Monday, July 30, 2007

Day 20

Author: Unknown
Location: West End, Tortola
Woke up at the Bight, Norman Island. We then sailed to the Indians and did our last dive. We did a super clean up which was a big effort from the heads to the salon. Then, we went to West End and ate at Pussers. It was so sad. We all took pictures and said our good byes.

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Day 20

Author: Joey
Location: West End, Tortola
Today we raced from Norman Island to Road Town and then to Peter Island. Pine lost again, but we all had a good time. We arrived at West End and did a thorough cleaning of our boat. It's practically sparkling. Tonight we had a BBQ and a lot of sad goodbyes.


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Day 20

Author: Katie F.
Location: West End, Tortola
Well, we finally reached our last day aboard the Grenade. We started off the day with a quick breakfast and then began our race. We raced from Norman Island to Road Town to Peter Island. The Grenade put up a great fight with Javier at the helm and had some great tacks. We finished ahead of Pine and Watermelon, so overall we were happy with the finish. We began the mega clean while still underway and continued in West End. The clean was fantastic and we got done in record time. The crew worked so hard and no complaints were heard when even the fridge pump spurted rotten eggs and sour milk. We finished the clean around 2:15 and then ventured into Harbor Market for a snack. At 3:15 we went to the hospital in Road Town to visit Luis, who has tonsillitis. We said goodbye and came back to West End at 4:45. Now we are going to shower on the dock and are headed off to the final BBQ of the trip. It's going to be a sad night of goodbyes, but it's been an amazing trip. Thanks to everyone for making this trip possible. Signing off for the last time from the Grenade- skipper Katie F.

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Day 20

Author: Jenny
Location: West End, Tortola
After a cereal breakfast we had a wicked cool race. We came in fourth place, it was our last time sailing together and we all had an incredible time. Once we were in the harbor, our boat began a complete clean to return our boat to it's former glory.


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Day 20

Author: Rory M.
Location: West End, Tortola
This morning most of the boat hiked to the top of Spyglass Hill at 5:30am to watch the sunrise. Blackbeard used this hill as a lookout point to spot his enemies because you can see the ocean all around. After that Nini left, making us all very sad that a shipmate went home a day early. We then had the final boat race and got to get rid of our scuba tanks and dinghy to reduce weight. We came third in the race. We are now sitting in the marina in West End that we started from with a freshly cleaned boat about to go to the final BBQ.

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Day 20

Author: Kevin O
Location: West End

We started the day with an AQ fleet race, in which we proudly took second, then headed to Soper's Hole Marina for a big clean up. After all the shipmates packed their gear and cleaned Renoir to perfection, they enjoyed some free time on the dock to hang out and do some last minute shopping. Now we're showering and getting ready for the big BBQ on the dock, then its early to bed and early departure for the shipmates tomorrow.
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Day 20

Author: Jake
Location: West End, Tortola
We left the Bight and went to the Indians for a really cool dive. After that, we began cleaning for what seemed like forever. So sad it's the last full day.


Day 20

Author: Scott
Location: West End, Tortola
Today was an interesting day. We dove and cleaned. See you soon.

Day 20

Author: Hannah
Location: West End, Tortola
The pole that lives roped to the front of our net was suddenly thrown over board today with all of our names carved on it. We chopped a chunk of one of the ended off and signed it in sharpie to give to Kate. This is her last summer/ session here, but she said that last year and the year before. For our dear Andrew we signed our pet rock and gave it to him. I'm sure he'll give him a good home. We did a dive this morning that was excellent. I'm glad to have ended this session on good terms with the sea and my shipmates.

Day 20

Author: Tali W.
Location: West End, Tortola
Today started off a little bit rainy, but the skies cleared up just in time for the race between Norman Island and Great Harbor, Peter Island. Emeraude wond the final race of the session, an we, Musgrave, took fifth, but rain a good solid race. With ten knots of wind the race ran smoothly. As we were racing, Andrew and Sean provided great entertainment, dancing to blaring music. Breakfast this morning was pancakes, which Andrew kindly made, and they were great. For our last day together, today was a good one. Tonight is the final BBQ, and then we go back home.

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Sunday, July 29, 2007

Day 19

Author: Raul P.
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Hi Mom! Aime says hi. Today we woke up and had cereal for breakfast. Then we sailed to the Rhone. We hiked up on a hill on Salt Island and then we dove on a shipwreck. After that we ate lunch. Then we sailed to Norman Island. Then we cleaned part of the boat and we started packing. We're leaving soon. I'm gonna miss everyone.


