Day 8: Finally, CRABS!

Day Eight met us at a brisk five A.M. wakeup, at least for the first group of crabbers. We met Captain Clay, our trot-lining expert, at the dockside to hop aboard his small crabbing boat and drop the lines. We rotated through taking turns dipping for crabs with the net, being the backup dipper, spotting for crabs from the cabin top, and picking up the caught crabs from the deck with tongs and measuring them. Whenever anyone missed a crab, they got the privilege of standing on the cabin top and serendaing us, one song for every crab missed. Captain Clay was quickly a favorite among the students, and astounded us with his ability to predict a crab on the line long before it was visible under the water. Unfortunately, the boat had some engine troubles and we had to go wait for it to be fixed for a bit, but a mechanic came and the first group was able to hop back aboard and catch a total of 22 crabs. They then switched and worked on their final projects while the second group went out. Because the engine troubles delayed our plans a bit, we skipped going to Gibson's Island and stayed at Rock Hall for a second night so that we could have a crab feast for dinner. While everyone finished their projects and did some tie-dyeing, the crabs we had caught (a final total of over a bushel of monsters) were taken to be steamed. They came back steamed red and coated in Old Bay, and we gorged on crabs, corn, salad and mac-and-cheese. When it got dark, we started a fire and toasted some delicious s'mores over it while remiscing about the trip. On our last night, the feeling was bittersweet; we all missed our families and the luxuries of civilization (not to mention were beginning to smell a bit), but everyone was sad to be on the last night of the voyage.

Day 7: A Cone Jelly Buffet

After waking up on day seven, we walked to see the Wye holly tree, one of the oldest holly trees on the East Coast. It's gnarled branches and burly trunk seemed a bit anticlimatic at first, but upon further meditation we learned to appreciate the tree; to see its age as a testament against the deforestation that has so altered the surrounding landscape over the years. We left the tree to set off on our transit to Rock Hall with a hot sun on our backs, but we were able to escape the heat for a bit when we anchored the Mildred Belle and got to swim off the boat. Even in the middle of the Bay, jellyfish were still a bit of a concern to many, but no one got stung and everyone had a good time. Earlier in the transit, we also had a harrowing experience going under the drawbridge at Kent Narrows, as it is quite the tight squeeze for the Belle to get through; but Captain Joe brought us through without a scratch. We also tried using the trawl net again, with hopes for some fish. We pulled up the net with another load of pure cone jellies, but this time was more exciting because everyone got up the courage to eat one. These deceptively slimy-looking jellies are non-stinging and actually quite edible, and some of us developed quite the taste for them. We arrived at Rock Hall in time to eat dinner before watching a beatiful golden-pink sunset at the nearby beach, and then got a special surprise and privilege in getting to take our SECOND (!) showers of the trip. After reaching new realms of cleanliness, we went to bed looking forward to an early morning and our first chance to go crabbing.

Day Six: Sloshy Shoes and Mounds of Goo

On day six, we had quite a damp morning recovering from the storm the night before, but set off aboard the Belle for Wye Island no worse for the wear, aside from a few sloshy pairs of shoes. A little ways into the transit, we tossed out the trawl net in hopes of getting some fish to observe, but got nothing but a big net full of jellies. After tossing the mounds of goo that they compiled overboard, we all got to hold a jellyfish in an attempt to get over some sting-related fears. It was slimy, but decidedly not so life-threatening as many had anticipated. Upon arriving at Wye Island, we went on a short canoe trip to a creek where we saw two bald eagles nesting, and heard the almost dinosaur-like squawk of some passing great blue herons. We went for a quick swim, then canoed back in time for dinner. After dinner, we went on a hike at dusk down to a beach where there was a gorgeous sunset reflected in the most tranquil waters we had seen yet. As it got dark, we swam with the bio-luminescent, sting-free cone jellies, which glow in the dark every time you disturb one with a swimming stroke. We then hiked back in the dark without flashlights, which unnerved a few but gave us a new appreciation for nighttime in its natural state, free of light pollution. We then went straight to bed, looking forward to our next transit to Rock Hall.

Day Five: Resist the Urge to Keelhaul Students

Day five gave us a nice break from our usual morning routine, as we went for a pre-breakfast hike to the cliffs for fossil hunting. Pouring through the piles of pebbles and broken shells, we found fossilized clay imprints, giant scallop shells, and Captain Joe even found two shark's teeth. We then ate, packed up and set off for Annapolis. During the transit, we passed the lighthouse marking Bloody Point, where old skipjack captains used to "keelhaul" their crews (knock them overboard with the boom so as not to have to pay them). Luckily, we avoided needing to keelhaul any students. Port Watch was on duty, and successfully navigated our way to Annapolis, while Starboard got a chance to do some water quality testing. We arrived at Annapolis after experiencing our first docking at a crowded harbour, and got back in touch with civilization for a bit by walking around downtown. Our campsite at Thomas Point, Outside of Annapolis, was by far the most beautiful we stayed at, located on a point jutting out into the middle of the bay with a waterfront view all around. The kids were ecstatic over our surprise dinner of pizza from Papa John's, and by their one chance to be reunited with their cellphones for a quick call home. As we ate, we were able to watch the lightning flashes of a storm slowly approaching from the Bay, which was as breathtaking as it was foreboding. Luckily, we were able to get in our tents before the storm arrived, and were lulled to sleep by the rain.

