As the sun rose over Atlanta, the Argonauts got an early start with droopy eyelids and eager smiles as they awaited for their adventure to start at Cape Eleuthera. After a quick breakfast the JASON crew took a long 2 hour flight to Nassau, Bahamas. A few of the Argonauts had never had the opportunity to leave the country before, so Customs was a new and exciting experience. It was new for many of us with different people and culture. Some even had a local Bahamian dish of chicken, rice, and fried plantain, while others settled for the less traditional “Dunkin' Donuts”.
This was also the first opportunity to see the beautiful Caribbean waters. From Nassau we took a 20 minute flight Rock Sound on Eleuthera Island. Bernie said his first glances of the turquoise water were breathtaking as he tried to describe the various blue hues of the ocean below as we flew into Rock Sound.
Isaiah compared it to Houston because of the humidity and hot weather. When we got to Eleuthera we met our tour guide, Stan, who can only be described as calm and collected. We took a 45 minute ride by van and had a beautiful introduction to the island including many scenic views of the ocean and the local people. Many of us were surprised to find out the steering wheel is on the right side of the van.
When we got to the Institute, we were given a tour of our bunk houses. They described to the Argonauts what a Navy shower is, how they were only allowed to have the water running for a minute per day. Shower time was only one of things we had to cut back on. The rooms had no air conditioning and little electricity, which are elements of CEI's sustainable living ethic. To end the evening, we discussed the schedule for the next day and what each group would be doing. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to go out on the boats and go snorkeling in the ocean. We can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow holds!