and lead them back. They were required to pair up with a buddy and to attach a light stick to their snorkel so those on the beach could keep track of us. We had a boat in the channel so that we wouldn't swim into it and get caught in the current. For night snorkels, there wasn't much out but the kids did have a good time and those that decided to go, were proud of themselves for doing it.

Dangriga and South Water Caye

Because of the time change and the fact I forgot to change my watch, I got people up earlier than expected. This gave them a chance to walk around the grounds before breakfast and experience the calls of many birds.  After breakfast and a tour of the kitchens, we headed to Dangriga via the Southern Highway. Before we even headed out, we stopped at the cashew orchard to show the kids why cashews are so expensive. The seeds are outside the fruit and only 1 seed is produced. The oils from the cashews are acidic and can burn/scare if they touch the skin.

Hummingbird Highway is still a dusty road. So stopped at Soldier's Creek for a refreshing swim. The students and chaperons enjoyed jumping of the rock in the middle of the creek and were given a brief lecture on bamboo, which grows along the creek.

 

We made it to Pelican Island Resort and loaded up the boat for our journey across the lagoon to South Water Caye. Some of the girls started breaking out in song on our 30 minute journey which brought much laughter to the group. We reached the dock and greeted Jennifer, who runs the IZE. Since we were the only group renting out the IZE, we pretty much so had the run of the place. The girls were given a bunk room along the western boundary of IZE. It so happen to be the rooms, I stayed in before several years prior. The guys were given a bunk room closer to the classroom and mesh hall. The chaperons were given these individual cabanas with their own private bathrooms overlooking the back reef. Here the wind coming off the water created a chilly breeze but it was peaceful to look out through the mangroves at the reef and to see the sunrise in the morning.  Once everyone settled in, we had lunch and were given the 'rules' of IZE. Since it is mainly a green facility, the kids were informed of what they could or couldn't do.

 

 

Some of the kids headed out to the beach to go snorkeling, some played a volleyball game while others shredded some coconut and hung out on the dock.

After dinner, we had the first night lecture, on coral reef formations, in the classroom. From there we headed out to the dock to view the stars and a quick astronomy lesson and to see whatelse was out and about. Spotted a sea hare and an electric skate around the dock along with urchins and sea stars. Some of the kids headed down to the beach to chill in the hammocks while others headed to their bunks for some shut eye.

Belize Zoo Tropical Education Centre...day 1

We were up early and at the airport by 5 am to catch the Continental flight heading to Houston. Some of the students hadn't been to be yet because they were busy packing or were too excited about the trip ahead of them. Of course most of them crashed as soon as the plane took off. A few of the girls walked off leaving their boarding passes and passports on the ground. Since this was a serious matter, I picked them up and waited until we were boarding and the girls were stressing out about their 'lost' items before walking over to the girls and giving them their tickets and passports. I mentioned to them that they needed to keep these with them at all times no matter what. Once we got to Belize, I would take over holding all passports but they needed to be smarter with their passports and tickets in the future. 

Both Sue and Jon, the chaperons, were beaming with excitement. Jon had always wanted to go but was never picked by previous trip leaders. I never knew this and when I mentioned, over lunch one day, that I still needed a guy chaperon, this set him off into a tyrant about how he always wanted to go but was never picked to go. I said to him, "Want to go with me in Apirl?" "You're kidding right?" was his response. "Nope. I need a guy chaperon to go." That started the ball for him and seeing him at the airport like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning was priceless. Sue was the first to respond to my 'need chaperons' email. She was definitely looking forward to this trip.

After we arrived in Houston, we were able to spend the time before our next flight in one of the guest rooms that Continental has. Here everyone was able to pull up a chair and sleep, eat lunch, play cards, etc. Eventually we headed to our gate but had another 2 hour delay before leaving for Belize due to an issue with the plane.

When we got to Belize, everyone seemed to catch their second wind. Might have been the warmth and the sun or the fact that most slept on the way. Whatever it was everyone was ready to go. Doc and I had to go get the vans. Following behind Doc, while he is driving, is always an adventure. Traveling behind him while the sun is setting, on roads without lights, and while extremely tired, even more interesting.

We arrived at the Tropical Education Centre at the Belize Zoo. After dinner and a night tour of the zoo, I gave out the sleeping arrangements and everyone started to settle in for the night. Once the weariness of a day of travel wore off, students were starting to realize that they were in Belize surrounded by wild animals right out side their cabins. A few of the students were nervous to sleep so I had to reassure them that I was available at any time and to come and get me if they had an issue. I started the call chain to let parents know we arrived safely. Since we were behind, due to the delay, parents were a little worried but after I explained it, they seemed to calm down some.

While making the rounds, making  sure everyone was all set, a few of the girls called for me from the bathroom. Since they know I absoultely love frogs, they wanted to let me know of a frog in the bathroom. I was excited because in all the times I've been to Belize, I have't been able to spot too many frogs. As I headed to the bathrooms, the guys in one cabin yelled out to me that there was a scorpion under their bed. Since this was a more serious matter, I had to go take care of the scorpion before heading to the frog. Another first for me, a scorpion. I know they are present in Belize but never had the pleasure of seeing one up close and personal.  After some cool shots of the frog, headed back for another night check before heading in for the night.

