As our trip enters its last week, we wake up to a bright, hot, morning and head to breakfast. For the first time this trip they served cinnamon rolls for breakfast, which were absolutely delicious, and we happily ate them as we prepared to journey to the San Salvador lighthouse and to the cave underneath it. At our earliest start yet, we hopped into the truck and began to head there. On the way, Dr. Phillips worked with the both of us on how to identify birds on the island, including the Gray Kingbird, Magnificent Frigatebird, and the Bahamas Mockingbird. Our first stop was the lighthouse, and as we arrived, we were greeted by a bunch of goats who lived on the property. Us girls went into the lighthouse first with JDub, and the inside was bright pink and smelled a little rusty. At the top, we were able to view nearly the entire island with the large lakes, many of the locations we have snorkeled at, and of course, the gorgeous blue ocean in the background. We all made it back down the steep ladder and tiny spiral staircase after we admired the island, and the boys took their turn. Once we regrouped, it was time to make the slightly treacherous hike down to the cave. Walking through the narrow forest path, we encounter a horrifying sight: a Banana Spider. Stopped at our tracks, JDub thankfully relocated the big arachnid. After the hike, we arrive at the cave.
Unexpectedly straight underground, we climb down a wobbly ladder and wait in the cave for the rest of the group. With excitement in the air, (besides me, Jenna, crying about the cockroaches and bats), we start venturing through the cave. Climbing through the slippery rocks, we quickly enter deep water. At this point, I (Caroline) was too short to walk through the water, and as I was attempting to tread in the dark, Dylan grabbed me by the back of the shirt and carried me to the nearest rock, all while Jenna was still crying (I, Jenna, also was treading through the water and could not reach the bottom). We both ventured on with adrenaline running through our veins as we entered the main cavern of the cave. The cavern felt like it was straight out of a movie with all of the stalagmites and stalactites and bats. JDub and Dr. Phillips had us turn off our flashlights, and we had a few moments of silence in the absolute pitch black. Both of us were slightly terrified, but it is probably one of the most amazing experiences we have had on this trip. As we made the trek back out of the cave, we encountered a sea sponge and an isopod that was exclusive to only this specific cave — they have not been found anywhere else in the world, so it was extremely exciting for all of us to have the opportunity to see them. Drenched in cave water, (with a touch of bat poop) we headed back to campus and immediately showered with our clothes on to clean off! After we re-scrubbed our bodies several times, we rested and ate another delicious lunch.
After an eventful morning, we stayed at the Gerace Research Center to volunteer on campus. After a dorm got re-touched where old concrete was crumbling, it required a new paint job, which was our area of expertise. As a class, we all did our part and helped paint the building to a beautiful new shade of white. After a quick hour, we headed back into the lab to discuss our test that we will be taking tomorrow. Soon after, a brief downpour began to shower down, adding an extra 2.5 inches of rainwater into the catchment basin! We all we able to shower and rest this afternoon because of how quickly we were able to paint the building, so we all were talkative at dinner and were especially excited for the carrot cake that was served. After dinner, we gathered in the lab to work on our organism projects, and then wrapped up the day by looking at fun Airbnbs throughout the island. We now end the night in our dorms excited for tomorrow’s activities.
Jenna’s Reflection:
As a rising Sophmore, I came into Wittenberg sure I wanted to major in Environmental science, contemplating a Marine Science minor. Initially signing up for this opportunity, I felt nervous to try something out of my comfort zone, but eager to learn more about marine life. I feel thankful that I have been able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a set of amazing professors and a welcoming and fun group of students. My interest and knowledge have definitely skyrocketed and have already been looking through future classes to fulfill a marine science minor! Even through the heat of the Caribbean and the hundreds of no-see-um bites, I am so happy I was able to experience this. From climbing down cliffs, swimming in 3000ft deep water, and even treading water in pitch black caves, I have faced fears and seen amazing sights, while being able to learn so much about plants, animals, and ecology. As Jdub, KR, and Dr. Phillips take us through different sights of the island each day, they also teach us field note techniques, fish/plant/algae identification, and geography of the area in an interesting manner that keeps me hooked. I am grateful of this amazing experience, and would completely recommend this trip to anyone interested in Marine Science.
Caroline’s Reflection:
During my very first tour of Wittenberg, I noticed a large poster in a hallway of the Science Center talking about a research opportunity in the Bahamas. Since I first saw that poster, I have wanted to participate in the program, and now, two years later, I am here! I have always had a passion for marine science, and this trip has opened my eyes to what it could be like being a marine biologist. What I was not expecting to learn from this experience, was gaining such a beneficial foundation for how to conduct hands on research and how to live outside of my comfort zone. Throughout this trip I have encountered stingrays, a shark, a few too many barracudas, the drop off, and countless other amazing organisms. I also now know how to gear up, take proper scientific notes, create and execute a scientific project, and be an actual scientist! Being a scientist, also consists of being in environments that are far from the norm, and I certainly know that now. I have never had more bug bites in my entire life, I always slightly smell, I have had an abyss of 3000 feet of water below me, I’ve hiked across an island, and swam through a cave. These are experiences that I never considered when I signed up for this trip, and they have ended up making me so beyond grateful to be here. This experience has helped me to grow in many different ways in just these past few weeks. My passion for marine science has only sky-rocketed in these past couple of weeks.
-Caroline Burns '27, Jenna van der Biezen '27
Love the photos and so glad you all are learning so much! :)