Hello! This is C Watch! Today we mustered on the quarterdeck in the morning to discuss guidelines for snorkeling, as well as reef studies that we would contribute to. We separated into three groups: Group 1 counted parrot fish, which are indicative of coral health; Group 2 counted echinoderms, mollusks, worms and lobsters to research biodiversity; and Group 3 counted recruit versus adult corals.

Hello, from the British Virgin Islands! A Watch is officially taking over the blog for our first day in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Rick and Audrey graciously went to shore to clear our Caribbean travels with customs. Everything went along swimmingly and we were even lucky enough to get all of our passports stamped!

Hello! This is C Watch/Caribbean Watch taking over the blog! Today marks the beginning of a new decade and the end of another day in paradise. During deck watch this afternoon, we cycled through our typical duties, which included boat checks, managing the helm and lookout.

Pull in the gangplank and hoist the sails! Today we pulled away from the dock in St. Croix and plunged straight into our voyage to San Juan (with a lovely stop in the British Virgin Islands only days away). However, adjusting to life on the high seas came with its own unique challenges. Many struggled with seasickness, some struggled with coiling heavy ship line, and everyone struggled with staying cool in the bright Caribbean sun.

Welcome to the SEA Penn State program blog! I am happy to report that all 24 Pennsylvania State University participants (22 students, their professor Monica Medina, and teaching assistant Julia Stewart) have arrived in St. Croix and are safely aboard the Corwith Cramer.

Today we all said ‘goodbye’ to Corwith Cramer. I could see her proudly standing in the golden waters of St. Croix from the window of my plane: that was my last sunset with her. I believe not a single person remained unchanged through the program. But it might be a little too early to see the difference yet.

There are no happy returns without departures, and three months ago, you—the loved ones of C-289—said goodbye to your people in Woods Hole. Three months later, they will soon return to you.

Welcome to another episode of Muriel’s Blog Post! Many things have happened as y’all have been reading these posts, so here are some more! Back on December 18, I finally had the wonderful experience of being the assistant steward in galley all day.

‘Twas the night before Boatsmas and all through the sea,
the Cramer was sailing, ‘cause we had places to be!

As we leave Falmouth Harbor, Antigua behind, it is hard to believe we are sailing the last leg of our journey. It feels like yesterday we were splashing around the waters of St. Croix before embarking on the SSV Corwith Cramer.