CALYPS³O 2007 Journal
Indiana School for the Deaf
Indian Creek High School

Day 8, Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Jessica (ICHS)

Today's dive was probably the best dive I've ever done, or anyone else in the group had ever done! We went to an underwater lab called the Aquarius. Scientists work there for several days and run different experiments. I was really excited to go down and look around the lab. I held Bill's hand again on the way down, just to make sure I could get down to the bottom. Once we got down there, I let go and began to explore! It was soo awesome! We saw lots of different fish, colorful, and a variety of sizes. The coolest fish that we saw was the Goliath Grouper! That sucker was HUGE!! He was under the lab most of the time and I wanted to go down there and get closer. However, this barracuda came out and "smiled" at me and I knew it was time to carry myself elsewhere. On the grates down there, was a bell jar type building and you could stick your head up there and look in. I did that with Bill and Sarah. It was really neat to carry on a conversation underwater, but not have to use signs or breathe with your regulator. Once we got back up, I wanted to go back down. The wait for the other groups was awhile, but it was good because we had a very gorgeous divemaster on the boat! ha ha! The prettiest blue eyes ever! However, he had a girlfriend and was about 24 years old. Nevertheless, a majority of the girls just wanted to look at him! The second dive took place very close to the lab, in Pillar Coral Reef. Most of the reefs are starting to look the same to me, but hey I'm not complaining ... I love to dive! I did see this huge coral pillar (hence the name) and it was orange and covered with fish. We also saw a lot of conch shells. Other than that, it wasn't to exciting. Now, I'm going to go to the pool and even out these terrible tan lines from my wet suit! =]


Shakaria (ISD)

Today we went to a place underwater called the Aquarius, which is run by NOAA. It is an underwater lab where scientists and astronauts can live and work for several days. We did see a lot of different fish, including some HUGE Goliath Groupers. We also saw a coral reef around the Aquarius. There were many fish around the Aquarius. It seemed like it must be their favorite place to stay. I saw one beautifully colored fish, which was light purple,baby blue, and bright green on its scales. The dive to the Aquarius lasted for 15 minutes, then we came back to the boat. We switched our bcd's to the other tanks for the 2nd dive to Pillar Coral Ledge. It was pretty near the Aquarius area. I went there with Gabriel and dive master Greg. We saw two nurse sharks. I thought it was okay to swim pretty far but Greg suggested we don't swim across to the sharks. The sharks left when we came back the other way. It was a good exprience to see the sharks with my own eyes!

Miss Piety (ICHS)

I am happy to report that the weather has been nothing short of spectacular. Ocean waves today were less than a foot high. Consequently, we have not had any seasickness. That is definitely a first for CALYPSO!! Usually, I can be seen hanging over the edge of the boat feeding the fish, but between the calm weather and the patch behind my ear (courtesy of my doctor), I have found a happy place. The students dive skills are definitely improving and they are learning a great deal. Case in point -

Student Question: Are we going to get to visit the International Space Station?

Teacher Answer: It's orbiting the earth. We weren't planning to go that far.

Student Question: When do we eat?

Teacher Answer: Trust us. We will not forget to feed you at regular intervals.

Student Question: Can I wrestle an alligator? I read how do it.

Teacher Answer: Sorry, no parental permission slip for that activity.

Student Question: Where are we eating dinner tonight?

Teacher Answer: How about you eat breakfast now, and we will worry about dinner later.

Student Question: What ocean are we diving in?

Teacher Answer: It's called the Atlantic.

Student Question: Can we go parasailing?

Teacher Answer: Again, no parental permission slip.

Student Question: I'm hungry. When do we eat?

Teacher Anwer: No one ever starved to death on a CALYPSO trip!!!

 

( Photos by Mike Ruddy & Teresa Huckleberrry )


       

                                                                                           The Life Support Buoy for the Aquarius Underwater Lab

       

                                            Getting ready to get in the water                        Ann waits to do a giant stride into the ocean.

    

             Ready to go down to the Aquarius!                                        This is what the Aquarius looked like! (NOAA photo)

   

The Goliath Grouper that liked to stay under the bottom of the Aquarius Lab.
It probably weighs in at more than 400 pounds!



A couple of pineapple heads!
Our fearless Scuba Instructor, Bill Kiesel & ISD graduate, Andy Ruddy

Emails from home:

Kailee, The pictures are amazing. So many beautiful fish and plants. The water looks crystal clear. Keep the pictures coming . This is an experience of a lifetime and I know you are enjoying it. Be safe and have lots and lots of fun. We will see you soon. Lots of love. Mamaw Joyce

Hi Corey, I am so happy I can follow your adventures everyday. Dad and I look forward to it. It is really exciting to be able to experience your adventures as if i was there with you. I am glad you are having a good time. Have fun, & be careful. Love, Mom and Dad

ShaKARIa: What beautiful pictures under the water!! It does look like a cathedral with all the beautiful colors. I am jealous of your great adventure, Shakaria, but you are braver than your grandma Rosie. lol I wonder what the manatees felt like. Seems like they might feel a little like an elephant's hide, but lot smoother. Did you like the baby aligator? He would be the size I would like if he would stay that small.
Mom and I will see you Thurs. p.m. around 5 we hope. Hope we don't run into bad rain like you did on your drive to Key Largo. Love and hugs, Grandma Rosie

Wow .... Thank you for keeping us updated with all exciting learning experiences for our students and we are learning through your website. Thank you for educating us and remind us why Science rocks! Supt. David Geeslin

Shakaria, I really do enjoy to see all those pics. WISH I was there and see it real from my eyes. It's sure big experience for you. I am kinda of jealous for you went closer to see those beauitful reefs, and the fish so colorful! I always will be proud of you! Love Mom

Hi to Kari: You are so lucky! What a wonderful time and experience for you and your other friends. Anxious to see how your trip continues and what fun for your Mom and Grandma Rosie to be able to join you. The pictures online are Wonderful! Aunt Lorey in Indy

Gabriel, Here I am at Gallaudet, envious of your adventures while I am in a four wall room typing all the papers for my classes! No, seeing you in pictures and reading your journals is more than enough to take me on a imagary adventure. Enjoy the rest of your time there! Hugs, Mom