15
Location: Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Today we woke up in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola wondering if we had to walk up the highest point in the BVI, Mount Sage. Luckily, we were told that instead we would be working with a youth organization on Jost Van Dyke for the day. Once we got to Jost Van Dyke, we met up at the infamous restaurant, Foxy’s. After meeting the lively Foxy himself (he speaks only in poetry/song), we got to meet Susan, a woman who works for the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society, who showed us this 32 foot boat, Endeavor II, that the society is working on which they hope to put into use this November as a vessel to teach students about the wildlife of the BVI. Once we were done checking out the boat, we set up the top level of Foxy’s for a presentation and an ice-breaker with the kids. We played a lively game of “All My Friends” with the students (whose ages ranged from 5 to 17) followed by a presentation on the preservation and tracking of sea birds in the BVI. Everyone kept the presentation in mind as we headed over to Sandy Spit to swim and play.
Once we got the island, we rafted up with Grins, and everyone started jumping in the water. The kids seemed so excited to even be around us. After swimming off the back of the boat, we all took dingeys into the beach and played huge games of Marco Polo. Needless to say, after 6 hours of non-stop energy everyone was sad to see the group leave. As we said our goodbyes to our buddies, we finally realized just how draining it is to basically be staff to a bunch of kids. So now, as we run on close to empty for energy, we are at the Peace and Love BBQ where I am sure we will return and pass out from exhaustion. Overall, the day was completely rewarding and full of energy(even with the staff not getting their morning coffee). It’s so sad that this trip is winding down and soon enough I won’t be blessed enough to wake up to 11 of my best friends and 3 of the best staff that anyone could ask for; along with the fact that I won’t be waking up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If only I could make this trip last just a little longer, but at least I know I will never forget the memories and friends I have made here.