Location: Baia de Abra
Today started with a few shuttles ashore. Our DM candidates had a dive this morning, and staff had odd jobs to nail down, but many students were able to roam around the port of Machico for breakfast. Upon their return, some divers were still in the water by Argo, and logically, Anna didn’t want to risk making an approach. Appropriately, the entire tender load of students took it upon themselves to enter the water either partly or fully clothed. The swimming gala that immediately followed was a wonderful sight to behold, and many cheers were hailed from the foredeck as Rob ironically doggy paddled his way to the swim ladder in his sweatpants.
With all persons accounted for, it soon came time to up anchor and motor to a new spot for the eve. We ate some lovingly made (by Amanda, of course) sandwiches underway to Baia de Abra, and the students reveled in each other’s mutual excitement for both the upcoming night dives and sunrise hike. We arrived at anchor shortly after 1500 and proceeded to make Argo dive-ready. Some managed to squeeze in sometime below the water before dinner.
Eating earlier than usual, we all enjoyed a Greek-inspired array of foods alongside Calli’s homemade flatbreads and Tzatziki. Though the flatbreads set off the fire alarm (prompting a cockpit muster), they received an unrivaled appraisal from the entire ship’s company. After dinner, dive groups were agreed upon, and gear was prepped as a purple evening hue set in. Two groups successfully explored Argo’s anchor chain and played in the bioluminescence for roughly half an hour before happily returning topside. Once dive gear had been broken down and people had showered, hot chocolate – thoughtfully prepared by Del and Chelsea – was administered to the divers in order of need, with those who were the chilliest being prioritized.
Conclusively, it would seem that all students had an exceptionally great day. Personally, I would be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about, and I am sure we will all sleep well knowing that tomorrow will start with that long anticipated sunrise hike.