A new trip...leading students to Belize and Guatemala

Originally a trip leading CHS students to Belize and Guatemala for either February or Spring Break was talked about but due to miscommunication, the ball never got rolling officially. When the 2008-2009 school year began, I had students asking me if the trip was still happening. Since I didn't know, I contacted those who had been in on the meeting a few months before and found out that we could still do the trip but I would have to lead it instead of the other teacher, who had retired. So I started the paperwork to get the trip approved for Spring Break (April 17-25, 2009). This was a hassle since things weren't handled by administration in a timely fashion. Eventually the trip was approved and students started signing up for the adventure. The science department has run trips like this before and the students take them as an additional class. Because they earn credit for the trip, additional classes are set up prior to going along with assignments. The spring is a busy season to begin with and adding additional class lectures and grading of assignments wasn't fun but it was worth it. As the trip drew closer, the excitement level of the students could be felt. Reading their journal entries just solidified how exciting these kids were to experience Belize and Guatemala.

There were 18 junior and seniors embarking on this journey. 2 chaperons from the middle school along with Doc and me would be those responsible for the well-being of the students. There were 3 sets of siblings on the trip, which made for interesting times. Some of the students on the trip I had taught in class or were currently teaching in class. There were other students who I hadn't taught before, so it was fun getting to know all those involved. We had a GREAT bunch of kids going.  The night before we were to meet bright and early at the airport, we had a potluck dinner at one of the parent's homes. Last minute reminders, tips, etc. was mentioned. Students were given their CHS Belize 2009 shirts to wear. This would make it easier to spot our group going through customs. After all was said and done, everyone headed for their beds. Some had to still pack since they hadn't done that yet.

A new journey would start bright and early whether we were ready or not.

Days 23 & 24: Goodbye Hawaii

Our last two days in Hawaii. Day 23 was spent enjoying service at the Paradise Park Church of the Nazarene. After the service, we were treated to a lunch on the grounds and then everyone was involved in writing their second essay. Their first essay was written at the military camp a few days before. So for those of us not involved in this aspect, we relaxed until everyone was done. We got back to the camp and did the squaring away of luggage and final check because we would be leaving the next day. Day 24 was just filled with travel. Catching a small flight from Hilo to Honolulu then from Honolulu to Houston and Houston to Boston. Since we would be traveling all day, the students were given their third essay to finish.

As aways, I'm sadden to leave and head back to reality. I've enjoyed the time experiencing God's creation and hanging out with Doc, Twining, and the Everetts. I could have done without some of the childness, shelfishness, and intitledment displayed by some of the college students. Unless they have a trust fund waiting for them or marry someone rich, they will have a rude awaking when they head out into the real world. It always amazes me how people can be so shallow and stupid even when faced with the beauty of the creation. I just want to slap people at times and say "Wake up! Look around you. Experience this! Learn as much as you can because you never know if you will ever get another opportunity like this again!"

So until the next adventure, Mahalo Doc for another awesome trip!

Day 22: Keanakako'i, Napau trail, Helina Pali, Kaupaianaha Lava Shield

We stopped at Keanakako'i, Cave of the adz. The old Hawaiian's use to use the dense basalt to made adz (vertical axe) which was then used to hallow out canoes. The area is a collapsed feature on the NE rift zones.

We then hiked the Napau Trail. We walked along a prehistoric cinder cone callled Pu'u Huluhulu. From the top of the cone you can see Makaopuhi, the largest pit crater which is 1 mile wide and 500 feet deep. You can also see Pu'u'o'o, a fuming cinder cone. Also viewed Mauna Ulu, which erupted between 1969-1974. It produced enough lava to cover 17 sq. miles and some of the lava reached the ocean.

 

We then stopped at Helina Palie, which is a 1500' fault scarp. The by is riding on the headwall of the scarp. The cliff formed due to volcanic eruptions. Lava flows over the palie and speeds up on the way to the ocean and will break up forming skylights along the way. Earthquakes can cause laba benches to drop drastically.

 

After some downtime, we headed out to Kupaianaha Lava shield. Since it was nice time, we were able to see where the lava was flowing due to the skylights along the path. It was interesting to think back that a few days before we were walking right over where this was taking place. After viewing the lava, we enjoyed just looking at the night sky and all the stars that were out and about. While picking out constellations, we were treated to a few meteorids. Hearing the waves crash along the shoreline, the peeping of the tree frogs and smelling the scents of the flowers made for a very relaxing and enjoyable night.

Day 21: Hiking in the National Park

 

After breakfast and a stop at the post office, we headed out to the Jagger Museum before beginning the day of hikes. The first stop was at the Southwest Rift Zone. Here we viewed the crossbedding of ash sediments deposited by wind before walking the crater's edge.

 There have been 17 eruptions and 4 collapses of this crater over time. We were able to see the NeNe while at the crater. The NeNe are extremely rare and were almost driven to extinction but a breeding program is trying to prevent the loss of this bird.

From there we headed to Devestation Trail. The area is close to a climate community. Before the Kileau eruptions, the area was a mature forest. There is evidence of ash along the trail that buried the trees. Runners, small ferns, and ground cover can now be seen along the trail.

We headed to the Thurston Lava tube for lunch then a hike to the mouth of Kileau'iki. The area around the lava tube is a native forest and the rangers have removed non-native species along with erecting a fence to keep out ferral animals. The walls inside the tube are etched with the different lava eruptions and there was some drip marks and fleuting also seen in the wall of the tube.

Hiking in the crater was a lot of fun. There were fummerals and steam vents along the way along with uplifted strata due to the pushing up from the magma below.