Location: Gili Lawa Darat, Komodo National Park
Greetings to those on the other side of the world! Today we had another fully packed agenda which the crew rallied to execute quite well. This morning we raised anchor and motored about an hour to a sick dive site we got recommended from previous Seamester programs. On the way, we ate Charlies cement (chocolate overnight oats needing just a little, okay a lot, more milk). We then elected roles for our student-led passage starting tomorrow. Last night students could self-nominate for some of the positions available, placing their name into the Goblet of Fiji Fire. This morning we heard their speeches and students voted for their team. They have chosen Noelle as Skipper, Sadie as First Mate/WT1 Leader, Rhianna and Skye as Watch Team 2 and 3 Leaders, Everett as Engineer, and Max, Clam, and Isaac as Navigators. By special request we have also elected Sophie and Emily as student Program Managers and King Julian and Harrison as our fearless new Heads Guys, so Jack and I will be unemployed until further notice.
We ripped some dives and got another taste of how crazy the currents can be here in Indonesia. My group with Noelle, Sophie, Skye, and Shunc had an awesome time discovering a shallow sandy coral patch that was sparkling in the sunlight. After the current calmed down, we spotted a turtle sleeping and some super cool coral. The dive sites this program just kept getting better, and today was sadly our last one. In the afternoon, I updated our master dive log that we will give to the students next week and noticed that the staff collectively logged 100 dives this summer. Thats very roughly about 700 tanks pumped, buddies checked, and safety stops made over the last 70 days. Wow. Then when I think about all the sea life weve laid eyes on during all these dives, I feel even more proud of the diving operations weve done here.
In the midst of diving today, we had part two of our current debate in leadership class, featuring a one on one debate between Team Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon and Team Charlie Blake from S/V Argo. Claire and Emily made great points with thrilling visual aids of Professor Blakes past experiences, but ultimately the jury voted for Everett, Shay, and Sadies arguments for Hiccups leadership.
We said goodbye to our incredible dive site and moved to an island up north for our sunrise hike tomorrow. Shane let Noelle helm off anchor while Sadie led a team raising the anchor at the bow, and lets just say Im so proud of them already. Its time for them to fly the nest. Massive tear. Maybe it was the perfect day to start being sentimental because we are beginning to write cards for the end of program, but it just hasnt felt real yet. Having my last dive today with one of my day 3 open water students from back in Fiji to seeing the students start to take over the boat I sure am the luckiest staff member and program manager to have been present for this voyage with these students.
For my final blog of this summer, I also want to shoutout Professor Charles Dean Blake. Charlie has been my co watch team leader for most of my time on Argo over the last 11 months, and he is also flying the nest soon to pursue his divemaster certification and train to row across the Atlantic ocean in 2028 with former Argo staff member Aidan Mosley, raising money for coral restoration and awareness. We almost didnt get to have Charlie this summer, but we are so lucky he was able to be here on Argo with us. Charlie, Shane, and I all took on new roles this summer, and Im endlessly grateful to have had them by my side through this crazy adventure. Charlie, oh my dayssss, I love you buddy and cant thank you enough for all youve done for me here. Im so sorry for pranking you all the time, and Ill always be your cup holder. Long live Bob and Aloo.
Thank you Fiji to Bali 🙂