Today was one of those days on Bermuda that you really want to write home about. While we had a really stiff breeze blowing from the southwest and it added a chill to the air, the enthusiasm of the visit continued. Although we didn’t experience the warmth of the first two days I think we became aware of the LIGHT on Bermuda. As you can see in the posted photos, the light was extremely variable all day and provided spectacular views.
View of St. George’s from the Deliverance
We started off with a trip to St. George’s to change a scooter that was giving us trouble. We accomplished that, and toured a replica of the Deliverance. From there we walked over to the Town Hall and while we were there we ran into the US Consul General, Mr. Robert Settje and his wife, the former mayor and the current mayor of St. George’s. We also visited St. Peters Church, the oldest surviving Anglican church in continuous use outside the British Isles. It is also reportedly the oldest continuously used Protestant church in the New World. From there we visited the park where the heart of Sir George Somers is buried (the rest of him is buried in England). Then back to the biostation, where we picked up our lunches and wet suits and headed west to Devonshire Bay.
St. Peters Church
Touring the Deliverance
A St. George’s Town Council meeting
A future mayor of St. George’s
Field vehicles on Bermuda.
Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences in the background.
At Devonshire Bay, we looked at the exposures of the Rocky Bay Formation and searched for fossils. We found lots of specimens of fossil West Indian Top Shells.
The type locality of the Rocky Bay Formation near Devonshire Bay
From there we went to John Smith’s Bay for snorkeling. John Smith’s Bay is my favorite beach on Bermuda so it is always special to bring others there to share.
Studying coral and fish at John Smith’s Bay
A rainbow at John Smith’s Bay
Offshore of John Smith’s Bay
Up for air!
After a good time of snorkeling it was back to BIOS for showers and dinner.
Our evening activity was a plankton tow in St. George’s harbor. Upon returning we spend some time in the lab looking at all the “bugs” we had caught.
Lots of plankton “in de scopes!”
Then the students headed off to bed at 9 pm. I think I have finally tired them out a little (I know I am from all their excitement and the fresh air)!