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Day 19

Author: Blair R.
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Today we went to Salt Island and hiked around the Salt pond. It was interesting, but the coolest part of the day was when we dove the Rhone shipwreck. It was fun, but we didn't see much because it was really old and rusty. Also, all day the staff made us in charge of sailing everywhere, and only let us ask ten questions all day. I drove to the Bight and I did it really badly, but at least we didn't sink our boat. We took showers and the Deliverance boat came around with food so most of us got some. Today was a lot of fun, and I'm really sad the three weeks is coming to an end. Obviously, I blinked.

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Day 19

Author: Marc F
Location: Norman Island
This morning we woke up around eight to eat breakfast and prepare for waterskiing and wakeboarding. As soon as everyone had a turn we left GHP and headed for Road Town. It was a calm and relaxing sail. We had Three hours in Road Town, which we spent checking out Hiho, a Caribbean surf shop, eating at Pusser's, and getting ice cream. We then set sail for Norman Island. After anchoring we showered and the chefs prepared dinner. Now we are quickly cleaning up dinner and preparing for the nights special activity.
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Day 19

Author: Gregoire
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Skipper's day was my day. I woke up everyone, as I know how to do. We had a rescue scenario come up which was quite tiring. Annie wanted for us to think it was our only scenario. We had a cool fight under water, while Jim and Rabbit we preparing for our next surprise scenario. We had a great race with the other boat.


Day 19

Author: Jarred
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Today was the "do it yourself" day. The crew essentially had to do everything on the boat by ourselves with minimal help from the staff. We started the day by going to a nearby reef and doing our dive for the day. We moved the boat to Road Town and had some awesome food. Then, in the afternoon we raised our sails unassisted to sail over to our current, crowed location. After doing some intense anchoring, we had our last dinner on the good ship of Bulot.

Day 19

Author: Hannah
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Today was our last day together as a boat. Our dear Frenchie is leaving us tomorrow very early in the morning. She will be missing the dreaded clean up that awaits for us tomorrow. I am among many others that have no desire to see what might await us under our mattresses. I had an ear infection today so the dive that was supposed to be a highlight of my day didn't happen. I was saddened. Mike came to our boat for dinner. He wants to be a ninja pirate. Not that I can blame him.

Day 19

Author: Zach
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
We started the day off with two dives. Me, Dave, Alex and Garrett dove the Inside Morning Ball and everyone else went to the Fearless. After that, I sailed the boat into Road Town where we got lunch. Then, we headed to the Bight where we stopped for the remainder of the night. We ended the night with a Lifeworks activity where we wrote cards to each other about everyone's greatest qualities.

Day 19

Author: Benjamin L.
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Today was our last rotation day. We dove 60ft. down to the Rhone wreck, took a sailing test, and took a hike to the peak of a hill on Salt Island. The weather was sunny, very hot, and a few clouds. On our sail from Salt Island to the Bight the wind changed a lot, and the sea was quite rough. The three Quest shipmates went to tag turtles today. For breakfast we had cereal, for lunch we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and for dinner we had mac and cheese "for grownups." Unfortunately, tonight is our lat night at sea.

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Day 19

Author: Signe B.
Location: The Bight, Norman Island
Today we had a relaxed wakeup around 8, after which we all ate around eight hundred pancakes, which were amazing! Until ten, Big Blue brought us wakeboarding. Some people got big air, others not so much, but it was still a great time! Afterwards we motor-sailed to Road Town, which was the largest city we have visited in the past three weeks. After a lunch at Pusser's, Katie F. and Lora stopped a robbery in progress and some of us ventured to La Dolce Vita for some amazing gelato. By 2:30 we were sailing to Norman Island, where we had our last ocean shower in the BVI. Funniest part of the day? Definitely Adam (now known as Alpha) finally getting to use the VHF. To Luis- get well soon! To my brother, Kai- happy birthday! See you all in two days!

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Saturday, July 28, 2007

Day 18

Author: Rosy W
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
After a beautiful night passage, we arrived early in the BVI's and dropped anchor outside Spanish Town. Kevin went in to clear customs while we gave Renoir II a much deserved cleaning as a thank you for the success of our trip, over 400 nautical miles in the Caribbean Sea. We then met up with the rest of the AQ fleet in GHP and the shipmates are now taking their International Crew Certification Exams.
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Day 18

Author: Ryan
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
After waking up and eating breakfast, we took a long sail to Ingeness Bay. We did a fun wreck dive there. After that, we motored back towards Great Harbor Peter where we dove the Fearless and had to lift a toilet. We used lift bags to do so. Later that day, people went water skiing and snorkeling. We had a Chinese themed dinner and after that some people went on a night dive.

