Island Times Blog

Today was another fun- and learning-filled day. Early morning our taxi driver, Jermaine – aka “Mr. Reliable,” gave us a history lesson on the island of St. Thomas as he drove us to Red Hook ferry dock.

We hopped on the ferry and arrived in Cruz Bay, St. John. There we visited the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor’s Center and then completed a student-led cultural scavenger hunt. Afterwards, students shared information about their scavenger hunt items while enjoying a traditional West Indian lunch. They sampled a variety of local food/drink products, discussing their origins and importance. Then students had some time to enjoy some delicious smoothies made from local fruits. Later in the afternoon, we drove along the North Road and enjoyed some spectacular views and stopped at Maho Beach for a swim. We continued on to tour the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins and discuss the different historical periods of the Virgin Islands. Then it was time to check in to our new home at the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) and enjoy some dinner. After dinner we discussed the social and economic aspects of the Virgin Islands’ history, culture and natural resources. We talked a lot about the challenges to conserving natural resources. We ended this amazing day with a brief talk about mangrove, salt pond and seagrass ecology to prepare us for some snorkeling and hiking excursions we will be participating in the next few days. Ok, time to run….more adventures await the FATHOMS crew!!!