After spending our first night out on the island under the stars, we all woke up to dewy sleeping bags that were in need of being hung out to dry next to towels and bathing suits from yesterday. We packed up camp and departed from this beach a little later than we would have liked, but we made up the time with efficient paddling. Luckily, the wind was on our side and allowed us to pause paddling to enjoy the incredible views and wildlife around us. Big pelicans and little terns both dove into the clear water to catch their breakfast. Turtles popped up to catch their breath and seagulls let out obnoxious, never-ending squawks that seemed not to require pausing for a breath.
As we approached our next beach, the water was so clear we could see the floor and catch glimpses of things that lived underneath our long kayaks. The amazing kitchen crew guys prepared a lunch that made it hard to believe we were camping, and this fueled us up for the rest of our day. We got the chance to snorkel to the cove we’d kayaked through earlier, and we got to see the coral reefs and sea life that we’d passed over so quickly. There was an abundance of fish, all different kinds. Some of our most notable finds were the trumpet fish that was long and skinny, puffer fish, and a turtle! After the turtle was point out to the group, almost all of us followed it until it spotted us and jetted away.
The curiosity piqued by snorkeling set the mood up for science class, during which Woody shared with us how the Baja peninsula was formed. Afterwards, we dove into English class and discussed themes of the group book we’re reading. We watched the sun set as students delivered mini-presentations about various sections of the book.
Our first full day on Espiritu Santo was full of natural beauty, adventure, and laughter, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