Day 18

Author: Maria
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We dove the Ingeness Bay. Neptunes had to tie a knot at 80 feet and then attack a line to the wreck and swim out and back for 20 kick cycles. This was our wreck dive number three. There was a two and a half hour surface internal and then we went back down for the wreck dive number four. We penetrated the wreck while the dolphins swam around the wreck and Bridger stole Jason's fins. The neptunes took their test for their Advance certification later in the night.

Day 18

Author: Peter
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We woke up and motored to the Inganess Bay wreck. The neptunes did their wreck dive number 3 there. The marine bios dove on the Mary L and the Pat. Then, later in the day, the neptunes did wreck dive number 4. In the afternoon, the neptunes were tested and the marine bios prepared for their presentations. At night, the marine bios presented their scientific findings.

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Day 18

Author: Cayman
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today we woke up to a beautiful sunrise. We went to Inganess Bay to dive a wreck for our wreck certification. When we were down at our man depth of 80 feet, we had to tie knots in a line. It took me forever because I was so narked. When we came up after our dive, we were sitting on the tramp when Mal got stuck in the net! It was hilarious! We did a second dive on the same wreck. This time we (Annie, Mal and I) couldn't stop laughing underwater. We were playing in the sand and doing flips! During this dive we penetrated the wreck. After sailing back to GHP, Bryan and I had a diving contest, where we were jumping from the bimini. I did a flip and I'm pretty sure I won! We had so much fun. I will miss everyone when I'm home! This was a great day.

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Day 18

Author: Jenny
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We woke up in Peter Island pretty early and set sails to Salt Island. There we went diving and we saw a shipwreck, the Rhone. Then we ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Then we all went for a hike in Salt Island and we took a bath in the beach. We cleaned up the ship and took a shower and got ready for dinner.

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Day 18

Author: Meredith H.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today was a very relaxing day. After we had breakfast we had the option of either wakeboarding or waterskiing. Then we sailed to Road Town for a great lunch and some shopping. After that we sailed back to Great Harbor, where we started. Tonight we do not have a sail chat or anything, so we can play cards and talk for a while before we go to bed.


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Day 18

Author: Karen H.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
After breakfast, or rather during breakfast, we motored over to Salt Island. There we dove the Rhone, a boat that crashed and broke in two on Salt Island during a hurricane many years ago. Fish infest the site and it was a great dive. Back on Grenade we took our sail test over all the things we've been learning these past weeks. Then we went into Salt Island for a walk by the salt pools and a play in the ocean. While we watched part of a movie Anna made us chocolate cake. As usual with all baked goods, it disappeared in a matter of seconds.

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Day 18

Author: Haley F.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today was a relaxing fun day. We started out getting all the makeup dives in so everyone can get certified. Then we sailed over to Road Town, which was so much fun. It is such a relaxed atmosphere, something different than back in the states. There were chickens randomly running around! It was actually quite amusing. The gelato was to die for! Our staff did nothing and said nothing or our sail back from Road Town, so it was all up to us. We had a rocky start but it was smooth sailing from there. At first it was scary for the shipmates to have all the control, but it turned out to be a great experience! Today Sean and I watched the movie Pink Panther, it is hilarious, and we could say most of the lines in unison. It was great!


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Day 18

Author: Robert A.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today the crew made its first dive as fully certified divers, and what a better way to celebrate than diving the wreck of a boat that got wrecked on the rocks of Salt Island in 1867. The sea life was impressive as we swam underneath the stern. However, at the time my mask was fogged up, but after clearing it I immediately came face to face with an uncountable number of fairly big fish eyeing me up. This took me slightly by surprise and I proceeded accidentally to hit my head on the underside of the stern. The rest of the day was spent cleaning and visiting Salt Island, on which we came across only one seriously laid back inhabitant, I guess it's "all good" when all you have to do is provide the Queen of England with a bag of salt every so often.


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Day 18

Author: Naomi M.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
All divers dove the Rhone today: it's an awesome wreck and proved full of exciting aquatic life, including sea turtles and giant stingrays. Vega shipmates took a sailing exam- one step closer to earning their international crew certificate! Later this morning shipmates hiked Salt Island, a unique and interesting geographical formation. Divemasters had a tough challenge today, teaching other divers in the Rhone. They all proved excellent DMs and remained professional when tested! Tasty dinner tonight and I think we are in for a special treat with the sunset tonight! (Just want to give a shout out to everyone back home in Ireland!)


