April 3, 2009

Leaving Dominica was pretty intense at first we weren’t getting enough wind to fill are sails to head to Nevis. We had to use the engine but while doing that we got to see to see two humpback whales, the mama whale and the baby whale. We saw them spray from the top and dive showing their fins. We were pretty close to them-- just a couple yards away really.

Not too long after the whales, we also got to see a big green turtle swimming in the direction of the currents. The girls were pretty surprised and all went to the side the turtle was on and called out “turtle on the starboard side” so we could all admire his beauty.

After an hour or so we finally broke through the hard times of wind and started sailing at about 7 knots. Some of my fellow classmates felt seasick again after being on land for about 5 to 6 days in Dominica. We weren't feeling so great between the seasickness and our muscles that felt like they were all tighten up. Over we were all still working hard and keeping up with the work even though we didn’t feel the best. Eating and sleeping helped a lot.

We arrived in Nevis the next day and were busy with setting the anchor, pulling the downhauls etc. We felt like that day was our hardest but now everyone was feeling great and happy and excited to see the monkeys on Nevis. At about four we got to take bucket baths and freshen up with a swim in the "pool". We cleaned up quickly and then got ready for class and dinner. Over all despite are sickness we were able to work together and finish are rough day with a smile on are faces.

Cathy Ortega