CALYPS³O 2008 Journal
Indiana School for the Deaf
Indian Creek High School

Day 6, Sunday, June 8, 2008


Kyle Blankenship (ICHS)

We got started early again today. Our dive boat, the Orion, took us out to the Aquarius Underwater Lab for out first dive. The Aquarius is operated by NOAA and the University of North Carolina. The lab is at a depth of 60 feet. It was very enjoyable and fewer of us got seasick this time. There were many large fish including stingrays, tarpons, barracudas, and huge Goliath groupers. There were also many small colorful fish to watch as well. We looked all around the underwater lab, peeked in the windows, and went up in the diving bell which had breathable air. Our second dive took us to a reef called the Spanish Lady. It was a nice reef, not too exciting, but still enjoyable. I saw a lobster and a puffer fish. There were also many grunts, hogfish, squirrelfish, and angelfish. Both dives were very nice. There weren't any problems. It was another great day of diving and a tremendous experience.

Amanda Phillips (ISD)

Today was our second day of diving! It rained lightly this morning, but luckily when we got on the boat, the rain had stopped. We went to the Aquarius, which is an under water science lab. Sometimes, NASA astronauts stay in the lab to practice living in an extreme environment, which helps prepare them for space travel. There was a limit of 6 divers in the water around the Aquarius, so we divided up into groups. I was in the third group. The first group saw a sting ray laying on the bottom of the ocean. My group saw it moving, almost "flying" around. We saw 2 HUGE GOLIATH GROUPERS, fishes that have lived under the lab for many years. Other fish we saw included tarpons, a highhat, yellow and blue grunts, and blue tangs. Each group stayed around the lab for about 20 minutes, then did a safety stop for three minutes at 15 feet. After completing the dive at the Aquarius, we went to the Spanish Lady Reef for our second dive of the day. The weather was perfect, with some sun and a light breeze. We all dived together like a group. There were more fish to see there than the first dive. We stayed in the ocean for 45 minutes! When we got back to the dock, we cleaned up our things. When we all got in the van, it started to rain again. We went to back to Ocean Pointe Suites and had lunch in Teresa Huckleberry's room. We had sandwiches, chips, cookies, and PEPSI! :) We also went shopping at a couple of dive shops after lunch. For dinner, we went to a Mexican restaurant. During the late evening, we filled out our log books and relived the day by looking at video footage of our dives.

 

     

Our boat, the Orion & Samantha

     

Waiting our turn to see the Aquarius (left), and a stingray that was in the sand at the bottom of the descent line (right)

     

There were large barracuda, tarpons, and huge Goliath Groupers under the Aquarius.

     

Students were brave enough to pet this Goliath Grouper.

Silver Tarpons under the Aquarius Lab

     

A miniature reef has grown on the top surface of the Aquarius Lab and large groups of fish were around every corner.

     

Stephanie and Beth Ann

Messages from home:

We hope that everyone is back to their original color!. The journal writing has been the highlight of our summer. Enjoy every moment, keep writing, keep learning and don't forget to thank your wonderful leaders everyday! ---- Gary and Carol Analco

This is Cindi and Scott Martin (Samantha's parents). We finally got home at 12:30AM (June 8) from our trip and got caught up with all the wonderful articles and pictures. Indiana has been a flood area around the Indian Creek area, but everything is well. We had to take the long way around to get home. Keep all of us updated on the scuba adventures. Everyone looks like they are having a great time in Florida. Love you Samantha Jo. Take care all.