Happy Paola Day!

Good evening loyal readers,

It was a particularly sunny day in San Salvador today, as well as a particularly special day as it is our very own Paolas 21st birthday! A majority of the celebrating occurred last night to ring in the occasion, and we had a much more relaxed day on the island today. A handful of our strongest soldiers made it to breakfast in the morning (pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, and some juicy debriefing), and the rest of the crew enjoyed sleeping in as we didn’t have an early field work day today. I would also like to note that the bugs were extra vicious today, which was not appreciated! Our ankles have certainly seen better days, and most of us are looking slightly diseased. 


“I think it’s actually kinda fun to look a little diseased” -Morgan 

“Am I gonna die???” -Shannon

(2 different responses to the bug bite carnage on our bodies)


After breakfast, some decided to go back to bed, and some others hopped straight on the figure analysis train to get it out of the way. Today our paper was about seagrass beds (which we all got a little too familiar with in the field a few days ago), and we read about how artificial nutrient enrichment and simulated grazing affect the overall seagrass community. Truly a thrilling read.


After lunch (hot dogs, beans, and delicious canned pears) we gathered our wits and our snorkeling gear and loaded up 2 big vans (no truck today….alas). There were some issues getting the trunk of the gear van to latch, and after numerous slams Mike gave it the okay (it was absolutely not latched), and we headed (carefully) to the spot of the day- Rocky Point. Yippee! The water was crystal clear and we spent lots of time exploring the beautiful sea fan covered reefs. Many of us are getting more confident with our diving skills, and spent lots of time diving down to check out the reef up close and swim with the fish. The sighting of the day was a giant southern stingray swimming across the bottom! Mike also brought some fluorescent dye in a syringe to inject into a sea sponge (don’t worry, no sponges were harmed) to show how much water they are capable of pumping. (A lot!). After our snorkel, Mike generously allowed us to go play mermaids in the water for a few minutes before we rolled out, but of course it devolved into (attempted) synchronized swimming and water aerobics. 


Once we got back from snorkeling we all showered up and got ready for dinner (chicken, peas & rice, and mac). The biggest thank you to everyone who made my (Paola) birthday cake it was the sweetest gesture ever and truly made my day. The chocolate cake was DELICIOUS and a special birthday shoutout to Ingrid as well from Wisconsin!! After dinner we headed straight to class and discussed our data collections from Pigeons Creek on the seagrass communities. We are currently getting ready for bed as last night was enough celebration for the year lol. HUGE shoutout to Rio aka mad bear from Shortstop (iykyk). 


Until tomorrow, 

Madi & Paola 


(This blog post is sponsored by Zyrtec and Benadryl)


(Our first ride in the van!)

(Mr. Ray)

(Post-snorkeling activities- some sand “castle” building and our 4 mermaids in the background)

(Birthday Girl!!!)

(Special birthday cake made by the lovely Gerace kitchen!)



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