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Day 18

Author: Aime P.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Hi Mom. I love you. Today was fun. We got up and advanced divers dove a really cool dive, it was on an amazing reef that had tons of fish. Then we went waterskiing and I did a 360 for the first time on a kneeboard. Then we sailed to Road Town, which was a really cool port with lots of shops and restaurants. We had a really fun time. Then we sailed back to the place we were in the morning.


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Friday, July 27, 2007

Day 17

Author: Lisa W
Location: Leaving St. Barths
Today we spent the morning preparing to leave St Barths. We then took showers in the harbor showers and had some free time. We spent the afternoon at an island called Ile Fourche where we went for a hike that overlooked St Barths and St Martin, we also went swimming and snorkeling. We then departed for our final passage, back to the BVI's.
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Day 17

Author: Tucker
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today was an awesome day. We woke up from last night's party at Sidney's and motored to West End to fill up on water, although we weren't out. After most of us ate a good breakfast, we walked around and shopped. After finding out that our water tank didn't fill all the way, we were given 2 extra hours to chill in port. A couple of us went to lunch while the others hang out with the people on Bulot. After leaving West End, we motored and sailed to Dead Mans Chest. It was an awsome dive, we saw a cool shark. After the dive, we motored to Great Habor Peter for Mexican night and our rescue test.

Day 17

Author: Danielle
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We started the day at Sidney's Peace and Love. Then we motored to West End. There, we refilled on water and shopping and what not. Then as we were leaving, the dock line got caught in our starboard engine, so we had to fix that before making way to Great Habor Peter Island. The sail to Great Harbor was long and uneventful. Once we were at Great Harbor, we were going to go diving on our own, but Andrew joined us because he had never dove the site before ("gasp"). We saw an octopus and one buddy group got lost. Dinner was interesting, and we believe it was because of the almost full moon. Later, we went for a swim. The day was amazingly relaxing!

Day 17

Author: Annie
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We woke up early after a late night at Sidney's Peace and Love. We motored over to Soper's Hole where we originally started our expedition. After groceries, jewelry, clothes, shopping, lunch and massages, we sailed to Great Harbor, a site we are very familiar with. We dove 80 feet down and revisited the Fearless, an awesome wooden wreck. After pigging out on a delicious Mexican fest, we challenged Cayman to eat a burrito in one bite (she failed). Malorie, Cayman and Lucia were dying of laughter that no one else understood. It was terrific and amusing until the biggest barracuda ever stole our attention which we spoon-fed. The sun sets now as people begin to settle in and jam to some techno. We are going to review for our examination. Every one agrees that today was a truly fabulous day.

Day 17

Author: Caitlin W.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today we woke up at Jost van Dyke. Then we raced to West End, we came in second behind Tengger. At West End there was shopping and eating to be done. Hen we raced again to Great Harbor. Unfortunately the wind didn't quite sort out the way we wanted it to so we had to drop out and turn on our motor. We ended the day with Mexican inspired food.

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Day 17

Author: Elaine M.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We woke up this morning to the first race day. Last session our boat Emeraude won all of the races so we all wanted to keep our boat's good record. The first race our boat pulled ahead and was in the front line when the main sheet broke and we could not adjust it. We came in a respectable third place and we were happy. After a stop at West End for lunch we headed out for race number two. By this time we had our main sheet fixed and we soared ahead. Approximately 2/3 of the way through the race they called it. It was a fantastic day and we all had so much fin.

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Day 17

Author: Luis P.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We woke up in a small island called Jost van Dyke. Jost van Dyke is located near the northern part of Tortola, right next so Sandy Cay. We started the day with a race between seven boats. Since we were carrying two dinghies, there was much more weight we had to carry. We did good in the first race, although we didn't win, but we had a lot of fun. Then we went to West End, that's where we started; we had lunch, we had time to buys some souvenirs, etc. Right after leaving port we had our second race. In this race we started pretty god, but later the wind dropped. We ended the race in Peter Island, that is where we are right now. Let's see what's left of this three days we have.

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Day 17

Author: Barrie M.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
This morning started with a thrilling race. The positions were given (we got second place start thanks to moi) and we lived up. After an exciting race, Tengger came in first, followed by Cedar then Emeraude. We took fourth. We spent a few hours in West End where we enjoyed a great meal and cute shops. We boarded our vessels again and raced towards Great Harbor, Peter Island. This race was too long due to the lack of wind, so no one won or lost. We ate a Mexican dinner and had an educational sail chat. Random facts of the day! The restaurant took two hours for a burger and salad. Emeraude broke their sail but still came in third.

