So I've acquired some pictures from previous times in the trip and thought it would be nice to share them. These first ones are from Tinian and when the group went snorkeling around the reef. These pictures are close but still don't fully grasp how beautiful it was out there.
This is of Janice but it's such and awesome shot, props to Rosie and her photography skills.
This is just a funny picture from the plane on the way to Tinian.
These are some pictures from my birthday :D In the morning we had some delicious crepes and this is where the group gave me the t-shirt and chocolates. (Yes Mom I bought a few island shirts as you suggested)
This is from later in the evening when they made me the cookie snail :)
So now on to the new news! In the past week or so we have continued with our stats class which has been very helpful. We have discussed specific examples like our individual projects which makes for a deeper understanding than just being given examples for the sake of examples. We were also fortunate enough to be introduced to the Endangered Species Act. We read all 40 pages and have so far discussed through to section 4 out of 18. Also through out the week I have began to take data for my own personal project. The first attempts have been very frustrating and some kinks need to be worked out for this to be run smoothly. It was definitely a learning experience. From this though it is neat to say that I can name most of the damselfish in the reef off the top of my head.
After a day of collecting data, three of us set off to find a potential site for a girl's project. It was a fun adventure with the roads sometimes being very poorly labeled and navigating with a map that didn't have any of the tiny street names on it but we did eventually make it.
This was from today's exciting adventure, we were given the wonderful opportunity to help out with some sea turtle research! We went out just beyond the barrier reef of the lagoon and were able to watching the amazing process of capturing a sea turtle. Jesse was the man we would be following in the water and watch him as he would free dive down to the turtles. I'm not quite sure how put it into words but it really is something else to watch this process.
An unexpected visitor also swam along side us. I heard a familiar sound and thought I was just being crazy but I was right! Dolphins maybe 15m away were passing by. I couldn't believe they were so close and that I could hear them in person! Unbelievable and truly amazing experience. While we were on our way to another site, the dolphins followed and they were right in front of the boat. They were within arms reach, racing with the boat.
Then as quickly as they came left to travel to further distances. The two other girls that were also helping out had an opportunity to watch him catch the turtles. We then collected data on the sea turtles captured.
It was a great day and I'm so grateful for this opportunity to interact with such wonderful people and creatures. Just another day in paradise.