Day 4: Fossils and Outhouses

We had another early morning on day four, and after breakfast immediately left and set off for Calvert Cliffs State Park. Once the boat was under way, Starboard got their first shot at being on watch, and did boat checks, navigated our course for us, and even got to steer. Both watches also got to study a blue crab we had found on deck, and meet Squirtle, our resident terrapin turtle and boat pet. Upon arrival at Calvert Cliffs, we had a scavenger hunt at the museum there, at which we saw frolicking river otters and fossils from a prehistoric shark, among other things. We then headed to our new campsite at the state park, which was one of the most beautiful and secluded sites we had stayed at yet. The outhouses and lone water spicket that replaced the luxurious bathhouses we had enjoyed so far were a source of trepidation for some, but we made up for it by having our first campfire. We ate some delicious veggie chili for dinner (the vegetarians were happy), and then sang some songs around the fire before bed.

Day 3: Who Knew You Could Make an Omelette in a Bag?

Day three started with a brisk morning walk along the waterfront, where we saw blue crabs, moon jellies (staff member Anthony ate one!), and barnacles. We then did some peaceful morning yoga, and then enjoyed a big tasty breakfast of omelettes made in ziploc bags. We then took the ferry from Crisfield to Tangier Island, where we got to interview the locals for our final project. We learned that everyone who lives on Tangier is part of a small, tightly knit community that has depended on the blue crab for generations. We got to wander around the tiny town and visit their museum, and then ended our visit to Tangier by getting ice cream to celebrate Daniel's birthday. After coming back to Jane's Island for our second night there, we ate dinner and birthday cake, and then got a special surprise of being allowed our first (and probably only) showers. We went to bed clean and refreshed, and looking forward to our next big day.

Day 2: Don't Anger the Weather Gods

On day two, after a bright and early wakeup, we hopped on the Mildred Belle and ventured to Crisfield, MD, nicknamed "crab capital of the world." Early in the trip, we ran into a giant school of bluefish, so we stopped and watched Captain Joe catch one one so we could all get a closer look. We let the fish go, but the crew suspects that its capture might have angered the "weather gods", as the trip turned into another windy and wavy ride. As we were tossed about by the waves, we learned to tie some knots that would be useful on the boat. Once we reached Crisfield, we took a tour at a local museum where we got to touch soft-shell crabs and learn about the various old methods of crabbing and oystering. We set up camp at Jane's Island, and enjoyed a game of ultimate frisbee before bed.

Day 1: Wind, Waves, and ...Ghosts?

On our first day, we cast off from the marina at Solomon's Island to quickly be met with heavy winds and rough waters. Despite some initial sea sickness, everyone enjoyed the waves and spent most of the trip lined up along the rail, enjoying the wild ride. We then split up into our two groups, "starboard watch" and "port watch," and learned about navigation and some general Chesapeake Bay trivia. Some highlights of the trip were seeing jellyfish float past, and watching the ospreys and pelicans soaring around the boat. Our campground at Lookout Point was rumored to be the second most haunted place in America because of the many soldiers who died there in the Civil War, which added a bit of intrigue to our first night of camping. Everyone had a an adventurous first day, and says "Hi!" to their families.

Landfall- The Findal Log of the Proud Half-Hearted Jose

Hey Belle Blog fans.... we made it back... sorry no message yesterday (too busy showering... all you can eat food with free dishwashing service...swimming in a pool w/o 'baycreatures....and more showering :-)

I couldnt have asked for a better bunch. The Boys will stay in this Pirate RAs watch through the end, and the girls are al eager to stay close knit during social time.

As far as this trip goes... we are still adjusting to modern civilization. We had to re-learn to use furniture (we just kept sitting in a circle) and secretly I think we all wouldnt mind hugging our modern toilet when no one's looking :-) Please share these posts and website with family and friends and they can probably keep on posting their amazement. Or just talk to you 9-9:30pm daily standard phone times!

Thanks for the lovin' ...The Belle has a new crew now so I repeat DONT ask any future posts where your loved kiddo pirates are. Just blogs we put up to this one.
I'm off to do courtesy wake ups!

-Its been an honor and a pleasure to serve with em'' BUT LAND-portion HO!!!!!