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Day 17

Author: Viktor
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
We were down two people this morning for the first race of the day. Alex and Sophie went to the clinic; however we performed well in the regatta. The first of the two races started at Jost van Dyke and ended at West End in Tortola. After lunch in the marina the seven sail side boats lined up for the race to Great Harbor. We got a much better start this time and despite the fact that Thumper is a heavy tow, we succeeded in staying in the top half of the fleet. The race was abandoned due to lack of good wind and approaching darkness. It's going to be a long night for the salt water washers: Mexican night was a great success.

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Day 17

Author: Noah G.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today was our first race day! We got up after last night's reggae fest at Sidney's Peace and Love and raced over to West End. Tengger took first place thanks to its fantastic crew. After a two hour stop at West End with some good lunch at Pusser's we raced to Great Harbor, taking third. The wind and sea were fairly calm making at a tactical race. The best part of our day was winning the morning drag race. All in all it was a splendid day. Mexican night tonight!!!

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Day 17

Author: Juan B.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Por la manana hemos hecho carreras de sail, hemos quedado 2nd, despues hemos ido a puerto, y despues hemos hecho mas carreras hemos cenado y los advanced open water divers hemos hecho un night dive y despues a dormer.

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Thursday, July 26, 2007

Day 16

Author: Sara M
Location: St Barths
Today's sunshine and clear skies allowed for a perfect day at the beach for us aboard Renoir. We rented surfboards and took turns trying to catch waves. We had the beach pretty much to ourselves. It was naturally beautiful and had an abundance of waves. After having sandwiches, we headed back to the harbor for some free time. Afterwards, we headed back to the boat for Mexican food, everyone enjoyed the burritos, and we finished the night with a sail chat.
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Day 16

Author: Lucy
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today was an ILL day!!! We woke up to paradise once again, and we saved 2 panicked divers and one unconscious diver, being the professional rescue divers that we are. Unfortunately, it was only a scenario. At night, we went to Sidney's dance where the crew from mighty Alexandra rocked the party. Jordan had an amazing day and says hi to his mom.


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Day 16

Author: Josh
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today for once, we slept in until 8:30. Immediately after breakfast, we geared up and dove in the Playgrounds. We did our second equipment lecture where we took apart a regulator. For dinner, we went to Sydney's for a barbeque. There was a reggae band. A fun time was had by all.

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Day 16

Author: Jake
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today we slept in till about 8 o'clock. This was a much-needed rest after the hike up Mt. Sage. We started off the morning with a dive and after that, the neptunes went to a lecture about equipment, while the marine bios worked on their proposals. We headed to the beach for a quick rest and dip before the night's activities. We went to Sidney's Peace and Love Restaurant and we partied all night long.


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Day 16

Author: Lucia
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Most of us woke up sore from Mount Sage, but it was fine because we got to sleep in (till 8). We went diving in a place called "The Playgrounds," except Bryan who was feeling sick. But by night, everyone was feeling fine and we went to the dance where we ate and danced to the local music band. We got to hang out with sail side too, which was a nice change of people to talk to. We're all very sad that our time here is almost over, so we're doing everything to enjoy the last days. Funny Moment: When Eliot woke me up this morning (by tickling my feet), I sprang three feet in the air and fell on the floor. PS. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

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Day 16

Author: Sean K.
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today we sailed for a long time. We were taught how to do tricks for race day so we could get first place. Then we hung out on the boat and talked to each other and swam for a little bit. Then we sailed to Jost van Dyke.

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Day 16

Author: Chris R.
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today was a nice relaxed day with mild skies and seas. We ailed around and practiced for our races. We practiced our tacking and jibing and I got seasick but everything else was fantastic. The best part of our day was sailing and talking together in the cockpit. I'm still really happy with the sand castle contest. I thought we showed a lot of team spirit and creativity.

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Day 16

Author: Siobhan G.
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today we had a lie-in! Woohoo! For breakfast we had pancakes! Mmm tasty!!! What a wonderful start to a gorgeous day! We then went off and practiced our sail drills, getting ready for our first races tomorrow. We then had sandwiches for lunch and practiced more skills. We have the race in the bag with our brilliant skills! Once we perfected our skills we got ready for our reggae party! Whoop whoop!


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Day 16

Author: Jay
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Today we got to sleep in. After an "exciting" wakeup, we had pancakes and stared our day. We started off by sailing off anchor and getting underway. We did sailing drills all day and Victor graced us with his presence all day. Everyone took their turn on the helm practicing jibes, tacks, and commands. At the end of our trip we sailed back onto anchor, a very difficult task, but done to perfection. For dinner all of ActionQuest is having a BBQ at Sidney's Peace and Love restaurant.


