Alderwood Middle School, Day 1, May 2015

Please share some interesting stories about today…

For me and many others one of the most memorable stories and experiences is trying and failing to properly tie a knot. Although eventually everyone learned how to tie the knot it took many longer than others. I know always remember this knot for a years to come.

Any favorite wildlife sightings, quotes, games to share?

Today on the Carlyn we played a game called “Big Booty”. In this game we started with a steady beat and give everyone a number. The person at the beginning of the line calls,”Big Booty,” then says a number. The person with that number says their number, and then calls another number. They also say their number and so on. When you stutter or forget your number you move to the end of the line. The game made us all laugh and gave us a good time.

Describe the anchorage or moorage where Carlyn is right now:

As of right now, 5:50 P.M., the Carlyn is currently on a mooring ball of the coast of pelican beach, soon we will anchor on Eagle harbor. When I look at the coast of pelican beach I notice many trees, sand and water gently hitting the shore. The clouds fill almost all of the sky leaving only patches of blue sky. The ocean beneath us is completely green with small waves pushing what looks like small pieces of kale.

Today’s weather…

Our adventure started with freezing rain and wind as we put on our rain gear and boarded the Carlyn. The winds were harsh as we sat on the sail boat and waited to set sail. While traveling to our destination we experienced harsh winds and bitter coldness. Later in the day the dark clouds cleared and were replaced with fluffy white clouds. It got warm enough for most of the crew to take their rain gear coat off, then half of the crew departed to land.

Describe highlights from today’s science and sailing watches:

For the first half of the day my team learned basic sailing skills like, how to use a winch, and tie the line to the cleat. Our instructor, Brendan, gave each kid a turn to test the new learned skills. Then for the next half of the day we conducted a science experiment. We used phytoplankton nets to capture plankton and test how nitrated from different depths affects plankton in general.

Any questions, concerns, or expectations for tomorrow?

Tomorrow I expect only good things, my goal is to learn how a sailboat works and every day we learn more, and more about science, and how the sail boat works and how to take good care of the boat. Chloe G. tells me one of her main questions and concerns, “I wonder what we will be eating tomorrow.”