Saturday, August 11th, 2007

Today we met up with old and new friends whom we would be living with Aboard the Cayman Aggressor IV for the upcoming week.  Leaders Georgienne Bradley, Georgienne Bradley, Jay Ireland, Carrol Florkiewicz, Ana Martin, Maida Taylor and Ed Kelly and lead students Haley, Courtney, Glynnis, Bekah, Katie, Kelsey and Sally. Erella Bregman, a Stuart alumnae, and her son Jeremy also joined the group.

All were aboard before sunset and we all anticipated for Sunday's first dive site. After barbecued chicken and ribs, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob, all still found room for homemade apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Seminars were held before we all settled into our cozy rooms for the night. These seminars included boat safety, diving safety, and gear setup / buddy check. The importance of these seminars was to ensure that both our new divers and professional divers were practicing safe diving techniques.  

Sunday 12th

Doc Polson wreck. The students had a great time exploring the wreck's lower quarters! For our first afternoon dive, we motored around to the north side to visit Tarpon Alley for our second dive of the morning. "Wow" was the common response upon returning to the Aggressor.

One guest saw what appeared to be a tigershark cruising the site along with a nurse shark and of course lots of Tarpon. Following Tarpon Alley, we had two more fantastic afternoon dives. At Bonnie's arch, the students were in awe of the coral formation and proceeded to swim through and observe many species of reef fish and their behaviors. The final dive, at Lost Treasure, was an excellent way to end the day of exceptional diving. After an eventful day of diving everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner, and recorded their daily thoughts and haikus in the scholars journal.

After dinner, Georgienne spoke with the students about the Imaging Foundation's mission and why they were there. The students really saw the importance of their involvement with the Imaging Foundation and their continuing efforts. The final seminar of the night was a "Getting to Know Each Other" session. During this time, we introduced the leaders and they gave a brief background of themselves. After the leaders spoke, the students got a chance to formally introduce themselves to the group and share their interests, academic background, and hopes for the future. By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted yet excited for the following morning!

Monday 13th

Monday morning we awoke to clearing skies and a brilliant sunny day! We moved a short way to Trinity Caves for our first dive of the morning and the group began to really see the beauty of the famous Cayman coral. In the afternoon, we moved to Babylon, which is located on the North Side of Grand Cayman Island. Everyone was overwhelmed by the beauty of the wall but this was only the warm up for Tuesday. We departed Grand Cayman in the evening for a cruise to Little Cayman. While underway to Little Cayman the group enjoyed a seminar on Health, Nutrition and what they bring to the quality of life for an entire lifetime, presented by Carrol Florkiewicz. Students and leaders combined, received great tips in not only keeping fit but also making the right nutritious decisions in order to live a good healthy lifestyle.

Tuesday 14th

On Tuesday morning, we awoke to beautiful seas over Bloody Bay Wall. Our first two dives in Little Cayman were at Randy's Gazebo, the water and visibility were simply incredible. We are diving the same spot so we can visit creatures at different times of day.   It is great! For the second morning dive it was decided to put a little competition in the group. The students were divided into pairs and given the task of locating and identifying the most fish possible on one dive.   The only rule was to stay in sight of the boat or mooring line. The competition was stiff and some of the names were beyond creative, but nonetheless a great time for all competitors!

Our afternoon brought us to the Meadows at Jackson Bite for our afternoon and evening dives. These dives with bright afternoon sunlight were awesome! The students were really seeing how the underwater world survives. Between identifying fish and paying close attention to their behavior, the students realized that these animals live and communicate with each other just like we do!

The night's seminars were held by Jay Ireland. Topics included "High Definition and Stingray City-The Beginning." Students and leaders both learned the ins and outs of the Sony F900 High Definition Video Camera as well as the Amphibico Pro-Housing, which enables Jay to take the camera underwater. After we learned about High Definition, Jay spoke to us about his involvement in the creation of Stingray City. This seminar not only told us of the history of this very popular tourist attraction, but it also reassured the students that stingrays are harmless regardless of what the media tells us.   

Wednesday 15th

By now the students are accustomed to waking up at the crack of dawn. It isn't hard, when there are so many wonderful adventures waiting to unfold. Everyone is up for breakfast and excited for our morning dive at Randy's Gazebo. Our new divers are showing great improvement and many are seeing the beautiful walls of the Cayman Islands for the first time. In the afternoon, we returned to the Meadows with more fish identification competitions for all of the students.

The competition was really heating up! The evening brings the biggest thrill of the week for all. Nine members of our group enjoyed their very first night dive. It was most inspiring to see so many young people conquer their fear of night diving and coming up craving more! The night's agenda was full with seminars including "Congressional Award Planning, Marine Ecosystems and Their Purpose," and finally "Promotion of Marine Environment Awareness." Students met on the sundeck to discuss ways to achieve a Congressional Award, which will not only be a great honor but will look great on college applications. Following the Congressional Award Planning seminar, Captain Earle discussed the Marine Ecosystems. This seminar encouraged the students to use their diving skills as a tool. Gaining access to the oceans gives divers the ability to observe fish in their ecosystem and note the importance each species contributes to the reef's overall health.

Thursday 16th

Three Fathom Wall greets our team this morning. Our group of new divers are quickly becoming veterans with their increasing skill. They all were quick to point out that, as per one of the seminars, they are over the new diver danger zone with their increasing skills. Thursday Evening everyone enjoyed the Cayman Aggressor traditional Thanksgiving Dinner of turkey and dressing while we cruised back to Grand Cayman. Today's seminars included "Women and Diving" given by Dr. Maida Taylor, and "Papua New Guinea - The people and the Flora and Fauna," given by Georgienne. Dr. Maida explained to the students the effects of diving on women. After almost a full week of diving, these students were sincerely able to take a lot from Dr. Maida's talk. Finally, Georgienne's seminar spoke of the upcoming scholars choice expedition. Not only did this seminar introduce an idea of the next location, but it also stroke up discussion throughout the group of the who, what, when, and where of future expeditions.

Friday 17th

We awoke to calm seas and sunshine at the Devils Grotto located in Grand Cayman. Our new friends jumped in for two more dives before we return to port. The afternoon became a shopping frenzy at the local shops of Grand Cayman located within walking distance of our dock. The night brought the traditional Friday Night Cocktail Party.

While the adults enjoyed the wine and cheese our younger guest all had virgin piña coladas accompanied by pizza. Awards were given for multiple categories to the seminar participants. After awards, Glynnis was pleasantly surprised with a cake to celebrate her birthday aboard the Cayman Aggressor. Today's seminar took place earlier in the afternoon. Dr. Maida Taylor spoke of the "Epidemiology of Diving Accidents," which the students took as a great lesson for future diving.

Saturday 18th

We woke up early on Saturday morning to finish last-minute packing and to say our final (or not so final) goodbyes. All were very nervous, because there was news that there might be delays at the airport due to the incoming hurricane Dean. In the end, we all made it home safely and cannot wait to be reunited on the Second Annual Imaging Foundation- Scholar's Choice Expedition!