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Day 16

Author: Josephine B.
Location: Sidney's, Jost van Dyke
Le matin nous reveillant, nous etions a Sandy Spit. Puis nous sommes alles a West End car nous avions besoin d'essence et d'eau, nous sommes restes un peu la-bas avant de retourner sur le bateau pour dejeuner. Apres une aprs-midi de bateau, nous sommes arrives a Jost van Dyke, ou nous allons dinner. Apparmment, ce soir, nous aurons une Peace and Love party

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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Day 15

Author: Ignacia R
Location: St Barths
We woke up and had showers, then moved the boat on to the dock in the Port of Gustavia, once docked we had free time. During this time we bought T-shirts, and some souvenirs. We then went to lunch at Le Select and had cheeseburgers in paradise. Afterwards, we went back to the boat for a boat chat. We then had the whole afternoon off, Marc, Leo and I went to a beach we found after hiking a big hill, meanwhile, the girls went shopping.
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Day 15

Author: Sophie
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
This morning we had a very early start in Cane Garden Bay. We woke up to a sweet breakfast of cereal and then traveled over to land to begin the exhausting hike up Mt. Sage, the highest point the in BVI. After the hike, we all enjoyed "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on the beach. After lunch, we had a relaxing ride over to Sandy Spit, our current location. Here, we rode over to the island and had a sand castle building competition. Alexandra made a life size replica of a dinghy, which took a great deal of teamwork. Tonight, we are preparing a dinner of beans, rice and cornbread and rescue activates are planned.

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Day 15

Author: Bridger
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Early wake up, 6am. The entire fleet went on a hike to the top of Mt. Sage. Ben, Andrew, Jim, a shipmate on sail side, a good friend of mine from lifeworks and myself all climbed to the top together. After the hike, all the shipmates chilled at Cane Garden Bay, I ate my food with Nico, Zach, Carina, and Maria. Everyone ate lunch/ breakfast in port and had a chance to get the grocery store. After getting back to the boat, we went to Sandy Spit and had a sand castle competition. We built a Canadian Flag with honors to our first mate Canadian Andrew. Our crew returned home and had dinner, black beans, rice, and hot dogs. Mike came on our boat for dinner and we did the post cards with him.

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Day 15

Author: Alaina
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today was the infamous Mt. Sage hike that every new ActionQuest member hears horror stories about. Though we were suppose to get an early start, our staff members experienced some alarm confusion, and we woke up at 7:15 to cries of "get in the dinghy!!" I won't spoil the fun for next years shipmates, but the 6-mile hike was definitely demanding though we stilll had fun along the way. After the hike and a little free time, we sailed a short distance to Sandy Spit, a tiny island of white sand and palm trees that you could walk around in 5 minutes. We had a sand castle competition with the rest of the fleet. Our boat was a bit indecisive, so we ended up building a car, a palm tree, and a huge hole. The hole won. All in all, a long, but memorable day.

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Day 15

Author: Malorie
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
We rose with the sun at 6:00 this morning to be brought ashore at 7. Today was the day of the great hike up Mt. Sage. We got to the dock all wearing our sneakers, and Mikey wearing a third around his neck. The Shoe of Stupidity was made into a necklace for Mikey to more comfortably get rid of his 7-hour sentence. Everyone made it up to the top, except for Alex who had to go to the clinic. After the hike, we explore the port with all the restaurants, shops, and beach. Then a quick sail took us to Sandy Spit where the Sand Castle contest took place. We sculpted the Shoe perfectly. We returned to our boat and took showers. I decided the knot in my hair had to come out. Alicia carefully snipped away till it was all out. It really isn't too noticeably where the hair is missing. Today was a very nice beach/port day; ending in a lifeworks forum tonight. PS. Mom, Dad, Matt! Sorry I haven't called much. It's very hard to. I will as soon as I can again. Love you all and miss you.

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Day 15

Author: Jose L.
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today was a very beautiful sunny day. Though while sailing the wind and the sea conditions were quite rough. Unfortunately we failed to sail to Sandy Spit because we were confused about what to do with the headsail. I found the funniest part of the day was when we did the sand castle competition. Our group decided to bury everybody, including me. It was very uncomfortable being a merman. Today every group also did a never- ending walk to the top of the hill. The top was magnificent. Today was wonderful.

