Location: English Harbour, Antigua
This morning was our final voyage on the S/Y Ocean Star. Although it was a ten-minute ride to our slip, it was still a bittersweet day. The trip is quickly coming to a close, and leaving Falmouth harbor is when reality sets in. Breakfast came out on time as per usual this morning. Keaton, Katie, and Addisen put together some beautiful coffee cakes. Quickly after eating, we packed up our lunches and got ready to take on today’s hike. `The plan for today was to hike Shirley Heights here in Antigua. Anchors were hoisted for the final time, and we made our way to the slipway. We were greeted by some familiar faces as Steve docked like a surgeon, I only award that title to my father, but Steve’s performance today took the cake. We made our way off the boat and walked up some backroads until we found a trail, not the trail we were looking for, but it was a trail, so we naturally started trekking. Soon we realized we were on the wrong trail, so we hiked all the way back down and were able to find the right trail up the street. The actual trail was uphill both ways, but we were rewarded with beautiful views of our home island Antigua. We met a cat, named it Beans. Our trail tapered off as we approached some massive cliffs. Climbing down, we found some tide pools, where Henry and I raced sea urchins and snails. Chris tried to catch some fish with his bare hands to no avail. Continuing back up into the bush, we popped out along a familiar beach, the one us new divers got our open water certification at, and also where we all swam together for the first time. We took a relaxing swim, had sand castle wars, and made a massive sand sculpture. Walking back to the dock Max and I talked about pizza; I can’t eat dairy, so max mostly talked about pizza. Dinner came around with pizza; we each shared some funny moments we have had on this trip, and we laughed while enjoying some cookies.
As this trip comes to a close, I would like to thank everyone for this amazing opportunity. I have had so much fun on this program and have met some of the greatest people. I am sad to be walking away from this experience come day 80, but I’m walking away with so much. New memories, I learned to sail this massive rig; I’m a nav master, rescue diver, IYT certified, VHF certified, and I’ve made some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. Everyone onboard Ocean Star has taught me important lessons that I will take with me and cherish for the rest of my life. I hope to cross paths with everyone in the future, and I wish nothing but the best for each and everyone on this boat. Over and Out.
Picture 1: Last Anchor Raise Squad
Picture 1: Julian peed
Picture 1: Top of the trail
Picture 1: Henry throwing a coconut
Picture 1: View 1
Picture 1: Henry again, with a different view
Picture 1: Julian again (this time didn’t pee)
Picture 1: Hiking
Picture 1: view 2
Picture 1: Katie
Picture 1: Grady and Henry, flexing
Picture 1: Julian and company
Picture 1: IDK what this is; I think a flower or something
Picture 1: Celia and Grady
Picture 1: Addisen and Keaton
Picture 1: Keaton and Katie
Picture 1: Julian and others
Picture 1: This was the wrong trail
Picture 1: Meg
Picture 1: View 3
Picture 1: something Max gave me