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.

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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 :-)