Another beautiful day here on Long Key.  Students are fully into their work now and are working on their habitat studies.  The morning schedule was light to allow those who wished, to attend church at either the Catholic mass in Marathon, or the local Layton Baptist Church.

One new thing for the day is that pontoon boat excursions have started today.  The boat leaves from the GC facility and wanders through the mangroves which surround the island on that side and are part of the Long Key State Recreation Area.  The students are able to swim off of the boat and explore this amazing ecosystem.  Lots of great pictures of this activity on our Day 4 photo page.

For those of you who may not know, there is a group of art students who accompany the Marine Bio trip, but are not taking part in the same studies.  Here is a description from Estella Borden of what these art students are experiencing as a part of this group:

“Participating in Goshen high school’s marine biology trip as an artist has proven to be such an eye opening experience! I have been exposed to many influential people, places, and things-so much that my mind is swarming with inspiration. I partake in the traditional excursions, and, as an artist, I feel my experience varies from the normal marine biology students’. I am looking at things less on a scientific level, and putting my focus more on the color, the movement, and the freedom of the creatures in their natural habitat. And most of all, the beauty of marine ecosystems as a whole! Along on the trip with me are wonderful artists, and we share our interests while still maintaining each of our individual personalities. It is great during the week- as we focus on bringing our ideas to life in all sorts of ways- to hear their ideas and support. Bonding with them, as well as the marine biology students, has been such a wonderful experience, and I’m excited to make many more lasting memories!
– Estella Borden

There are pictures of some of their art work posted with the Day 4 Photos.  Be sure to check them out!

The night fishing excursion also happened today.  So far reports are that lots of fish were caught, and no one got sick!  An excellent experience all around.  Photos for this outing will be with the Day 5 photos.