Winter Ambassador Program (Day 3)

St. John, USVI

Ship’s Logs written by Winter Ambassador Program students Peyton, Onyx, and Francie

December 21, 2023

We woke up this beautiful Wednesday morning ready to start the great day ahead. After a great breakfast of a variety of different bagels, we started on morning chores. C-legs had dishes this morning which tends to be pretty relaxing if you think about it. After finishing up chores we got ready for the eventful day ahead.

We changed into our swimsuits and packed everything we needed to go hiking and snorkeling. Once we got there we started the long hike up through the beach and down the long trail. A few miles in we saw an old sugar plantation. I thought it was really cool to be able to learn the history of the place and get to read all of the plaques. While at the plantation we met a really nice worker who gave us great juice, and had us try Johnny Cakes (small bread cakes). When we hiked down the hill we reached another beach similar to the one we saw on Tuesday where we were able to see lots of cool new snorkeling spots. Overall it was a really fun day and although we complained a lot and our feet hurt we ended up loving it.

At the end of the day I am very thankful for these opportunities that they have given me. I have seen some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m very thankful.

-Peyton

Today, we woke up at anchor in Frances Bay on the northern-ish side of the UVI. The water here is something that I will never get used to. It’s so blue and there’s so many fish. We got up and had some bagels for breakfast which was a nice start to the day. After that and chores, cleaning up breakfast, we headed to shore to look at the island. We hiked up to some old ruins and had a nice lunch. While we were there, I sat on a stone wall and watched the horizon. There were a bunch of mountains and the ocean was very many hues. It will be something I will never get used to. After, we hiked a little longer, partially on a beach to Waterlemon Cay, where we did some snorkeling. I saw a bunch of fish and corals. There was also some very large starfish. On our way back, we got a little lost but saw some goats on an old building. Like a goat in the sky!

This trip is something that I am very grateful for. Especially World Ocean School for having this kind of program. The experiences are like nothing I have ever done. Thank you!

-Onyx

Hi Family and Guidance, it’s Francie!

Today we woke up, did chores and hit the beach. We hiked all over Saint John and went swimming in Waterlemon Bay. As we were snorkeling, we saw a sea turtle, coral, and some incredible coral. Today was memorable and pictorious. Not to forget the history we learned about at the Plantation. I miss you guys. See you soon!

-Francie