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Day 15

Author: Javier B.
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today was a great day. We woke up at 5:45am with a song I chose to wake everyone up (We Will Rock You- Queen), in Cane Garden Bay. The reason why we woke up so early was that we were doing a hike to the highest point in all the BVI, Mt. Sage. The hike was really tiring and steep and it took us the whole morning, but the view up there was very beautiful. One of the best parts of the day was when we got down from the hike and ate a huge cheeseburger with fries and drink. Once we had eaten we lounged out in the beach and stores and then we got to the boat and started sailing to Sandy Spit. In Sandy Spit we had a great sand castle contest with the other boats and it was really fun. Our boat is called Grenat but we call it Grenade, so our sand castle was a huge grenade with Andy buried inside of it with a mask and snorkel so he could breathe. So when we finished making the sand grenade we made it "explode" and Andy came out splashing sand all over us with ketchup so it looked like blood. Our idea was really good and we did it really good so we won. And that's about it. We had a great time hanging out in the beach throwing a football with my brother and friends. It was a great day but it's too bad time is passing so fast. Mama te quiero much saludas a todos.

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Day 15

Author: Federico
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today we went to a mountain climbing and then we went to Sandy Spit and went to the beach doing sand castle building contest.

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Day 15

Author: Heidi M.
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
We went hiking today! We climbed a mountain called Mt. Sage. It's the highest mountain in the BVI. It took about 3 hours up and down but it was totally worth it because the views were incredible! When everyone recovered from the climb we sailed to Sandy Spit where we had a sand castle building contest. We didn't win but the mermaid lying on a rock that we made was amazing! We had a great day and I really don't want the trip to end!!


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Day 15

Author: Caroline L.
Location: Sandy Spit, Green Cay
Today we woke up really early, had a fast breakfast, then headed to Cane Garden Bay for a hike up the highest point in the British Virgin Islands on the island of Tortola. After the extremely strenuous hike we came back down and had "cheeseburgers in paradise," then came back to the boat, took up the anchor, and we headed to Sandy Spit island where we had a sand castle contest, we won for most creative!

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Day 15

Author: Joan B.
Location: Sandy Spit
Today we woke up at 7 to go hiking Mt. Sage. We spent the whole morning to go up to the top of the mountain and then returned back to the town and have some lunch. Right after this activity we started sailing to Sandy Spit, where we have seen an awesome little island. Right there we started a sand castle competition where our boat did a castle pretty awesome. At night we are going to do Lifeworks. I think it has been a very different day than the others with activities that aren't what we do normally.

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Day 15

Author: Charles W.
Location: Sandy Spit
The weather was nice, it was good for the hike today. We had fun but before the hike we were told we were out of water and we were all strangely happy. Then we made sandcastles and had an awesome dinner and will probably have a fun Lifeworks forum.

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Day 14

Author: Missy S
Location: St. Barths
We awoke at 0615 for oatmeal and to prepare for our passage. In preparation, we were unhappily surprised by a fowl smell coming from our refrigerator, which we found to be broken. The strong stomachs ventured down to clean it out and did a great job. The rest of us cleaned the decks for our passage from Antigua to St. Barths, our final destination before returning to the BVI's. However, before we were able to set sail, I managed to drop the bucket overboard three times, a new AQ record, and had to jump in to retrieve it, so much for dry clothes. Kevin set up a fishing line while we sailed and we managed to hook a barracuda, but it broke the line before we got it on board. After a wonderful day of sailing we are finally in sight of land and excited to anchor, even in the dark. We all are in need of showers now and can't wait to see what St. Barths posh atmosphere has to offer.
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Day 14

Author: Mac M.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Oh man what a day! Last night our water pump went out followed by the tachometer, this morning our engine went out too. We found out Emily was sick, turns out she has the flu. The open waters made our certification dive this morning, we all did great. Later this afternoon Boomer got our water and engine running so we were able to get underway.

Day 14

Author: Nina
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
The weather was pretty good all day, it was sunshine on our first rotation. We saw a movie about the deep blue, then learned how to do the Turk's Head's bracelets. Our chefs prepared a tuna sandwich lunch, but then we took out the PB+J. Then we dove and finally waterskiied but then we sailed to Cane Garden Bay where we anchored.

Day 14

Author: Jordan
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
SoToday we woke up to the cd we hear every morning. Pretty repetitive but still, pretty sweet. We cooked up a mean pot of boiling water for the oatmeal and raised anchor only to find that we also lost our starboard propeller. So, our boat can only sail and drift with the ocean. Frankly exciting. Later, we went diving. While we were in bay, these muppets anchored right next to us pulled up our anchor chain, so we had to dive down and reset it. At the end of the day, Rescue and Big Blue, like true VIPs, pulled us into harbor.

Day 14

Author: Sarah
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Today we sailed to Brewers Bay. We sailed the fastest, so we beat all the other boats. We did two dives at Sharks Point. After the dives, we motored to Cane Garden Bay for dinner and a fish slide show. This show was a bit short because there wasn't enough power for it to work. This drove Fresca crazy while it made us laugh. Then when we came back on the boat, we had a delicious birthday cake for Fernando's birthday. Happy Birthday Fernando!