The Final Stretch-July 8

When all was said and done, these were the last brave words of the Belle's 'crab-trip one' pirate crew:

JULY 8, 2008
"Yesterday was our navigation finals. We woke up at 6:30 to get on the boat and starboards began their finals after leaving the harbor. After some touble in the beginning with triangulation starboars FINALLY reached their destination withing 30 seconds of the allowed time. We hit some rough wavers and had to bring squirtle [our pirate turtle} up from the cabin to avoid another game of 'find the turtle.' Ports then began their finals. They had a rocky start because Mustang Morgan messed up on finding their electronic fixer (her words not ours) but then they got to the correct buoy within 2 minutes of the allowed time.

Next we chugged over to Soloman's Island where we at Papa John's Pizza. We also gave each and every person their personal handshake [so theoretically 144 handshakes between 12 kiddos family and fans!] and got lost on the car to our [last] campsite. We sang 'Complicated' and 'Fidelity' the whole way there and had a great time bouncing along offroad and up and down hills. As Kimmi Page said 'It felt like a Disney ride' {HHJ thinks Pirates of the Chesapeake-an] We ended the night with a campfire and roasting marshmallows. We performed the 'Crab Dance' while Jackie Kahan danced and sang to traditional bhangra!

This morning 7/8 we looked for fossils at 6AM. Anna Valkyrie found a shark's tooth nd everyone had a great time. We are going to the museum now to have someone identify them. This was an amazing trip anmd we all grew closer together through it."

Yo Ho Yo Ho 2 more days to go!!!

"On the 6th day , we woke up from 3 very loud crows that squaked at 6 in the morning!!! We did watch and lessons on the boat then had special 'Cheese Balls Saturday' We docked at Crisfield (the crab capital of the world) and went to a museaum and saw a puffer fish! Jose bought a red crab hat (HAHA!!!) that looks ridiculous but we had to promise not to bug him about buying candy. Then we went to the campsite and had pizza bagels. Then we went to bed.

-----
HHJ says- I've really connected with my student crew.... all it cost me was my dignity and a $10 pipecleaner hat :-) We all recovered from those jelly stings because we're the rough n tough pirate crew of the Belle. PS... We've really learned to accept out doors gourmet like ziplock bag omletes and the post-dessert tongue-powered-rinse method. Meanwhile.. MORE MESSAGES! One final word... after 7 days.. your kiddos finally brought out your cameras and took their first pictures. But the LCF crew and I have hmmm the other 7 days covered :-)

PLS.... SEND MESSAGES, we read them daily

Independence Day: July 4th, 2008

The Pirate Crew conspires to write:"On the fifth day of the trip, the 4th of July, we lost Squirtle the turtle, because she fell out during the big waves , and climbed into the cabin. We found her in the life jacket. Port [students] watch swabbed the deck. We all had to create aquatic animals (creature feature). Port learned taxonomy and starboard [students] did watch. Later we went swimming in the bay and (almost) all were stung by jellyfish. Hookem Tim did a giant cannonball !!! [Later that day] starboard swabbed the decks. Then we FINALLY took showers!!! (For the first time in the trip and we called home.) And we had a mini fourth of July cupcake."

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Half-heart's log. Side note... As of last check in, I've received and read out loud 8 blog comments from all of you loved ones!!! It was a highlight to receive blogs from parents, siblings, and a very dextrous typing cat named Whiskers. We've got 2 days left but messages are truly treasure.
PS.... pictures are coming if not now, as soon as we make landfall and I get to a CVS. One more note, spirits were amazingly high this holiday because we were rained on (which cancelled our firework watching trip) and the kids spent their time under a camp bathroom awning playing charade games and telling stories with no complaints and lights out at 10pm.

Update from Heartless Jose

Correction... I JUST Tossed my cookies off the stern. But the kids won't know until we're on land because only Adult Staff can used computers!!! :-) I'm a scurvy puking knave!Arrrg

Hey! Ho! Let's Go!

..."twenty twenty twenty-four hours agooo-oh-oh"
And now a word from the students:
"Our day [July 3, 2008] began with a lesson about run-off and water quality. Afterward, we took a walk around the farm where we learned about the envioronmentally friendly methods of farming used there . Areas of vegetation (reparian zones) are used to catch run-off. We took a long boat ride, during which port took their first watch and starboard learned about plankton. The winner of the plankton-floating contest was Maestro Maura. Starboards later worked on their blue crab project: the creation of a main article & others about blue crabs. As we approached Taylor Island we played the 'Blue Crab game' and got ready to dock. We had hot dogs for dinner. Off-road Aaron found out that they taste good with Ranch Dressing. We then had a tent pitching contest once we went to the campsite. Kristina and Karen were the winners. Despite having to switch their tent three times, Anna Valkirie and Mustang Morgan came in second followed by John H. and Jackie Kahan in third. Stay tuned!"

