Day 5 and 6, July 13-14

       On Sunday after leaving Calvert Cliffs, we again set sail, this time heading north. It was another warm and sunny day! The students again helped sail and navigate the boat, and they also learned about how boats sail. They learned the parts of the sail, sail theory, and what is necessary for boats to stay afloat. Part of the lesson involved the students creating their own boats out of aluminum foil, duct tape, and popsicle sticks. They then tested the boats to see which design worked best. Later in the afternoon the students learned about an important creature in the bay: oysters. They even got to see one opened, and they saw its heartbeat!

        In the afternoon we reached Horn Point, where we set up camp. We began the evening by making chili and mac 'n cheese for dinner, and while we waited for the food to be ready we played games and talked about our dreams while enjoying the beauty of the Choptank River. After dinner the students raced to set up their tents; if they were able to set up their tents in a half hour then they would get an extra hour to sleep in. The students were successful and their was much rejoicing! After setting up tents the students were surprised with the opportunity to call home, and then it was time to get ready for bed. 

          On Monday we woke up late to a gorgeous day. We had time to make a big breakfast, so we ate French toast, bacon, and fruit. Instead of heading to the boat, we walked to Horn Point Oyster Hatchery.  Horn Point Oyster Hatchery is attempting to bring back the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay by helping oysters to reproduce far more abundantly and successfully than they would be able to naturally. The students got to learn all about this process and why it is necessary. Our trip started with a tour of the hatchery. After we had seen everything we moved on to the real work. First the students participated in an oyster shell-bagging competition. The watches competed against each other, and after much effort, starboard watch won! We then helped clean both oysters and a tank used to hold oysters. It was a very messy, tiring, and fun afternoon. 

       When we returned from the hatchery it was time for the best surprise of the day, showers!!!! When the students weren't showering they were playing games outside. Then, when everyone was clean it was time for dinner. After dinner a storm struck, so we were forced to wait inside the basement of a building near our campsite. To pass the time we played games and told stories. Finally it was safe to go back to the tents. Unfortunately, a few of the tents were wet from the storm, but we were eventually able to get everyone a dry place to sleep. Everyone slept well after our eventful day!

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