Live a lil' in my shoes...: Field Research: Day 1

Today was the first day where we didn't have to wake up and go straight to a lecture! :) It was great! Right after breakfast we went out in groups to different snorkel sites to collect data. I was part of the second group that went out...so for two hours this morning my other group got to work together to finish our paper! By the time we had to go out and snorkel we only had to do some last minute editing. For the field research, each group was in charge of collecting two different transect areas. Basically, we put down a huge measuring tape in a specific area (30 meters long) and documented all of the fish, coral, algae, etc. that we saw within 3 meters on both the left and right side of our transect line. It took about 40 minutes for each one. It was difficult to do because we also had to measure certain heights of some coral and determine what percentages of what were within our area, but I enjoyed every minute of it! When we got back we had to make sure we entered all of our data in a spreadsheet because we will be doing more than one day of field research. Depending on the weather, we should still get in two more days of field research next week before the groups have to analyze the data and create a presentation from it.

After lunch my group (for the paper that is due tomorrow) all got together and we finished our project! IT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER! Again, we were supposed to go to the fishery plant today, but it was cancelled due to the lack of fish caught. Luckily, I still got my own little experience though. A few of my friends and I decided to walk into town to get some ice cream and snacks and on the way we stopped to watch the fisherman on the docks skin all of the fish for the day. The fisherman noticed me take pictures of him doing this and asked me to come try it...WHAT? haha! I was very nervous and disgusted at the same time but I did it. They were all laughing at me because of the face I was making LOL. He took the knife away quickly though as I was getting no where and was obviously not doing it right! We also played with the puppies that were just born a few days before we arrived on the island so they are only about 2 weeks old. They are soooo cute, I want to take one home! Finally after all of our little stops, we got to the store we originally set out for and brought back yummy snacks :) Once we all scarfed down ice cream, it was time for round 3 of the volleyball tournament. My team won today! We play best two out of three but we won the first two so we didn't even have to play another round. :)

Between volleyball and dinner I had time to take a nice saltwater shower (it is sad how much I enjoy those), and I actually feel decently clean right now :) Usually after my showers I like to stay in my room where I know I won't get dirty again. Especially because to go outside right now I would have to put on a ton of bug spray, and that is just a gross feeling. So, I'm just going to chill out for tonight, do a little homework and then watch a movie! I hope all of you have a relaxing evening as well, good night! :)

P.S. Tomorrow's blog will be early, as we are camping tomorrow night at the beach! :D