Day 14

Author: Sam
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
We dove twice today. Both were some of the best I have ever done. There is something magical about watching a three-foot long tarpon swim past your head. My favorite part of shark point was the swim through under several large boulders. This is what it was like: I turned to look at my buddy while swimming into the cave. I then stuck my head into the cave. I gazed in at the amazing clarity at thousands of baitfish all swimming in one gigantic school. An amazing dive, that one.

Day 14

Author: Victor H.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
It was clear and beautiful skies, the wind was fairly strong and good for sailing. In the morning the shipmates went scuba diving. Later we went waterskiing and wakeboarding. It was a lot of fun. After we went Picoing, which was a very interesting experience. After Kyle talked to us about some other programs ActionQuest has to offer, then we sailed down to Cane Garden Bay. The funniest part of the day was sailing with Joe. It was an awesome day.

Day 14

Author: Miguel
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
The best part of the day was the dive that was the certifying dive for the open water divers. Today in the morning we went waterskiing, then we went Picoing, then ate lunch, then made the certifying dive and then we sailed to Cane Garden Bay.

Day 14

Author: Cason C.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Today was our last rotation day! We are all very excited for this last part of the program. Today we went Picoing, waterskiing, and diving. Then we sailed to Cane Garden Bay for movie night. We made some scrumptious brownies and watched White Squall. We are all pumped for Mt. Sage tomorrow!

Day 14

Author: Sam H.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Today was a fairly typical rotation day. The first activity was waterskiing and wakeboarding, which was awesome. After two hours of such water sports, we sat down and watched Blue Planet, and educational film on the earth's seas and the creatures that dwell within them. We then proceeded to learn how to weave bracelets. The final activity of the day was scuba diving. Tomorrow is the day of the big hike, for which we are all very excited.

Day 14

Author: Adam M.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Today was another great day. We started off the morning at Muskmelon Bay and had our final rotation day. We wakeboarded, waterskiied, watched a marine bio movie, and learned how to tie Turk's Head knots. After all of our activities we started motoring to Cane Garden Bay (my personal favorite spot), we ate dinner and had our first sail chat. At this point in the trip we are all trying to soak up every minute.


Monday, July 23, 2007

Day 13

Author: Katy P
Location: Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
Today we went on a ten-minute guided tour of Nelson's Dockyard. Then we had free time to walk around the go to shops. We came back to the boat for lunch. Afterwards, we cleaned up and went on a short hike to Fort Berkeley. Once there, we all separated with books and/or IPOD's and had some much need alone/quiet time. Upon returning we had some more shopping time, then ordered pizza for dinner. Now we're about to have a sail chat.
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Day 13

Author: Caroline J.
Location: Sommer's Beach, Tortola
Hi Mom! Today we were at Muskmelon. It was a rotation day, which are always really fun. Advanced divers did a deep dive. Open water divers did a thirty foot dive and practiced skills. Everyone also got to waterski too. Then we had a beach BBQ. It was soooo much fun. We had hamburgers and hot dogs and played lots of really cool games. Today was such a fun day!

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Day 13

Author: Ally B.
Location: Sommer's Beach, Tortola
The first half of today was just a basic rotation day, hectic as always. But still fun. The open waters went about their normal rotation (something I don't know about- it has to do with Picos, waterskiing, and all that jazz). The divemasters helped out a good bit on the boat, doing divemaster stuff. Lots of tank lifting, studying, and good times. This evening we went to the beach party. There were plenty of Lifeworks activities, such as the human knot (which I will admit we didn't finish), burying of Kyle in the sand, etc. Dinner itself was the good old hot dog/hamburger BBQ! Back on Tengger, our attempts at showering were disrupted by the uncooperative water pump, let's hope everything works tomorrow!


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Day 13

Author: Hilary S.
Location: Sommer's Beach, Tortola
Today was another relaxed rotation day: we had waterskiing/wakeboarding first, Pico sailing second, boat appreciation third, and our third open water dive fourth. It was definitely interesting, to say the least. We had some spectacular wipeouts on the wakeboards, we managed to capsize a couple of boats, we had someone free dive45 feet to retrieve a bucket lost in our cleaning frenzy, and we had a dance party on the ocean floor. The evening activity was no less exciting either. We had team building exercises on the beach followed by a BBQ and some well- needed relaxation time. Although we have a few people with colds, and two with ear infections on our boat, we can hardly wait for tomorrow to come.

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