----H. H. Jose Here, the kids are still great and are doing well despite the bug wars. Won't say much else because I just might toss my cookies!!!!

THE THIRD DAY: July 2, 2008

“Today we went canoeing. Jonathan, Marty, and Kahan capsized their canoe 3 times and we went swimming while canoeing. On the way to St. Michael’s Island for the day trip, we trawled and caught fish, crabs, and LOTS of jellyfish. The “Jimmy” (male crab) that we caught was molting but as of now we believe he is dead (its some kind of ancient Chinese secret).

At St. Michael’s we did a scavenger hunt and Hookem Tim chugged a Gatorade in 10 seconds. On the Belle, on the way back, we learned about water quality and run off. At night we played campfire games before we went to sleep.”
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Half-hearted Jose reporting. To easy the minds of parents, the kids had a great time capsizing and the boys were kind enough to prove the effectiveness of the mandatory life vests!!! On a final note, many of your children were “eaten” in our campfire story-telling game. Eg. Jaws stalked and ate students on mount Everest, Died in Burmese Tiger pits, and yours truly was burned alive in a fire. Fortunately, we were all magically healed to live another day. Stay tuned!

The Calm After the Storm- Day 2

News from the Pirates of the Belle: (direct from the students for July 1, 2008)

"2nd Entry. Today was the second day of the awesome adventure! The first watch (starboard watch: Maura the Maestro,Off-road Aaron, Martin le Saber, Samurai John, Bullseye John, and Anna Valkerie) woke up at 5AM and headed down to Capt. Clay's and went crabbing. They p caught 10 crabs but dropped 21. At 7:30, the port watch (everyone else)woke up, cleaned and packed up camp tnen headed to Capt. Clay's and switched with the ports and went crabbing. They caught 10 crabs but only lost 6. There weren't as many crabs biting.

After we went crabbing, we went onto the boat and started watch and lessons. Starboards watch was on lookout, did navigation, wheelhouse (driving), and boat checks. Port had lessons on the Chesapeake Bay and plankton. We were also given a partner project to write a newspaper article for a crab newspaper. After that we started learning more about crabs then docked.

When it was time to eat, only half of us ate crabs. Kim, Tim, Jose, and Pete were the last eating crabs. As are Marylanders (except Pete) discovered the magical power of "CRABDAR" "The ability to find crabmeat in a pile of shells at night with no light, which comes with living in MD. Everyone else "chillaxed" and played frisbee until the Amazing Australian Pistol Pete gave a "thrilling" explanation of embassies. Then we went to sleep."
End Quote

--- Half Hearted Jose Here. Here are my fav. quotes from your students:
Marty le saber's negative of the day "the smell of crabs"
Jonathan (hayon) the SWIFT... " I didnt know the words to Mary Had a little lamb."
(Me)- "The Maryland Trifecta wields the awesome power of CRABDAR!!!"

Until Next time.... we've got a port to storm!!!

The New Voyage- A very "Crabby" Beginning

Welcome family, fans, and friends of the Belle!!!
This Blog will chroncile the adventures of our Pirate crew: Kimipage(rockstar), Hookem Tim, Laughin'Bones Liam, Mustang Morgan, Jackie Kahan, Jonathan SWIFT, Samurai John, "Bullseye" John, Anna Valkyrie (Viking Princess), Maura the Maestro, Off-road Aaron, Marty le Saber, Half-hearted Jose (RA), Hurricane April (LCF), Karen the Quick-(LCF Ninja), Pistol Pete (LCF), Shellback Joe (Capt. of the Belle), Buffalo John (LCF), and the blood-red Kool-aid-thirsty Keelhauling Kristina (LCF).


June 30th [In the words of the pirate students.]
"We were on the boat from 11AM-3PM. We were separated into starboard and port groups. We took shifts cooking and cleaning. We learned about navigation and how to tie knots and maintain the boat. Tomorrow we are crabbing for crabs. Stay Tuned for more on our adventures."

**A message from Half-hearted Jose the RA. First, they named me after my heart surgery. Moms and Dads, I am loving how awesome your kids are! My blog notes add an extra detail or two so you can hear about you barbary pirates.

Samurai John's negative of the day: Forgetting his rain gear :-(
Hookem Tim did not like "cleaning the dishes"
Anna Valkarie liked "learing about navigation [how to chart a course]"
Maesto Maura feels she "needs to work on her frisbee!?!?" :-)

Half-hearted Jose says: We saw a real rainbow. The kids cook great beef and vegetarian taco dinner options. Your kids are getting to appreciate the definition of a "clean pot" from a clean pot that doesnt turn papertowels orange when drying them!!! yuck! And we survived a torrential down pour on the first night... No students got scared! (You must be proud. I am).

Sorry, the names and intros made this an extra long first post. Check in daily, and we'll do our best, if we're not too busy pirating!