Forty-five miles off the coast of Sitte River, Belize lie 3 small islands collectively known as Glover's Atoll, surrounded by open ocean and spot reefs of magnificent beauty. It is no small privilege to be able to travel here!
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| Our lodgings for the week. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Nordquist |
Laurie Furlong, our Marine Ecology professor, aided us in understanding, marveling at, and appreciating this beautiful place. Between the many snorkels, brief swims and science projects, Laurie instructed us in the vast array of marine life found in this fragile ecosystem known as the coral reefs.
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| Getting used to our new classroom |
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| Dorothy (Dordt) and Alex (Messiah) find an urchin while walking along the reef crest. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Nordquist |
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| Anna (Gordon) marvels at a sea fan. Photo courtesy of Alexandra Nordquist |
One of the many highlights was the night snorkel. Can you imagine plunging yourself into dark ocean water with nothing but your snorkel and flippers? It was unreal! Midway through our time on the island, we had a cold front move in, which made life just a little bit more difficult for everyone. It is a rare experience to feel cold in Belize, but on the open ocean with little shelter, it doesn't take much to chill you to the bone. We made the best of the situation, downing cups of hot chocolate and stuffing our faces with just a little bit more of the fresh fish that was so readily available on the island. This was an experience not to be missed, and just another reason that reminds me of what a privilege it is to be a part of CCSP Belize and part of this country!
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| Photo courtesy of Alexandra Nordquist |
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