Day Three: Chesapeake History

After the early wake up call yesterday for crabbing, today started at a leisurely 6:00am. Student crew members got a taste of the "usual" routine (or a usual as our routines get on Sigsbee), and we got under way by 7:30. Students charted the course for the day, and by the afternoon we approached Tilghman Island, our stopping point for the day. 

Setting the day's course on the charts.

And following it!

Before docking, we ran out a net to catch some sea life. Hundreds of little jellies—properly called tinafores—were our only catch. All the same, he students identified which variety all of the, were, counted them, tested the water, and took a variety of other measurements to properly begin their experiments on the Chesepeake Bay ecology.

Tossing out the net.

One of our little jelly friends.

The day ended with a tour of the Tilghman Watermen's Museum, where we learned some of the island's history. "My favorite part was going to the museum," said Angel. "It was cool because I got to see old companies and some vintage stuff. It was from a time when everyone trusted each other."

We also visited Phillip's Wharf Evironmental Center, where we learned about some of the species of the Chesapeake bay, including turtles, sea horses, crabs, various fish, and oysters. Kelvin really enjoyed this part: "My favorite part of the day was seeing horseshoe crabs. I learned they've survived for 55 million years and I got to touch one!" 

The horseshoe crabs!

Tomorrow holds more exciting adventures, so check back soon!