The Days are Just Packed

Bekah and Ashlynn here to talk about our last day in Paradise. The day started bright and early for some of us as Mr. Dole took Sam and Bekah to see the sunrise while others opted for the extra hour of sleep. The calm of the island and the beauty of the sunrise was a great start to the day. After breakfast, we went to Carambola Gardens. There, Bill (the owner) showed us the different kinds of trees native to Roatán. We saw cocoa and cinnamon trees (to name a few) and we were even able to taste some all-spice leaves and cocoa beans. We then hiked up the mountain (after taking a few wrong turns). The view was breathtaking (literally—we were all rather short of breath). From the top of the mountain we were able to see all of Anthony’s Key and Bailey’s Key—the place where the dolphins live. What was so cool about it was that we could see places where we previously snorkeled. The hike down was a lot easier and we all worked up enough of a sweat to be ready for some snorkeling. Our first snorkel sight was off the back of Bailey’s Key. The mooring was near a shipwreck called El Aguila.  JoJo and John threw bait into the water and huge groupers came and snatched them up. It was quite alarming and extremely cool. We swam around for a while looking at all of the fish and coral. After our morning snorkel, we went to lunch where we feasted on chicken wraps, homemade pizza, and fish. After lunch there was time for some powernaps before our afternoon snorkel. Miss Palmer requested we go back to Blue Harbor because she believes it to be the most beautiful place on earth. While in Blue Harbor, Sam got a chance to snorkel one last time because she bought special ear plugs. We saw some pretty neat things like a huge hermit crab living in a conch shell and a pair of sailfin blennies. Jake and Chris even saw a stingray! The boat ride back proved to be eventful. A flying fish decided to make himself known to us and jump into Miss Palmer’s lap. She decided to be a good neighbor and she threw him back into the ocean. Miss Palmer was the hero of today :) It was a sad last snorkel because this meant that we had to say goodbye to our pals JoJo and John.   JoJo and John taught us a lot about the water and the creatures that live there and they added some native spice to our trip. After our final snorkel in Roatán, we got some ice cream and then had time to go to the gift shop and buy some cool souvenirs. We then went to the bar where we  got some delicious drinks, listened to live music and watched the sunset with our education director Jennifer Keck.  We then had a yummy dinner. Chris went all out and got a seafood platter with crab, conch, and every possible thing you can imagine. We are now enjoying the peace and quiet of the island as we pack our things to return home. We’re collecting all of the extra sunscreen and bug spray and giving it to Jen Keck to give to the locals and other snorkeling groups.  It’s a bittersweet goodbye—sad to leave but ready to go home. Thank you to everyone who has been commenting. The comments always put smiles on our faces. This is Bekah and Ashlynn signing off for the last time in Roatán. Perhaps one day we’ll return :)

The group at the peak of Carambola Gardens

The ginormous groupers off of Bailey's Key

Saying goodbye to our new friends, JoJo and John

Seafood heaven

 

P.S. Thanks Mom and Dad for commenting and bringing me happiness knowing your thinking of me as much as I am thinking of you. I miss you guys so much and can’t wait to tell you my experiences here in Roatán, Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Love, Ashlynn

P.P.S. Thanks Katie and Mom and Lori and Amelia for commenting. I liked hearing from you guys, but my favorite commenter was Jocy :) I’m excited to see you too! Owen, I have the picture of the banana tree for you—it was the first thing I did. There’s one conveniently right outside my cabin. I love you all and am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Mom, you can expect me to barge into your room and steal Murphy so that I can have a snuggle bud to keep me warm! Love you lots, Bek